Is this normal pre-teen awareness/self consciousness?

[dcmom]

phasmid-

 

I am so sorry. My dd's both had very restrictive eating during pandas- it is very scary and upsetting. One was sensory (i think) and one was ocd- fear of throwing up.

 

How long ago was the steroid burst? Is it possible to consider another?

 

Can you try increased abx and advil for a few days- maybe it is just a blip?

 

Have you done any therapy. I think it is really important not to have a huge reaction to him, but call it what it is. I have learned a lot from Meg's mom Maybe sit him down once and tell him things like: you are not fat, people should not concern themselves with weight- but health- and that means everything in moderation: healthy food, some junk food, some exercise. Tell him everyone feels like they are "fat" sometimes, but the fact that it is stuck for him means it is ocd. After that- I would not continue to reassure him if he asks, rather point out that this is ocd. Consider therapy.

 

At the same time, to keep him eating, make very appetizing meals with lots of "small bites", always have healthy snacks out on the table, and maybe let him eat some meals in front of the tv (my kids would often eat much more if they had their plate in front of them during an entire movie).

[MomWithOCDSon]

Well, now I have to join the throng encouraging you to address this with your DS head-on, unfortunately. Our DS never went through restrictive eating, but now your DS is refusing food he would normally eat? In my mind, then, he's definitely crossed over that line of "maybe". So sorry, but it does seem to be more serious in your case.

 

Therapy? Steroid burst? Up or change abx? All sound like viable options, but sorry you have to go through this.

[Worried_Dad]

I think you're right to be concerned. Our PANDAS son became anorexic during exacerbations and lost 20 lbs in about 5 weeks (for a 12-year-old kid who only weighed 100 lbs at the time). Every meal was torment. We seriously worried that we would have to check him into the hospital to get nutrients into his system. Buster and EAMom did in fact have to hospitalize their PANDAS ds for a time for this reason.

 

So don't want to induce panic, but definitely remain vigilant on this. Frankly, during the anorexic phase, we were thrilled to get our son to eat anything and didn't worry so much about nutritional value, just wanted him to consume some calories. If your son consistently refuses to eat meals, I'd encourage him to eat whatever he's willing to eat while you work to resolve the issue.

[thereishope]

I can only tell you how I might approach this. First, don't explain which foods would make him fat vs what won't right now. You don't want him to start overthinking everything and stop eating completely. If he would go to the store with you, for now you can let him choose foods with you. When my son was having his eating issues, a steroid burst is what helped. My son was to the point of eating nothing and wasn't even phased when I had my "moment" and finally explained what a feeding tube was and how he needed to eat. Hindsight, I shouldn't have said that but I was panicking. Anyway, the thought of a feeding tube didn't even phase my then 5 year old. He still wouldn't eat. Just don't wait too long on tackling this head on.

 

I also fear the longer they restrict food, their body will become accustomed to it. They may stop getting the hunger feeling, feel full much faster, get used to the feeling of an empty stomach. It's scary stuff.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Vickie

[Phasmid]

Thanks, all, for your input and opinions. This is just so crazy, especially coming from the EXTREME OPPOSITE when all this started during his acute illness, when he would scream, literally scream, for me to feed him. Even after a HUGE meal, 3x normal amount an adult would eat, he would start in again as little as 30 minutes later. I have alerted his doc, and will not entertain his questions anymore, as far as the question "am I fat."

 

I will upate in a few days...

 

thanks again everyone!

 

 

Edited November 3, 2010 by Phasmid