Warm boot recommendations please

[Cinnamon]

My 12 year old Daughter Cleo has been getting odd ill moments & I am wondering whether she is having some sort of anxiety attack.

Does anyone know if they are common in children?

 

I have had on & off anxiety/panic attacks for year, although now they are very much under control & I cannot actually remember when my last one was I am very,very careful not to make a big deal over them in frount of the children.

 

Cleo started feeling unwell earlier this year.She initially had 2 episodes in reasturants which we put down to a tummy bug.

But since then it keeps on happening.

I have had to collect her from school time & time again, & it often occurs at an "event" - the last being last weekend when I had to pick her up early from a shopping trip with her friends & then the following day she got unwell in the queue for the cinema.It also happened while waiting to check in for our flight home from Kos.

Although each episode can be put down to something (too much food, too hungry,too hot, viral bug which is going around) I am thinking that they are linked in some way.

She is going on a school trip to Bolougne next week, & I am a bit concerned.

 

She gets all hot & sweaty, goes as pale as a ghost & trembles, & also complains of a sore tummy.She also burps a lot, which stops as soon as I give her Rennie.

She is a very sweet & level headed girl who doesn't really get phased by anything.

I want to speak to the Doctor about it, but don't want to mention panic attacks in Cleos presence, as I think that could exsasperate things........if she thinks she is having panic attacks it could make her worried that she will have one,therefore bringing one on (thats how it used to work for me!)

 

Any ideas?

[Helly Welly]

Could you go the doctors first without her and just give him the overall picture so he knows not to mention the "P" word? Perhaps you could have an appointment for a "check-up" immediately before you go in with Cleo.

 

I hope she gets sorted soon and enjoys her trip to Bologne.

[Laura & CTB]

Have PM'd you Sarah

[Guest]

I had to pop into our doctors yesterday for a prescription and there was a sign on the wall saying if you had a problem that the doctor could advise you with over the phone then call the receptionist and she would give you a time to speak to the doctor

 

Could you ask if you could do this and speak to him while Cleo is at school and then, if need be, take her in if he feels it would be necessary

 

I agree with you that she does not need to be fussed over and made to think something is wrong with her, as that could make her worse

 

It could be just a phase and she will just 'grow' out of it. But it must be quite upsetting for her, when she feels unwell

 

Best wishes Sarah I hope you sort this out

[craftyhunnypie]

Awwww what a damn shame for her! I'm assuming she has reached puberty properly? If it is anxiety attacks, I can recommend 2 things from the health shop. Herbal tablets called Kalms are fantastic, as is Bach rescue remedy that you drip onto your tongue.

 

I also used to put lavender oil on my sleeves when I had exams etc.

 

If it isn't anxiety, then it could be ' womens' problems.

 

When I was 14, we went on a daytrip to Blackpool & I was in pain. Terrible stomach pain on & off. I was admitted to hospital with suspected appendicitis - turned out to be an ovarian cyst!

Just because she is young, don't rule out the fact that her body will be changing into a woman & all things can happen including hormones all over the place.

Another thing that first crossed my mind, was is she being bullied???? I know you said she also had it on holiday, but could that be because she was dreading coming back home to be picked on? I really hope that this isn't the case as I was a subject of bullying at her age too.

 

Take her shopping & sit down & have a little chat with her.

 

Good luck & hope she's feeling better soon

 

Emma.x

[Cinnamon]

Thanks everyone, & thanks laura for your pm which was very helpful.

 

Bach rescue Remedy - why didn't I think of that? I have used it for years!

 

It could be hormomal.Her periods started about 3 months ago & she has shot up in height The tummy pain is higher up than cramps - more like indigestion (which could be a nervy tummy due to anxiety?)

Its certainly not bullying, as she (or her sister) would have said something.Cleo is not one to keep quiet about anything! She is a very happy girl, so I am 100% that there are no problems at school.

 

I think I will give the Doctors a ring & see if they think I should pop in (never easy during Henley Regatta week) or have a chat over the phone with the Doctor.

I feel I need to tread carefully with this, & am trying very hard not to let Cleo know that I am worried for her

[Rhapsody]

I just re-read this and something struck me, the fact Rennie calm it down- I had symptoms over and over again similar to this when I was about 13, horrible stomach cramps, sweats etc and once was taken into A&E with suspected appendicitus but it turned out I had colic! They gave me a hideous purple anti-spasmodic jollop which tasted like ashtrays and I burped up all the trapped air and was fine. I had a repeat prescriptopn for the stuff and the attacks stopped when I was about 18.

It was usually brought on by anxiety (I had a particularly horrible adolescence so a lot of that) and also got worse if I didnt eat properly. Trapped air in the gut sounds trivial but it hurts like hell and makes you feel quite faint, hope this anecdote is of some help, not something else to worry about!

Kids eh? Where is the manual?

[Cinnamon]

That is really interesting Rhapsody.

I do hope its something like that rather than anxiety, as then at least it can be treated easily.

Cleo ofetn complains of nausea during an episode & as I said before burps terribly until she gets a Rennie inside her.

 

One thing I should mention is that Cleo LOVES her food & will, if not stopped, happily eat all day,often eating until she is quite overfull.

 

Don't know where she get it from

 

In town at the weekend she ate & drank heaps, including 2 big fizzy drinks (which she is banned from as she has braces - she confessed under duress!)

& that could be why she felf sick,hot & gassy

 

 

 

I am expecting a call from the Doctor at around midday, so will tell her what has been going on & she will tell me if Cleo should come in for a check over....I am suspecting that she should.

[TheGirlsMum]

I felt very similar two weeks ago, 2 days before a riding exam. I was up all night with cramp and trapped wind. Eventually went with the stress.

 

I am erring on the idea of mild irritable bowel syndrom set off by stress.

 

Just an idea.

 

[Cinnamon]

IBS tends to be lower in the belly, & often to the left side (I get that too)

 

There is nothing worse than a nervous tummy before a big event, is there?

[Egluntyne]

I am erring on the idea of mild irritable bowel syndrome set off by stress.

 

That was my first thought.

 

Horrible question, but what about the bowel side of things?

[Lesley]

I hope the phone call from the doctor will have helped Sarah.

 

It does sound like anxiety attacks.

 

I'm more used to them with Carl - his mimic heart pains and I have to call an ambulance - usually on last day of holiday as he is anxious about returning to all that work. I've been in so many foreign hospitals

 

There is so much more stress for yougsters to cope with these days

[Cinnamon]

I am erring on the idea of mild irritable bowel syndrome set off by stress.

 

That was my first thought.

 

Horrible question, but what about the bowel side of things?

 

I am pretty much certain its not IBS, as I have had it for years & her symptoms are nothing like mine,or any IBS I have ever heard of.

IBS pain is very low down usually, whereas Cleos is right up just below her chest.

 

I spoke with the Doctor, & we are going to see her in the summer hols (I can't take Cleo out of school again!)

She says she will ask Cleo about when this happens & try to draw out of her if it is caused by anxiety.

I am not going to tell Cleo about the appointment until we get there, so she doesn't have a chance to make excuses to the Doctor about why this is happening.

 

I am going to give her some antacids & also some rescue remedy to take to Bolougne,which along with her travel sickness pills & hayfever meds should see her through

Edited July 5, 2007 by Guest

[Lesley]

That sounds like a good solution Sarah. Good Luck with the Boulogne trip - and the doctors appointment.

[Nicola H]

Sarah you can now get rescue remedy as a pastel that you suck rather than liquid I bought mine from Boots before we went to New York, they work just as well and may be easier for her to carry rather than a glass bottle.

 

Good luck at the doctors I do hope you get this sorted, it may just be down to hormones and growing up.

[Cinnamon]

Thats a great tip, thanks Nicola.

They are not allowed glass bottles on the trip, so a pastel would be the perfect solution

[Guest]

My DD1 has been suffering terrible stomach pains over the last 2 years. She is doubled over in pain sometimes and we have taken her to the hospital on one occasion.

 

In the last year she has been to the GP about it and from what she was describing, he said her symptoms were identical to a stomach ulcer (which obviously was highly unlikely).

 

Last month she had an endoscopy which showed that there is no ulcer and her stomach is totally normal except that it is extremely mobile. The doctor told me that looking around a stomach is like going into a room - it stays still and you look around. DD1's stomach was constantly moving. He diagnosed a stress disorder much the same as IBS but in the stomach instead of the bowel. It is caused by tension and stress.

 

I hope you can get to the bottom of Cleo's problems Cinammon!

[One Man Banned]

My DD1 has been suffering terrible stomach pains over the last 2 years. She is doubled over in pain sometimes and we have taken her to the hospital on one occasion.

 

In the last year she has been to the GP about it and from what she was describing, he said her symptoms were identical to a stomach ulcer (which obviously was highly unlikely).

 

Not totally unlikely - sounds like Cleo's pains aren't the same but I had an ulcer that I had since 11 - teachers taking me home, teachers saying it was put on but the pain was awful most times.

 

It was annoying that I rarely had the pains when at the doctors but one time our (great) G.P. called in at home after surgery, while I was doubled up and got sent in to the hospital again.

 

4 years later, and numerous pills potions and prods the consultant finally listened to my GP and checked for and ulcer and there it was.

 

6 weeks later all was well with only 2 flare ups since.

 

 

A

xx

[Cinnamon]

Just wanted to update you all,really.

 

We went to the Dr, & she gave us 2 months worth of pills for excess stomach acid with the instructions to use them for a month to see if they help,then stop using them to see if the pains/panic attacks return.

 

All was well, no problems all summer but then again we were never in the situation that seems to cause Cleos symptoms - days out,nights away etc

 

Until last night,when she went on a Sea Cadets weekend.We had a 5am phone call saying she was feeling sick, was hot & cold & trembly....same as every time before.

Brian went & collected her & she is still asleep now.

 

Not sure what to think really. Maybe its just a nervy tummy caused by certain different/exciting situations thats getting out of hand?

Cleo seems to think the pills help.Whether that is the case or not I don't know, but I think I will see the Dr again to see if there is any harm in her taking them for a while, or if they will still be effective if she takes them before or during a period when anxiety may occur - like her forthcoming Schol trip to Germany

 

I really want to get this sorted out, as she will miss out on so much if this is left to dictate which activities she can & cannot do............

 

 

Oh, & the darn cat has gone missing again too - its been 4 days now

[Scary Mary]

I missed this in July, but my daughter had something similar when she was younger. Her episodes were different, very pale, shaky, sudden headache - always ending in her vomiting. She would be right as rain immediately afterwards - the oddest thing was it was related to lack of food, she is 5' 11 now and was growing very fast at the time. If her blood sugar dropped then we would get an episode.

 

I know you said your daughter loves her food, but it might not be the right food, you can fill up on fizzy drinks and get no real nutrition - but it strikes me that you had all summer to supervise her and ensure she is eating properly - then lo and behold, come september it starts again.

 

We solved the problem, by making sure she had small nutritous snacks with her at all times, and strict instructions to have something to eat at 2-3 hour intervals. She eventually grew out of it, and has a lovely figure- they need much more food as they are growing fast.

 

Hope you can get to the bottom of her problems, as it is really horrible to feel helpless and unable to help. Big hug to you both

[Cinnamon]

Hi Mary - I think you have a very valid point there.

 

Cleos episodes have been associated with a lack of food & have often happened when we have been away & are waiting for our food to arrive at a restaurant, therefore not having eaten much all day.

 

Last night she ate very,very little (as the soup I made was vile!), & we were in a rush so she had some fruit & that was it.

 

She has also had a massive growth spurt,& is now 5.5 & has size 7 feet.We reckon she has grown 3 inches in a few months

 

Cleo loves to snack & graze on food all day, & is forever hungry, so I think you may be onto something there!

 

Thanks - I will try the little & often approach (& make sure she is full before a sleepover in future )

[lost-sheep]

i think i suffer too... i panic every time i go out trust me makes life difficult when you have to go to school every day! o well...

 

...at least i can talk to u guys without having a nervous break down!

[Popcorn]

Hi Sarah,

 

I hope you get to the bottom of this. Sorry I missed your original posting.

 

I had a very similar thing that started when I was around 11 and went on for a few years when I had a new situation or something was bothering me. I remember Mum and Dad calling the emergency Doctor one night as they didn't know what to do with me. I had pains just below my chest that were crushing and I couldn't take a breath in, and was being sick. It was a vicious circle. The more pain I was in, the more tensed up and anxious I became. Gaviscon used to help.

 

After much discussion, it was all put down to me not getting rid of my stresses, worries, anxieties and building them up inside. I was told not to push things to the back of my mind and keep them in the open, even when I thought nothing was wrong, I had to try to read my inner most thoughts and not push them away.

 

My Mum taught me some terrific Yoga breathing techniques, and I listened to a self hypnotic relaxation tape a few times a week on my personal stereo and I eventually took my own yoga classes, which helped enormously. Mabye a DVD might be an option for Cleo?

 

Even now, when I feel I am getting anxious, I go to a quiet place (the ladies loo's usually if I'm out) and sit and deep breath for ten minutes and I tell myself to relax. It really works.

 

I would put it down to the anxieties of being a young adult. Looking into various relaxation techniques might help Cleo deal with an attack when she's away from home. It would also help her feel in control.

 

I would be up front an honest with her too about your thoughts. If she feels something has been going on behind her back, it may have a negative effect.

 

There are some good books on anxiety around.

[susiepoos]

Hi Mary - I think you have a very valid point there.

 

Cleos episodes have been associated with a lack of food & have often happened when we have been away & are waiting for our food to arrive at a restaurant, therefore not having eaten much all day.

 

Last night she ate very,very little (as the soup I made was vile!), & we were in a rush so she had some fruit & that was it.

 

She has also had a massive growth spurt,& is now 5.5 & has size 7 feet.We reckon she has grown 3 inches in a few months

 

Cleo loves to snack & graze on food all day, & is forever hungry, so I think you may be onto something there!

 

 

Thanks - I will try the little & often approach (& make sure she is full before a sleepover in future )

 

 

 

My son had something similar - he described them as "head rushes" and would just pass out - no warning at all. He got some nasty injuries at the time because he would simply drop where he was. For a time they thought it was epilepsy, then maybe something cardiac - throughout this time he was growing really fast. When we saw the neurologist he diagnosed Jamie with migraines and basically said Jae was growing so fast that the chemicals in his brain couldn't keep up with him. He was put on medication for approximately 2 years and then weaned off it. His growth rate is normal now and he doesn't have any problems. Like most boys he eats when he's hungry or when he remembers so we try to give him little and often.

 

I hope Cleo feels better soon - it can be a very worrying time.

[Scary Mary]

Hey, Lost Sheep

 

I was like that too, more years ago than I care to mention.

 

Growing up sucks and your hormones play havoc with your confidence - it happens to most people, they just don't show it. I couldn't say boo to a goose and as for looking people in the face well I could have blushed for England.

 

You confidence grows with age and before you know it you will be embarrassing your children and OH with your outspoken comments! Believe me it's great fun!

 

Good luck