Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Hi . O.K. my daughter eats very bad.She has extreme oral defensiveness.She will only eat a very few things and not in any quantity or consistency.She can eat something once and not eat it again for a month.She will eat popsickles,1 kind of pop tart,ragu pasta express,cheese,potato chips,pretzels,pop corn,and corn.She ate some salad once.She will not eat meat,fruits,or vegetables.If she even sees food she doesn't recognize she will scream,cover her eyes,and push you away.Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Hi Valentina! POpsickles are frozen fruit juice or kool aid frozen on a stick.I really hope I come out of this alive but right now I just don't see how. You would think she would just pass out and sleep for days at some point.But that hasn't happened yet.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Terri NZ,I know all about forcing her down and shoving medicine down her throat.We have to do that when we clean out her nose.We have been doing this all of her life you would think she would be used to it.I also know about resentment.My best frien is coming in town soon with his 21 month old daughter.She has been the easiest child since birth.She has slept through the night from 4 weeks old on.She loves food.NEVER sick.I can talk to her on the phone.She also puts herself to bed.Every night around 8:00 she grabs her blanket and says " night-night " and goes to sleep in her toddler bed. I hate him!!! LOL ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Terri- I really don't hate my friend with hte easy child.I love them both but it really is hard to be around them.They will be staying with me so I am sure that it will be even more in my face exactly what is wrong with my child.He called me the other day saying his daughter was driving him nuts because she won't stop asking questions.I mean he was really complaining about it.If he only knew what he had.I wish my daughters only " problem " was talking too much.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 ,I really think vaccines played a huge part.She was in the 80 percentile range until she was 6 months old or so.Then she went down hill after that. She completely fell off of the charts for a while.She is now in the 3rd percentile in weight.Every time she would get shots she would literally scream her head off for 2 days 24 hours a day.NO sleep or anything for 2 days.I took away milk recently.Still no change.The only reason I gave her corn is because that was one of a very few things she would eat.She hasn't eaten that in about 4 months.NONE of her eating is consistent an dnone of it is in large quantity.I also think some of this happened because of my female problems.I am considering using enzymes from Houstons.Any suggestions? ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 ,I forgot I am going to have a hair test done soon.She goes to an allergist on monday and I am going to see if he will write the orders for it so it is cheaper.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 > How often and how much do you give it to them? Melatonin You have to give it once a day, usually 30 min before bed time. It's best to give it at the same hour each day. Valentina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 1. use the same bowl/plate/whatever ALL THE TIME! I think this is very important, even if you use it just to give her pop corn. 2. Are the popstickles those sweet candies? I am not sure... but if they are, maybe somebody can give you some recipe for them and you can hide something inside... like, for example, supplements? 3. forget about everything for 2-3 weeks, and get some sleep I really hope you will be able to get alive out of this. Valentina > Hi . O.K. my daughter eats very bad.She has extreme oral > defensiveness.She will only eat a very few things and not in any quantity or > consistency.She can eat something once and not eat it again for a month.She > will eat popsickles,1 kind of pop tart,ragu pasta express,cheese,potato > chips,pretzels,pop corn,and corn.She ate some salad once.She will not eat > meat,fruits,or vegetables.If she even sees food she doesn't recognize she > will scream,cover her eyes,and push you away.Any thoughts would be greatly > appreciated.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Oh dear sounds so much like mine a couple of years ago - I am afraid when doing something really good that would help your child - find the strength to use force - for a long time I had to wrap my little one in a towel and apply a gentle head lock - yea I know sounds rotten and shove it in via a syringe quickly followed by water. - Over time he got used to the routine because I was doing it so often - he just knew what was coming and became compliant. Sorry hard work but it will pay off when you get the right suppliments in. Hope you get the sleep thing sorted very soon I had no sanity and was begining to resent everyone around me in the earlier day - everyone is so much nicer with sleep. We still have bad patches but I can usually figure out and fix whats gone wrong these days. Regards Terri NZ Re: [ ] Re: Does not EVER sleep They make probiotics in liquid form-squirt it in her mouth, or sneak it in her juice. I think Great Smokies has a websitte-try typing Great Smokies into your web browser:) Re: [ ] Re: Does not EVER sleep Jane,How do you contact Great Smokies Lab?I have tried regular yogurt before and she won't even put it to her lips.As soon as she sees it she starts screaming.Any suggestions? ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 They make probiotics in liquid form-squirt it in her mouth, or sneak it in her juice. I think Great Smokies has a websitte-try typing Great Smokies into your web browser:) Re: [ ] Re: Does not EVER sleep Jane,How do you contact Great Smokies Lab?I have tried regular yogurt before and she won't even put it to her lips.As soon as she sees it she starts screaming.Any suggestions? ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 Oh dear! yes the only other child in our family (niece to me) is 2.5 yrs - EXACTLY like your friends doesn't it highlight what you have? Beyond normal in the opposite direction not even " normal hard " usually parents suffer for at least 6 months with no sleep!! I thought I would have a very hard time about this - we don't see them often but she is sooo lovely I can't resent her I just envy her parents who just don't know they have a child! Yea urksome - we have massive eating problems too - so bad that my nearly 5yr is still 14 kilos - around 29lbs. Its massive the struggle but even ours over time has gotten better - hope you can sort it just keep reading and asking questions on this list everyone is very helpful - there is another very informative list that is autism treatment - just keep reading it will fall into place. But I hope you get the sleep thing sorted quickly so you can concentrate on all this info. Best of luck Terri NZ Re: [ ] Re: Does not EVER sleep Terri NZ,I know all about forcing her down and shoving medicine down her throat.We have to do that when we clean out her nose.We have been doing this all of her life you would think she would be used to it.I also know about resentment.My best frien is coming in town soon with his 21 month old daughter.She has been the easiest child since birth.She has slept through the night from 4 weeks old on.She loves food.NEVER sick.I can talk to her on the phone.She also puts herself to bed.Every night around 8:00 she grabs her blanket and says " night-night " and goes to sleep in her toddler bed. I hate him!!! LOL ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 AhJhawk@... wrote: Hi . O.K. my daughter eats very bad.She has extreme oral defensiveness.She will only eat a very few things and not in any quantity or consistency.She can eat something once and not eat it again for a month.She will eat popsickles,1 kind of pop tart,ragu pasta express,cheese,potato chips,pretzels,pop corn,and corn.She ate some salad once.She will not eat meat,fruits,or vegetables.If she even sees food she doesn't recognize she will scream,cover her eyes,and push you away.Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.ne ne,Hi--My daughter was also picky then. One thing I can tell you is that many kids cannot tolerate corn. it does not digest easily. Do you ever see corn or undigested food in her stool? Also, have you ever eliminated foods for a couple of days to see if she improves? One at a time, like milk products (casein) then try pretzels, bread, etc (gluten) I know it sounds overwhelming but I wish I would have done the things I'm doing now for Meg( age 9 ) back when she was first diagnosed (age 3). Also have you done any tests for heavy metals ( hair test) or stool sample for yeast, etc? What is she like when she isn't up and crying? Is she happy at othr times? I also agree woth the mom who said you need help so you can rest or at least take time off from her. Do you think vaccines played a part in her current condition? Let me know_-- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Jane,How do you contact Great Smokies Lab?I have tried regular yogurt before and she won't even put it to her lips.As soon as she sees it she starts screaming.Any suggestions? ne >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi ne, First about the yogurt...You said in another post that she will eat popsicles. If you try giving her plain yogurt, that would not really taste good to a child having so many issues with food. I would think if she likes popsicles then she likes the sweet, fruity flavor, and maybe the icy coldness. Maybe it feels good going down for her. Then I would make her home made popsicles. Try to get popsicle molds that are similar in shape and size to what she has been eating. Start by pureeing fruit and adding enough water to make it similar in texture to what she is used to. Add a small amount of yogurt to the blended mix. Taste it yourself to make sure it is as sweet as popsicles usually are. If not...you could add some honey. As much as you want, it would be good for her. If you can get her to accept this, then I would keep increasing the amount of yogurt each time you make one. This would be very nutritious for her, if she can tolerate it. If she is not eating meat, she needs to get protein into her. Make the yogurt from whole milk. [Remember, if you are going to try making the homemade yogurt...I will get you the recipe and it is very important to leave it in the yogurt maker for 24 hours] If she won't accept this, I would at least try to get her to accept home made fruit only popsicles which will be much much better for her than store bought, water, sugar, food coloring only popsicles. Great Smokies website is at the bottom of this post. >>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi . O.K. my daughter eats very bad.She has extreme oral defensiveness.She will only eat a very few things and not in any quantity or consistency.She can eat something once and not eat it again for a month.She will eat popsickles,1 kind of pop tart,ragu pasta express,cheese,potato chips,pretzels,pop corn,and corn.She ate some salad once.She will not eat meat,fruits,or vegetables.If she even sees food she doesn't recognize she will scream,cover her eyes,and push you away.Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.ne >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I would try to phase out the pop tart. You are dealing with preservatives and food coloring that she could be reacting to. Pasta express? I am not familiar with that. But is it pasta with tomato sauce on it? If so, this might be okay, if she can digest it which you won't know until you get the test at Great Smokies. If she will eat pasta express...and this is a food from a restaurant then I would try duplicating it at home. Home made sauce on pasta is a great opportunity to add things without her realizing it. Tomato sauce alone is good for her...and try sneaking in a very small amount of pureed veggies into the sauce. Like peas...just a teaspoonful to start. Tomato taste is strong and it could hide it. Small amounts of onions and garlic pureed in the sauce would be good too. cooked into it..not raw. They are full of antioxidants. Later, you might get away with adding pureed cooked meat. Cheese is a good source of protein. Stick to cheddar and not processed cheese. Again there are additives in processed cheese that she could be reacting to. You can get cheddar slices if that is the form she is used to. Even if she turns out to be sensitive to dairy products, there is very little lactose in Cheddar cheese. Have you tried giving her grapes with the cheese? Maybe she will at least play with them...and who knows, maybe if you pay no attention, she would pop one in her mouth at some point. Potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, and corn. Sounds like she likes salty tastes. Out of that list, potato chips are the worst. Fried anything is very bad for someone with intestinal/metabolic issues. But all of them are bad if she has any damage to the lining of her intestines. gluten/grain are the most difficult to digest. [That would also apply to the pasta, if that is the case] >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1. use the same bowl/plate/whatever ALL THE TIME! I think this is very important, even if you use it just to give her pop corn. 2. Are the popstickles those sweet candies? I am not sure... but if they are, maybe somebody can give you some recipe for them and you can hide something inside... like, for example, supplements? 3. forget about everything for 2-3 weeks, and get some sleep I really hope you will be able to get alive out of this. Valentina >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. I agree with Valentina...using the same bowl or dishes for everything she eats is VERY important. That is a really good idea. It might take awhile for her to get used to it...but keep at it. Even a popsicle delivered to her in that same dish. As far as the popsicles go, it might be better to try to make these really appetizing to her and use it as a main source of food with fruit and yogurt, IF you can, then to try adding a supplement that might change the flavor. Sorry to disagree Valentina. [g] If all else fails....down the road, you might want to try adding a supplement into it, but just to get her eating a home made fruit popsicle is a very good beginning. I also agree about trying to get a break from it all and get some extended sleep before you try to begin a new battle with her. You need to be able to be in the right frame of mind to try to influence your daughter in a positive way. You need to have enough energy to be experimenting with food preparation with a fussy child to deal with. Hopefully the melatonin will help here. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hi Valentina! POpsickles are frozen fruit juice or kool aid frozen on a stick.I really hope I come out of this alive but right now I just don't see how. You would think she would just pass out and sleep for days at some point.But that hasn't happened yet.ne <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Food is the key to her sleep. Sleep is all about chemicals in the body. If you aren't able to make the right chemicals you won't be getting much sleep. You can't make the right chemicals if you aren't getting enough nutrition in you. But I agree with some of the other posts that recommend melatonin. Until she is able to get nutrition into her, missing sleep is just compounding the problem. I would try the melatonin. My husband has used it with success. It is better than meds. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Terri NZ,I know all about forcing her down and shoving medicine down her throat.We have to do that when we clean out her nose.We have been doing this all of her life you would think she would be used to it.I .........ne <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< I wonder about this. I had a child that was a finicky eater and hated to take medicine and I remember the doctor telling me that making it a battle was going to make it an issue about control and that she would not eat just to maintain control if I did that. He recommended that I just not make a big deal of it and let her eat when she got hungry. Of course, your case is much different then mine and you may have to be giving her things. But, it is a thought that it might be worthwhile to talk to your pediatrician about it with all the problems you are having and her " failure to thrive " he should be more than willing to refer you to a child psychology specialist who can help you deal with the psychological battle you are in with her. It might really prove helpful. After all, it sounds like you are in this for the long haul. It would help you to have someone to talk to, too, and I bet your insurance will cover it. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hi Cassie! ............. Doctors even dismiss Gillians issues.I had a doctor tell me my child was spoiled and if I starve her she would eat.How stupid is that? She said that she didn't believe in sensory issues...............ne >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I understand how frustrating it is to deal with doctors. This doctor is not helping you to tell you your daughter is spoiled. No understanding at all. Is she your pediatrician? It sounds like she thinks her food issues are psychological and not due to illness. IF your daughter's food issues were psychological, then this advise to let her get hungry enough to eat what you offer is not really bad advice...although not given in a very supportive way. Is there any reason she thinks this? Has she had tests taken that she is looking at that appear normal? I don't think I understand why she is referring to this as a sensory issue. What is her diagnosis? Regardless of the insensitivity of the doctor, even if you change doctors and get a more understanding doctor, if her tests are coming back normal, then you may find most doctors are going to have a tendency to dismiss her issues. The Great Smokey tests to see if there are concrete results that are showing any digestive disturbance will help with that. That is an important first step and that may give you some new directions to go in. If that test shows problems, then you could get an Organic Acids test, that would tell you whether she has problems with her metabolism as well as her digestion. Both these tests are easy...stool sample and urine sample. <A HREF= " http://www.gsdl.com/ " >Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory : Leaders in Functional Medicine Assessment of Immune, Nutritional, Endocrine, and Metab </A> http://www.gsdl.com/ By the way, I keep forgetting to ask...what kind of digestive symptoms is she showing? Is she having diarrhea or constipation? Does she have pain after eating? Gas, bloating? I have given you a lot of suggestions and ideas. I hope I have not overwelmed you. Maybe there is one that appeals to you the best that you can try and think about the rest after that. :=) Hang in there! JaneS. [i noticed there is another Jane on the list] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2002 Report Share Posted February 26, 2002 AhJhawk@... wrote: ,I really think vaccines played a huge part.She was in the 80 percentile range until she was 6 months old or so.Then she went down hill after that. She completely fell off of the charts for a while.She is now in the 3rd percentile in weight.Every time she would get shots she would literally scream her head off for 2 days 24 hours a day.NO sleep or anything for 2 days.I took away milk recently.Still no change.The only reason I gave her corn is because that was one of a very few things she would eat.She hasn't eaten that in about 4 months.NONE of her eating is consistent an dnone of it is in large quantity.I also think some of this happened because of my female problems.I am considering using enzymes from Houstons.Any suggestions? ne ne, What female problems? And I have not started Meg on HOustons--she has been taking enzmes from my local herb store but I am looking into Houston too--like eveything I read a lot -chelation and enzymes are two that I'm wanting to start but want to make sure that I know the good and the bad. the othr thing I wanted to say is that I try to look at Meg as someone ill and not disabled because she has so many internal things wrong like most kids on the spectrum. That can make it easier to deal with her behaviors like stimming or hyperactivity. Was your daughter diagnosed? What things (sensory) help? Like music or certain noises(humming/white noise) lots of pillows or blankets? I used to rock Meg while listening to lullabies--Does anything like that help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 ,I have had emdometriosis since I was 17.I am now 29.I have had 7 surgeries.I have so much scar tissue on my cervix I couldn't dialate.They had to dialate me by hand to 10 cm.I also have a lot of scar tissue in my uterus.That made my uterus abnormally small.They said if I ever got pregnant I wouldn't be able to carry her full term.I carried her full term but my uterus stopped growing at 7 months geatation.How ever she was in there at 7 months is how she stayed until she was born.She has a lot of spacial awareness issues.We do brushing therapy,use things that vibrate in her mouth,we have a toddler swing.She craves movement. We also do olive oil massages.She was diagnosed with sensory integration dysfunction when she was 11 months old.She is now 20 months old.I think I am going to order the Houstons enzymes and get melatonin extended release for her as well ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 ,I forgot,we are going to do hippotherapy and listening therapy when she is 2.She is still a little young for those right now.We also have a sound machine in her room for when she sleeps and we have some sensory games we do with her.ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 Jane S,My daughter has somewhat loose stools and sometimes they are normal.Her diet is mostly liguid.We tried grapes and she hated them Ragu pasta express is spaghetti you cook in your microwave for 3 and a half minutes.It is the only spaghetti she will eat. we have tried making spaghetti ourselves and she screams. The doctor that said that to me was a pediatric-gastro doctor.Gillian went to her twice for reflux.Gillians diagnosis is sensory integration dysfunction.She has not been diagnosed as autistic.I would like some more info on the yogurt.She would probably eat it frozen .I have tried blueberry,lemon,etc and she screams before you even get it to her mouth.She hates smooth texture.She hates mashed potatoes,pudding,ice cream,etc. She has normal gas,not bloated ,etc. ne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2002 Report Share Posted February 27, 2002 I know that after I started getting sleep again, that I felt like I could handle ANYTHING! What a difference getting some sleep makes! Good luck with the melatonin! I'll get the info on the clonidine for you. (Note: it is a prescription, so you'll need to work with a doctor.) Carolyn P.S. I agree that the Epsom Salts baths help in calming a child. My daughter has an epsom salt bath* every other night, and she plays in the tub for 1/2 hour. Sometimes she is so happy that she refuses to get out, and I let her play even longer. I think that she is happy because she feels so much better in the epsom salt bath! *(about 1 cup of epsom salts in her bathwater, but you should start with less the first time to make sure that your child tolerates it. Some people start with less than 1/2 c. the first time. If you get a poor reaction, try just 1 tablespoon.) You can purchase epsom salts at the drugstore or Target/Walmart/Kmart, in the foot care/medical section. ----- Original Message ----- forget about everything for 2-3 weeks, and get some sleep I really hope you will be able to get alive out of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2002 Report Share Posted March 1, 2002 ne, Are you doing sensory integration therapy with your daughter? We had lots of problems with our son, who is now four, and after two years of sensory integration, he will even eat pudding-textured foods. Often when a child has such a restrictive diet it is because there is an overgrowth of yeast and that is what the yeast craves to survive. I have this problem myself. Also, removing dairy from the diet (milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, whey, casein, cream, cottage cheese, etc.) will often help too. I would try to ease into the gluten free casein free diet as soon as possible. Her love of simple carbohydrates (pasta, crackers, etc.) is also a strong indicator of yeast problems. We tried Clonidine, but Penny just stayed awake all night screaming anyway. Now she wakes once or twice every night, but will go back to sleep with her insipid Teletubbies video and a cup of Darifree (potato-based milk substitute). This is a lot to digest, and these lifestyle changes are not easy to say the least, but if you take things one step at a time, things get better and better. Very slowly, sometimes, but better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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