My daughter is losing weight. She used to be a size 3. Now a size 0 is a little too big for her. She had a baby boy 8 months ago, and he passed away the day he was born. But she still eats likes she always has but she still is not gaining weight. What could be wrong?
First of all, I am sorry that you are going through all this.
But, could she be throwing the food up after eating it? Under a size 0 at 17 sounds emaciated.
I think it is time to take her to the doctor.
I can tell you from first hand experience that losing a baby at birth is incredibly traumatic. Incredibly.
I am 38 years old and lost my twin boys this past September due to a premature birth. I am still a wreck about this and if it wasn't for my bereavement therapist I think I might still be curled up in a ball.
There are a few teens in my online stillbirth support group and my heart simply breaks for them. I know what it is like to lose a baby. Two actually. I can't imagine being so young and having to experience such loss and pain.
Did you seek out any counseling for her after her loss. She may be expressing her pain through something she can control. Such as her food intake.
I am so terribly sorry that your family is going through this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Your daughter should check out http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Stillbirth/advice. It is a small group and there are a few teens there. Only someone who has firsthand experienced a stillbirth can actually understand fully the pain, sorrow, and yes, the shame of it. She doesn't have to join the group, but she is able to read posts and answers. It has really helped me to listen to these women and see what they are doing to deal with the pain of such a great loss.
I wish your daughter and your family peace and strength.
Take her to the Doctor, pronto.
Her baby died... she could also be probably Depressed.....
AND although she is eating... she could be Bulimic???
Some people when Depressed, lose weight...
You NEED to take her to the Doctor....
Your daughter needs to see a very good endocrinologist right away. Her metabolism is completely out of control. Obviously her OB/GYN doesn't know much about diabetes and pregnancy other than the diabetes of pregnancy which is a temporary yet dangerous condition.
I am sorry that your daughter has had to suffer the loss of her baby. Once under proper supervision and a little older she can have a healthy baby.
Pregnancy under age 18 isn't as easy on the body as pregnancy after age 18.
S., my husband has had diabetes since he was 3 years old and he is in perfect health, so I would be concerned that something other than diabetes is causing this.
Is your daughter caring for her diabetic needs as she should? Is there a possibility of an eating disorder or a metabolic disorder? Could she be depressed due to the loss of her baby?
I would ask her endocrinologist to run some tests to get to the bottom of things.
I am so sorry you are going through this! I hope you find an answer soon.
Anorexia
Bulemia
Depression
I am so sorry for her loss...I can't imagine losing a baby as a newborn...at all! I would definetly get her into counseling...a size 0 is not healthy for anyone.
L.
I'm sorry for the loss of your grandson.
I agree with Chantal. What does her OB/GYN or PCP doctor say?
Do you suspect an eating disorder? Is she throwing up in private after she eats?
She needs to see a good endocrinologist. I lost a newborn after going through pregnancy with diabetes. Truthfully, i went through a period of feeling like i had done all i could to control my diabetes and all I got was a dead baby. (Who died from a genetic condition that had nothing to do with my diabetes.) I know better now, but depression will make you think funny things.
Another thing you might want to do is have the doctor check her thyroid. But, I agree with the others......she definitely needs to see a doctor.
It sounds very hard for you to watch. I am so sorry for your family's loss. She could be eating in front of you and going and puking it up later. There is no telling what her body is doing but you should just take her to the doc asap.
My neices are 15 and a 00 so I would project that they may still be near that size or maybe a 2 or 3 around 17 but they have always been slender. I do however agree that there may be something going on with her trying to fill a void in an unhealthy mannor and you should check in to it with her dr in a loving and supportive environment. Good Luck and keep a gentle hand.
Putting aside bulemia, you should have a full HPA axis checkup. First step check her cortisol levels with a SALIVA cortisol test. A morning cortisol test is only useful for those with Cushings or severe Addisons. She may have less severe adrenal malfunction and it wont show up on one time morning cortisol test but will show up on a 4 time saliva test taken throughout the day. What you will be looking for is a loss of the diurnal pattern (they have a chart of normal cortisol releases which fluctuate through the day.) Loss of this pattern suggests a malfunction in the release of the hormones from the gland. They should alo be checking her pituitary. Of course thyroid plays in here, but adrenal problems are often the root of thyroid problems so i would start at the root and work my way up. See an endocrinologist. If you get the runaround go online to canaryclub.org and order it. Also yahoogroups.com and find an adrenal fatigue group. They can help you decipher the results.
Does your daughter have high blood pressure? Diabetes (and sometime High BP) is usually seen in those with OVER cortisol production, and sometimes a pituitary tumor is the cause. Diabetes CAN be seen in those with Low cortisol production, but it usually starts with hypoglycemia (and other very serious symptoms like LOW blood pressure) and takes years to get to diabetes.
email me with questions
Gail
