My daughter is 16 years old and has gained about 30 pounds in the past 4 months. My husband and I are both very thin and all 3 of us are on the same diet. I just thought that my daughter was sneaking food--but that would be a lot of calories to consume to gain that much weight, right? Also, since January, she has been coming home from school and taking 2 to 2 1/2 hour naps. She is tired all the time now and has developed dark circles under her eyes. When she and I were shopping yesterday, I noticed that when she removed her boots, her ankles were swollen; which led me to take a closer look at her and I have found that she is swollen in her feet, legs, ankles, hands, and face. She and I exercise each evening, and although I have no problem maintaining my weight, she just seems to be getting larger.
Is this indeed a weight problem with her, or could it be swelling? If it's swelling, what could be causing this?
Please keep in mind that I asked this exact question yesterday on a medical forum, and the response I received was a very insulting, "Don't be stupid, she's pregnant, duh". She's not pregnant. As her mother, I do her laundry, empty her trash cans, and buy her maxi pads. I would notice anything odd about her periods. Her cycle's been regular since she started her period at age 12. Please no insults in your response. Thanks.
I have scheduled a doctor's appointment. Thank you all for your responses.
I don't mean to be insulting at all here, but why haven't you brought this girl to a doctor yet? Asking a bunch of moms is fine for so many various things, but I would think that this would be an obvious trip to the doctor like a month or two ago? There is something wrong with this kid and if she were mine, I'd already have a diagnosis.
This has been going on how loing and she hasn't seen a Dr. yet?? Mom, please....get her to a Dr. Something is wrong.
Self diagnosis is not a good thing for something like this. If my daughter had symptoms like this I would have her at the Dr. immediately, not wait around for 4 months. What if it is serious?
Best wishes to you and let us know how she is.
Take her to a specialist.. An endocronolgist.. that can do a work up.. I see one and I started at age 16.. Maybe her thyroid, maybe PCOS.. Google PCOS.
Lenc
It could be so many things, your doctor is the one to ask.
Good luck, I hope it is easy to treat.
M.
Yes, I agree that you should call the doctor and ask to be seen as soon as possible.
The likelihood that this is diabetes is VERY slim - signs of diabetes (especially type 1 which has the most sudden onset) are weight LOSS, increased thirst and increased hunger. I've been intimately involved in the world of Diabetes for the past 9 years, and none of this sounds consistent with the symptoms.
However, it's very possible that is another endocrine disorder - not necessarily thyroid, but they are the 2nd most common following diabetes in adults.
It could also be a reaction to a medication she might be taking - do you know if she is on birth control? At 16, I'd guess that you'd be responsible for consenting to her taking it - the hormones can cause some of the symptoms you mentioned.
Rather than internet forums, I'd make a call and speak live with her physician/nurses and have a work-up done.
The fatigue and adema could signify a possible cardiovascular condition.
Here is a link you might want to visit from the American Academy of Pediatrics parenting site:
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/cond...
Please keep us all posted on what you learn - I hope it is nothing serious.
In my opinion, your daughter should see , a family doctor who may want to refer her to an endocrinologist or an OB/Gyn not because she may be pregnant but because this weight gaining may be product of hormone imbalance,untreated hypothyroidism , or something related. Swelling may be caused by all these even diabetes or kidney problems, fluid retention etc.
TAKE HER TO THE DOCTOR.
Take care
Well my first thought was she might be pregnant. I had periods with my first child the entire 9 months, really sucked.
My next concern is if it's not pregnancy, then she may be having a thyroid issue. She definitely needs to see a doctor. That much weight gain in that time on a 16 year old is not normal honey and I would get her to a doctor asap. Either your family doctor or an OB/GYN.
Keep us updated ok? And I'm sorry people were so rude to you.
I agree that a doctor visit with some labwork is needed.
I hope she is ok.
There are many things this could be....heart, diabetes, hormones.....doctor knows best. I have never known pregnancy to make you swell in the first 3 months......some people!
Definitely get your daughter to the doctor right away! My friend's son started having these types of symptoms and he was diagnosed with diabetes.
Actual adema, swelling and water retention, could signal something else serious.
Gaining 30 pounds in 4 months is just not something to mess with.
Don't wait. Take her in and let us know what happens.
Best wishes!
My young friend had these exact symptoms when she was going through puberty, and it turned out to be a form of thyroid disease. Once she was older, it cleared up and she no longer needed any meds. I agree that she needsto see a doctor. Hope it all works out.
Hi A..
I can see why you would be concerned, and no worries about insults from me! I am the mother of a 17 year old and if she presented the same symptoms you are mentioning i would wonder what it would be too!
Have you talked to her to see if she is feeling sore or achy along with her puffiness? Might there be something she is eating or drinking at school that she could be allergic to? She is obviously feeling tired, and you know she has swelling. I guess I would look for other symptomatic clues like swollen glands and things.
Of course my suggestion would be to call her doctor. (I'm sure you're already thinking about that.) A round of blood work and a good check-up can rule out and pick up on a lot of things. Girls bodies go through so many changes that it can be hard for us as parents to figure out when something is outside the norm, but I would say if she is feeling poorly on top of the physical changes you have noticed her doctor would be the best one to help get a handle on it.
God bless and keep us posted on how she does!
Christi
i'd have her to a dr asap. so many things could be going on... diabetes, thyroid problem, other endocrine issues. i'd have some bloodwork done immediately, like before the sun sets today :) if it's something like diabetes, it can become critical very suddenly if her blood sugars are out of control.
It may be her thyroid. I'd definitely get her in to see her doctor.
I would ask her doctor about her thyroid levels and her blood pressure. Low thyroid levels can cause weight gain and tiredness. People with high blood pressure can have swelling as well. I hope the doctor can pinpoint the cause of the swelling.
A thirty-something friend had similar symptoms, became so tired she could do less and less. Turned out to be a treatable heart condition (which could account for the puffiness).
Whatever this is, I would be worried enough to get her to a doctor. Soon.
As a Mom. Three things come to mind.
Allergy, Bites and Stings, Lymph gland. New foods? New creams? Did she get bit by an animal? Person? Bit by an insect? Infection? Look for a tick. Signs of Lyme disease a child may complain of headaches, joint pains, being tired, developing fever, swollen glands, sore throat and "pink eye". She needs to see a Doctor. For more information on Lyme Disease call 1800-866-LYME.
Go to her dr. it sounds like it could be a thyroid problem. It sounds like she is gaining weight very rapidly and you should get her looked at asap!
I am not trying to be insulting but I would rule out a pregnancy anyway. A weight gain and swelling deserves a visit to a physician not a home remedy. Especially at your daughter's age.
Well I'm not sure if I'm right or not but my niece at almost the same age, who is now in her 40's had gained alot of weight. Especially in the abdomen, legs swelled and feet. Yes everyone says "she's pregnant" my aunt was so upset. Needless to say one day she went to the bathroom, hollered for her mom and there in the toilet was half of a tape worm.She had to go to Dr. and get meds to get rid of the other half. My aunt couldn't believe the size of it. Your post is almost exactly as my aunts' would have been. I hope you do take her to the Dr.'s. Pls. don't panic before seeing Dr. Symptoms sound so much the same. Good Luck!! If this is the case it will pass through with meds.
There are lots of things to check for besides pregnancy. Hormonal issues, tumor issues, hernia issues, kidney issues, heart/circulatory issues, liver issues, the list goes on and on. Only way to find out is to get a complete physical. Please get her to the dr soon as possible.
If it is indeed swelling and not just extra weight, then I would take your daughter to her doctor immediately and report her extreme fatigue and swelling. My friend had abnormal swelling and exhaustion that started at 16 and it turned out she had problems with her Thyroid gland. Another possibility could be diabetes. Both of these conditions need to be treated as soon as posible. Have you asked your dughter how she is feeling? If she has had an increase in headaches, stomach aches, feeling depressed (all additional symptoms that should be roported in addtition to her swelling and fatigue). I'm not trying to scare you, but don't overlook this, and do not allow her doctor to brush you off. Insist they run tests on her thyroid function (simple blood tests) and blood sugar levels, atleast as a place to start. Good luck!
I would suggest getting her thyroids checked.
You might have her thyroid checked and have her checked for diabetics. The sleeping and swelling could be from diabetics and also thyroid. Please check these out as it is possible for her to have these.
Go to the dr. immediately. Could be a number of serious medical reasons. She needs a full lab work-up and screening. She is old enough to go either do a pediatrician or an "adult" dr. Either one ... go this coming week.
my cousin had similar symptoms and it was her thyroid. I agree with the other ladies that blood work is definately in order.
i would take her in for blood work sound like me when i found out i was a diabetic and thyroid problemsyou will stay tired swelling gaining lots of wait and you feel like u cant stop it i use 2 be 110pounds even after the birth of my 2 childern now im 270 do 2 the health problems:( get a doctor appt asap for her...something is going on....i will pray for her:) hope everything goes well for yall
I'm sorry about the rude comments. I'm glad you made a doctor appointment. It does sound like she has thyroid problems. But I'm sure there are a bazillion reasons for these symptoms. I hope she gets well soon...
I agree with Mandy -- take her to the doctor and have her thyroid checked. The doctor will probably suggest a few other blood tests as well. Is she on any medications that could be causing this?
That is ashame, i was not even thinking pregnancy. Please ignore the rude people! I am on dieuretics for swelling. (Mine is kidney and blood pressure related.) I would take her to the doctor.... i could be many things. I wish you both luck.
Alot of things can cause swelling, if i were you'll i would seek medical help !
Not trying to insult you but are you sure she is not pregnant and you are in denial? If not how is her salt intake? Does she drink enough water? What about her stress levels? Is she depressed about anything? All of these things can cause added weight and swelling?
Well it could be a thyroid problem. You should have her checked out for it at the doctor's. If she is haveing those other symptoms I think it could be that. Or diabetis is another possiblity to what is going on. Just because your guys are thin doesn't exactly mean she will be either. You have to remember she has both of your families jeans and if either of your familes have a weight problem some where it could have jumped a generation or so to her. I hope you find out what's going on! Good luck!
I would also suspect a thyroid issue which can be determined by a simple blood test. But definitely need to see a doctor and get some tests done to rule out some problems and hopefully find a diagnosis.
Have you had any blood work done? Maybe there is a problem with her thyroid? I hope you get some answers soon.
Sounds like it could be diabetes. The tiredness, retaining fluids, swelling...
If you check that and it's good you might have her kidney functions checked.
Good luck.
