8 Year Old Always Tired and Tummy Aches

A., I can't speak to the tummy aches and tiredness, but I want to share what I've learned about those vocal ticks. My son has been producing vocal ticks off and on since he was 3y.o. (now 9). Vocal ticks are more common in boys, and they usually out-grow them by the time they hit puberty. Since he can't control it, "nagging" won't help -- and may even exacerbate -- the problem. But helping him become aware of situations or times of the day when he does it more can be beneficial. If you google "vocal ticks," you'll find some reliable, helpful websites.

Be aware that celiac disease/gluten intolerance is pretty prevalent. It caused tummy aches and daytime sleepiness for me!

I had this issue last year with my son who was in 1st grade at the time, everyday was a struggle, when it was time to get up, his stomach always hurt and he would cry and it was awful. We were also getting weekly reports from school and the majority of the time they were bad, I finally went to the pricipal and told her what was going on. Come to find out, he was bored and because he was bored, he was getting in trouble for talking and stuff and he was basically "labeled" as a "bad kid" and the teacher was just really not being very nice to him. This year, complete opposite, great teacher, no tummy aches, no crying about having to go to school either. I would strongly suggest, you ask your child what it is that is bothering him at school, then if you can't get answers there, stop in at the school without the teacher knowing and just stand out in the hallway and listen to what is going on, something is. Good Luck to you!

sounds alike my youngest daughter. she is now 16 but has been going on for many years. it is some what better now. but anixty is really all we can pin point too. we have done test after test. she will complain sometimes before school or swim meet but is normally fine once she get there. but if is home she eats everything and really seems to be ok. but you migt have some tummy test. I is hard as a parent to go through the test not that they are bad. but you hate to see them go through them. but you have to rule things out. so you can move on. after that all is ruled out then you have to say look we done all the test. and you may not feel real good but you need to go. She does she a doctor for the anxity and is taking meds. seems to be doing alot better. in the last few years she missed 17plus days and this year it has been 2 1/2. Hang in there. it will get better . please let me know what you find out. or if you have any other questions I am here.
A.

Hi A. -

My nephew had the same symptoms, and when he went to the doctor they found out it was Mono. Who knew tummy aches were a symptom? Anyway, good luck - I hope you find relief for your son soon!!

Hi A.,
You don't mention that you have had him checked by a Dr. or anything about his bowel activity. Does he have constipation or diarrhea. He could have something with worms or parasites that could be causing some problems, sometimes they can come up in the throat.
Unusual noises from the throat, or uncontrollable, maybe something along the lines of Tourette's. Lack of energy, something nutritionally wrong.
I know of some supplemental nutrition products that would be beneficial if you are interested.
M.

It sounds to me like you should be getting him to his pediatrician. I had a friend whose child had similar symptoms (especially the throat clearing and being tired all the time) and it was her thyroid. Children can even experience thyroid problems and it can go unnoticed very easily...not sure if that is your issue, but being that tired all the time is NOT normal. If I were you, I would have it checked out and write down all the symptoms you notice ahead of time, so that if there is something medically wrong it will be easier for the doctor to run the proper tests and not just blow it off as "being a kid." Good luck. :)

A year ago my daughter was going through the same thing. She complained all the time about her tummy hurting. We were also going through a divorce at the time so I kind of thought she was just stressed. Finally her stomach kind of bloated up. I mentioned it to her dr and they tested her right away for celiac disease. She tested positive. With celiac your body doesn't get the nutrients that it needs. My daughter was tired also. Watch for any other signs if he has any bloating or weight loss or if his legs or arms hurt just like sore muscles. Talk to your dr. Good Luck!

A.-

The symptoms you're describing sound a lot like my step-son's. He has acid reflux. He would sometimes say his tummy hurt and was always clearing his throat. We had him checked out at the dr. and they put him on prilosec. He's been lots better.

Hope this helps.
H.

Make an appointment with your pediatrician right away. If you doctor cannot give you an answer, find a pediatric doctor at Children's Mercy. It could be anything and it could be nothing, but do not ignore it just in case. I hope you can some answers soon. Good luck and God Bless.

He might have acid reflux causeing him to not sleep very well at night and of course the stomache achs.

I don't really have any advice to help, but I just wanted to tell you that I always had that problem when I was young and so did my younger brother. He and I were both prone to worrying and didn't like being away from our mother. We even went to the Dr multiple times for food allergy testing and everything always came back negative. It was just something we outgrew. Although I am prone to having a weak stomach anyway. It could be nothing, or just nerves, or could be food upsetting his stomach. Sorry I don't really have advice to offer. Good luck.

Hi, I have a 9 year old. When he was 7, he had repeated stomach aches everyday. He would have to come home alot because he would be crying with it. We thought it was just anxiety. We took him to the doctor, who in turn ordered an x-ray of his stomach. He had to drink a dye (perfectly safe) so they could see the inside of his stomach. Turns out he had an ulcer. He has had one since then, but it is not due to stress. It is just "one of those things". He had to take a medicine like Maylox and an anti-acid tablet. It made it all go away and feel much better.

Another time he had a really bad stomach ache for days, they did an x-ray and found he was constipated. So they put him on a fiber/stool softener type powder that you mix with water or juice. And that cleared him right on up.

So those are some things to think about. Maybe he needs to see a doctor and have an x-ray done.

Sometimes we think our kids are just trying for attention. But as I have learned, you can never take too much too lightly.

And about the noises. It sounds like he is just being silly. Boys tend to be that way!

Hope this helps.

Stephanie

Definitely take him to the doctor. He has too many symptoms that could be something.