My daughter turned six in October. She is a bright, outgoing, happy kindergartner. Last year I started noticing behaviors that were not like my typical, wonderful daughter. She started having occasional tantrums, and just not acting herself. As soon as she would eat something, though, all the negative behaviors would just wash away before my eyes. During that time, I had her thoroughly checked out from head to toe, with complete bloodwork done, with no negative results of any kind.
Just a few weeks ago, she started showing some of these same behaviors. I started wondering what could have happened... nothing changed at home or at school. Her teacher said she's the best kid in the class and there are no problems there. She has had her H1N1 nasal mist within the past month, with her second dose being given this past Friday. Some of the behaviors she's exhibiting are an agitation level that rises as she repeats the same question over and over. I patiently answer each question, yet she asks it over and over, with her anxiety growing and frustration rising. No amount of calm talk or reasoning will calm her down. However, when she eats something you can see a calmness come over her and her demeanor changes back to "normal."
What do you think could be contributing to this? I am very concerned. I know she's not in control of herself when this comes over her, and if I had not seen this change happen in front of my own eyes, I would not believe it could happen so easily and so quickly.
I look forward to your responses. I've also left a message for a child therapist that a friend recommended so I can get a professional opinion (something I did last year when this happened).
Being a hypoglycemic all my life...it sounds like your daughter has it. Keeping protein and fruit in the diet is key...plus having a peanut butter granola bar, etc. in my purse at all times helps me when I start getting "bitchy". She'll be fine as long as you keep her on a good diet.
I would guess that it's stress, the beginning of school, the holiday's. I'd be more concerned about her finding food to be a comfort, try calming her with reading or something that will impact her life less than eating.
Did she have the glucose tolerance test? The 3 or 4 hour one? My son's finger prick came back normal, but the glucose tolerance test showed hypoglycemia. It is almost exactly what you are describing. He goes very quickly from "normal? to a child I can't understand. he is irritable (wildly) and confused, and refuses to eat most of the time when his blood sugar is low. When he does finally eat, he calms immediately and becomes "normal" again. I would ask your doctor more about this. Good luck.
Hi D.,
It definately sounds like hypoglycemia. And, just an fyi, hypoglycemia is rarely diagnosed - the tests for it are so dependant on the blood content at the moment of the drop that it is hard to catch. The really good news is that all it takes is a little education on what causes drops and how to resolve them to really help your daughter.
First, I would recommend doing some reading so that you understand the physical nature of it and what foods are good for resolving it - not all foods are good, some cause shorter relief then others.
Second, just watch your kiddo and find out for yourself what works for her. All kids are different. For my son, who inherited his hypoglycemia from his dad and I, we find that he needs a both protien and a fruit at every meal to stay balanced. He has three large meals and is allowed snacks throughout the day. He has one large snack before bed that alwasy includes a protien like a peanut butter sandwich, cottage cheese or yogurt.
We have found a balance for his particular phsyiology that keeps him happy, and we are always responsive when we see his mood changing. He bottoms out pretty rarely these days. But, sure enough, if he starts getting frusrated or acting out, something as little as a cheese stick can make it a lot better.
Good luck. The great news is that it is easy to treat on your own with some eduction and figuring out what works best for your kiddo. After awhile, you won't even think about it, it will just be second nature to see the signs and treat them.
Have a great holiday and a happy new year!!!
D.
That sounds a LOT like my 6 year old, and I've had the same question running around in my head for awhile. Knowing another kid with hypoglycemia, it does seem to be what it is, and I know that just feeding my daughter when she gets bad helps, nearly right away. Also, keeping her away from some items that seem to make it worse also helps... things that are really sugary seem to make the problem worse, so we generally try to avoid too many sugary things or if she does have some, we balance them out with protein items and it makes a difference.
