Toddler Constantly Throws up Food, Can This Cause Injury.

I'm confused. You say he is "throwing up" but also that he tends to "hold food in his mouth until he throws up." Do you mean he spits the food out rather than swallow it? Or that he's gagging on it because he can't swallow? Are you sure he is afraid of stomach pain? Or could he have a swallowing disorder? I have a friend whose daughter has Celiac disease as well as a food motility problem, and she stopped eating because food literally caused her pain when she ate gluten (obviously) but also when her stomach remained full. That was worked on through therapy as well as with medical intervention.

A 5 year old who weighs 30 pounds is surely on the pediatrician's radar as having major problems. If he's in school (kindergarten or preschool), then he had to have a physical. It sounds like you don't have a good relationship with the mother - is that true? I would report your observations to the child's pediatrician. Without authorization, the doctor cannot supply info to you about the child, but certainly can take in info you provide. If you have an opportunity to video the child's behaviors around eating, email that video to the doctor. It helps for them to see what is happening, not just hear about it 2nd hand. But if people are giving him crackers and milk because that's what he demands, it's no wonder he's only 30 pounds.

This poor child has so many medical issues, and my heart goes out to him. He needs an advocate.

Gallstones can be very painful. A couple of friends said the pain was as bad has in childbirth.

My mom had gallstones. Surgery did not mean cutting the abdomen. She was anesthetized. She sat in a tub of water while they focused sound or something like that at her gallbladded, breaking up the stones which then came out in her urine.

My grandson had difficulty eating when he was a toddler. He often vomited. When he was elementary school we found that he was making himself vomit. He was diagnosed with sensory issues. A therapist suggested just giving him what he would eat. It was a bland diet with soft foods. He's 14 now and still a picky eater. His parent's goal is to just get him to eat.

As to injury, that's a question for his doctor or nurse. An occupational therapist can help with feeding issues.

I suggest that as a grandma you'll need to trust the medical people who are involved. If his mother trusts the doctor, I'd accept that the doctor will work with his parent's to provide what your grandson needs. I'm a grandmother and know it's hard to just standby and not get involved. If his mother is ok with you asking question, you can do that. My daughter is adament that I only give advise when she asks me for advice.

this is way beyond the scope of mom advice from the internet. your grandson has significant medical issues that should not be exacerbated by you taking advice from people without medical degrees.

he has doctors. presumably his mother is in contact with them. find out what they suggest. do that.
khairete
S.

If it were me, I would suggest that at the next follow up appointment with the GI specialist (or whoever handles the gallstone surgery/monitoring), the vomiting issue be brought up. The nurse at the school could write up her assessment and notes. That should be shared with the doctor.

I think go from there. Hopefully that appointment with the doctor can be rushed. I would leave this in the medical professional's hands. Hopefully this will help mom (and dad?) make up their decision for surgery (or alternatives).

It's unfortunate your grandson is going through this. I do know sometimes they monitor gallstones to see if they worsen in some cases. It sounds pretty painful if he's not eating (could be that he's in pain if he's full). If he needs to be on a cancellation list, then he should be put on one to get him in sooner.

Sounds like he needs to have the surgery for the stone removal if that is truly the reason for not wanting to eat. What is mom's reasoning behind this? That that might help us better understand how to help you. Poor little guy.