Please help!!

jennyjo1970 · #1 11-13-2006, 03:49 PM

My son has been sick for 3 weeks. He is nine years old. He has been home with stomach cramps, nausea, and headaches. He's been dizzy for the past few days. He's been to the doctor and we're waiting on blood work to come back. After an xray a few weeks ago it was decided that he was constipated. We've taken care of that - though he's not going anymore than before the 'constipation'- and he's not any better.
I have read the symptoms of type 1 d. and he has multiple ones. My mom is type 1 d insulin dependent. In our family Diabetes has skipped one generation which would be my sons generation. These are his other symptoms: nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, weakness (no energy), change in eyesight (he got glasses last year but has just started wearing them everyday since school started this September). He's had very bad night sweats over the past few weeks where we can't wake him, and he hasn't been his normal, energetic self in months. Am I wrong in demanding a fasting blood sugar test or a glucose tolerance test from the doctor? Since I'm not a 'diabetes' expert, other than knowing what my Mom goes through, can someone please tell me what they think about his symptoms and if I should look into Diabetes further? Thanks.

Amy C. · #2 11-13-2006, 04:27 PM

Typically the onset of diabetes involves intense thirst and lots of urination. When the blood sugar rises, the kidneys work harder and need more liquid, thus the thirst and high urine output. Usually ketones are produced as well.

In my non-medical opinion: there is something wrong with your child, but I don't think it is diabetes.

rickst29 · #3 11-13-2006, 05:17 PM

Get whatever bG meter is on sale for "FREE AFTER REBATE", buy it, and give his finger a whack.

Then you'll know.
BTW, since T1 runs in the family, you NEED to get Flu shots. Every year, every person. Many T1s, including me, developed Diabetes as a side effect of Flu or a flu-like illness.

Momof4gr8kids · #4 11-13-2006, 05:51 PM

You are his mom, and your instincts are the best judge. My daughter would not have been dx'd with diabetes had I not insisted on testing, they said she had a UI. Since T1 runs in your family maybe celiacs is another thing. It never hurts to test. A small finger prick, or a blood draw is all that it takes, and although there is a little pain involved it isn't bad. Like rick said, you can get free meters with a few strips at the pharmacy for free most of the time if you choose to do home testing, or perhaps your mom might let you test on her back up meter, just be sure to wipe the lancet device down with a alcahol swab, and use a fresh lancet to prevent infection.
Good luck, I hope it isn't anything sireous, and that you can get some answers fast. Jamie

Nelson · #5 11-13-2006, 06:04 PM

I would assume that the doctor has already done a blood glucose test. No need for any fancy fasting tests. If diabetes is responsible for his symptoms, his blood will be sky high with glucose and it will show up on any urine glucose test strip or finger prick with a standard meter. A basic test is too easy not to have had done already. If it hasn't, then I would question your doctor. Otherwise, find a diabetic with a meter and test it yourself to make you feel better about it.

Good luck,
Nelson

astodder · #6 11-13-2006, 07:46 PM

Did your doctor check for Mono???????? Lela has mono and you've mentioned all of the syptoms that she had (except for the night sweats and eye sight changes). Let me know

Aprilsmom · #7 11-14-2006, 06:24 AM

I agree with Anne. My daughter also has been diagnosed with Mono and displayed every symptom you are speaking of. That is not to say that Type ! does not exist, but check out the mono. Good luck to you. Hope he feels better soon!!!

Boo · #8 11-14-2006, 01:12 PM

I would hope that given your family history for type 1 diabetes, and your son's ongoing health issues, your son has at least been screened recently by his pediatrician for T1. By this, I assume he has been at least given a finger prick blood glucose reading as well as a urine test for ketones. If not, you should demand at least this...immediately (as in TODAY).

I ignored my sons symptoms for several weeks (thirst and frequent urination)and am just thankful that he wasn't *more* sick when he was finally diagnosed. Even if it isn't diabetes, it sounds like there is certainly something that needs to be addressed.

Please keep us posted. Remember that you are your child's voice in these situations. He is too young to speak up for himself and to demand the attention of a doctor. That is your job as his mother and it is always better to be safe than sorry. I hope you get this figured out soon so that he can be on his way to feeling better!

MrsBadshoe · #9 11-14-2006, 02:16 PM

No where in your post did I read that you or his Dr checked his BS. If your mom lives nearby I would check his BS if it has not been done yet. This will give you a better idea of weather or not there is a BS problem. My sons Dr made me do blood work at a clinic and wait for the results. He was getting so bad I ended up taking him to the ER later that day.

Rule out D first then move on. If the signs he is exhibiting are because of D then it sounds like he is very far along and could be headed toward DKA.

LantusFiend · #10 11-14-2006, 10:52 PM

Does your mother have a meter you can test your son's blood sugar on? One thing I wish I had done was test my bg on my grandfather's meter when I was visiting him a month before my diagnosis- I could've gotten a diagnosis right then! But if not, I think it's worth getting a blood sugar test in whatever way. You probably know a diabetic with a bg meter who'll let you test your son.