Need Advice (Long)

I'm at a total loss on how to handle this situation with my DD. A few weeks ago we were at swimming lessons and a little girl was in the pool and she got sick in the pool. My DD was not swimming at the time, she was watching the whole thing. Since then, she's complaining of having a stomach ache, says she needs to drink water because her throat is bothering her. She went on a field trip at school, cried for 1 1/2 hours of the field trip - the teacher called and said she didn't know what to do with her. (Keep in mind, my DD is 6 1/2 years old...she's gone on field trips, she's been in daycare since she was 6 months old so it's not separation anxiety). I took her to the pediatrician to see if maybe she was sick, or had strep. Nothing, he said everything was fine.

Yesterday we went to a party and she completely flipped out...I mean flipped out wanting to leave, she said her stomach hurt, she wanted water for her throat. There was a little boy there whose was gagging - he was like a baby so not vomiting gagging just gagging...well she saw this and was like MOM I need to leave I want to leave, etc. I tried to calm her down, but she wanted nothing to do but leave.

I'm noticing it happens mostly after she eats but I'm also noticing if someone is coughing or even the mention of throwing up.

I emailed the pediatrician this morning and he said bring her in to make sure it's nothing rather than assume it's psychological.

I just don't know what to do. There's absolutely no way of consoling her.

AND I felt like the worst mom because I was having the worst day yesterday and I had no patience for it and I yelled at her. I was like there's nothing wrong, you are fine, you are not going to throw up. you need to stop this (keep in mind, this has been going on for almost a month, so my patience level is kind of limited on this). I feel so bad but don't know what to do. Has anyone else experienced this with their child?

Re: Need Advice (Long)

I'm sorry, I have no advice but wanted to offer you some I hope your ped is able to figure out what is going on.

Re: Need Advice (Long)

At that age, they internalize a lot of things, and if something happened to anyone else, it will automatically happen to them, too.

I would try to reassure her, and have her "self diagnose". "Does your head hurt, too?" "Do you feel warm?" "Does your throat hurt?" It will distract her a bit from feeling like she's going to vomit, and hopefully reassure her that she really won't. You can also "treat" her "illness". "Drinking some water will help.", etc. That way, she feels like she is 'fixing' her 'problem'.

I've had to do similar things with DS on occasion.

Re: Need Advice (Long)

We all have days like that. Mine was yesterday.

I'm not really sure how to handle it other than to let it work itself out. I think the big thing is I wouldnt' give in because she has to see it's ok & leaving won't help that.

Re: Need Advice (Long)

Thanks. I went to the pediatrician and he's going to run some tests (next week). He doesn't think it's anything to worry about - actually he said his daughter is doing the exact same thing. However, he did tell me to lay off the pizza & dairy to see if that helps - since we've noticed it's happening after she eats - but not always. She could complain of a stomachache after pizza but as soon as she hears ice - cream, she's fine. so maybe I just have an actress on my hands.....thanks!