Over Sensitive Child

[scotty138]

You ladies seem to have great advice and wisdom and I'm wondering if you can help with my 14 month old. M spends most of his day upset and/or crying. He throws tantrums and has meltdowns over everything. If you use the word no, even gently, he will drop to the ground crying and be inconsolable. He startles easily. Even if he can see you, if you start talking suddenly he will throw his hands in the air like a startled newborn. He is very opinionated and demanding.

Last week I took him to the pediatrician and they needed to run blood work and a catheter. They couldn't find a vein and the whole experience was awful. Since then he has needed to be held by me, on my hip, or he is crying. It is like having a baby with colic all over again.

I feel like a failure. I can't seem to comfort him and I can't figure out what he needs. I don't want to take him to the pedi and be told it sounds normal. Does this sound like a phase your child went through? Is he just being a brat and crying over everthing to get his way? Is it a sensitivity issue? Sensory issue? I am at a loss.

[lrmrtn]

scotty138, did you mention it to your pedi at your last appointment? I think it's worth discussing with your pedi and maybe getting a referral. Even if they tell you it's normal, it would still give you some peace of mind. And if it's not, you can get early intervention.

[microworm]

How long has this been going on?

[scotty138]

lrmrtn We have a new pediatrician and we haven't seen her for a well visit yet. Last week I took him in for reflux and vomiting a did not mention the fits.

microworm It's hard to put a time frame on it. He was very colicy as a baby. We have always said he is a happy baby until he isn't, because he is either happy or crying. He has had bad reflux and stomach issues since he was born and we have attributed a lot to that. Now I wonder if some of that behavior was related to this issue and not so much about the vomiting/reflux.

[scotty138]

I try my best not to give in to him. We use redirection, but lately he isn't interested in any toys or activities. Nothing distracts him from crying for more than a couple of seconds.

[microworm]

I don't really have any advice except that it might just be the age and a combination of some health issues making him uncomfortable and easy to upset. Sorry you guys are going through this. I love seeing pics of that chunky monkey and it makes me sad to think he's upset a lot.

[lrmrtn]

I'm sorry he's so unhappy. It could just be normal toddler behavior amplified by his health issues. But I don't think it could hurt to mention it to your pedi at your next appointment.

[scotty138]

Jun 7, 2017 16:34:04 GMT -5 scout251 said:

Hmmm it sounds like it could be in the realm of normal but also possibly some sensory processing things. The startling very easily is what makes me say that but perhaps some of the crying and general unhappiness is because there is too much sensory input and he's having trouble dealing with it? I would probably mention it to the pedi. Is he hitting milestones?

The startling thing concerns me a bit. He doesn't seem to have stranger danger except when people approach him talking in a high pitch/baby talk voice. He is terrified of MIL and GMIL for that reason. Otherwise, he is hitting milestones. We will see the pediatrician in early July and I will mention it for sure.

[emmagk]

I second that it sounds like potential sensory processing issues. I'd definitely talk to you pedi about it and ask for a referral

[footloose]

I agree about possibly some type of sensory issue going on. It could be combined with his health issues as well so hard to know what is what.

I would research ways to help or destress kids with sensory issues and maybe try to implement those and see if it helps. They at least you could have some data to take to the Dr when you have the visit. Like I know they utilize certain music playing, dim lights in a room, play with sand bags, or cocoon in a blanket etc. These thinks can make certain kids feel safe. I am sorry you are having such troubles when you already have too much on your plate.

[meggypoo1]

The startling thing seems concerning and something may be going on. Definitely mention it the pediatrician

[savigirl]

Sorry you guys are going through a rough patch; hopefully it's just a phase, but never hurts to ask.

I have no background in sensory issues but talking to the pediatrician sounds like a good idea. Can you make an earlier appointment?

[scotty138]

savigirl I could get another appointment, but the next Wellness check is a couple days after his next round of kidney tests and I don't want to move that one in case we get bad news.

[scotty138]

Idk. He has vomited twice today even on the reflux meds, so maybe he still just really doesn't feel well. He has at least 6 more months on antibiotics, so I hope we can find a solution to make him feel better.

[savigirl]

Jun 8, 2017 11:48:23 GMT -5 scotty138 said:

savigirl I could get another appointment, but the next Wellness check is a couple days after his next round of kidney tests and I don't want to move that one in case we get bad news.

I'm sorry! That sounds like a lot of stress for all of you.