Would it be possible for someone to take a look at my 14 year old daughter's blood results from last year. She is adopted and has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia; she is blind in one eye. She has many issues but recently has lots of anxiety and panic attacks. Her blood results are:
Thank you for replying so quickly. We had an appointment a few months ago with a paediatrician - she had anger issues as well - it took me nearly two years to get an appointment. It was pretty much a waste of time as he looked at her and said, you look healthy, I'm an expert in ONH. We'll do blood tests. These are the ones I've already posted. He wrote to GP and said there are no problems.
I had asked for GP blood tests in 2021 - these are results:
The GP didn't contact me with these results - I had to phone; no-one said she had to take any supplements but I bought her Multi-vits and minerals plus Iron and Omega 3. These have helped her anger but anxiety/panic attacks seem to have got worse. She has a complex past from early trauma so it's like trying to complete a puzzle without all the pieces. She is in mainstream school, no learning disabilities - huge anger/anxiety/panic attacks.
She also complained of a 'gravelly' throat around Christmas - she said it felt like a lump in her throat. She also has hand tremors with her anxiety/panic attacks.
Thank you so much. Not vegetarian/vegan. Started periods at 11. I asked for blood tests when she came to us at 3 as I'd read of problems with ONH. Her iron levels were very low then. Doctor didn't say to do anything. I added more iron containing foods to her diet. She has a healthy diet although in the past couple of years, she eats more sugar, like most teenagers.
Would you say individual vitamins/minerals are better than multi?
Stop multivitamins or any supplements that contain biotin 5-7 days before any blood test as biotin can falsely affect test results. (Biotin used in many lab tests)
Sometimes wonder what GP is getting paid for if the ignore below range tests results
We see this repeatedly, day after day …..dire vitamin levels ignored and left untreated
Yet NHS is obligated to treat vitamin deficiencies
I have found that being very low in iron / ferritin makes me crave sugar. I have also found that very low iron/ferritin makes me severely anxious, angry and depressed.
Doctors are really sadistic when it comes to treating women with enough iron - they just don't. Many of them really don't seem to think it matters and they leave many of us to suffer. When they do treat they only prescribe for 2 or 3 months at a time (in my experience).
When I finally found out that I could buy prescription-strength iron supplements without prescription, and could pay for tests privately, I tested and treated myself, and it has made an enormous difference to my quality of life.
That would be more difficult to do with a 14-year-old. The only testing company that I know of that will test people aged under 18 is Blue Horizon.
Other than what SlowDragon has recommended can I suggest she tries going gluten and dairy free? These can be intolerances that cause mood issues for sensitive people and may help.
Thank you. My husband is gluten-free as he has ME/CFS and I am dairy-free. I didn't think of gluten as she doesn't have stomach issues but her younger sister does and I had her tested, which came back negative. Latter has probable undiagnosed ADHD so could be a link there. Our 14 year old has possible ADHD. Thank you for your advice.
Since buying Lactoferrin does not require a prescription - supplements are available on Amazon and other sites selling supplements - it would be legal to give them to a child.
I have never taken Lactoferrin, and have done almost no research on it, so I would suggest doing some research yourself.
Some links mentioning Lactoferrin on STTM - I'd suggest looking for more info than is supplied by STTM.
I find I am very shocked that even in this day and age and the awareness of mental health issues that this youngster should be treated this way by the medical profession. “You look healthy.” It’s shocking to the core. If this child (because she is still a child, approaching adulthood) has Central Hypothyroidism …….. Words fail me. You sound like a very level headed person with this child’s best interests at heart. She could not hope for better. SlowDragon is clearly very well informed, her posts are full of excellent advice. You are a wonderful advocate for your daughter. I am full of admiration for you.
Thank you so much, that's very kind. I'm afraid the world of adoption, especially for teenagers, is not easy for the whole family and professional/medical help is severely lacking. We are one of many families struggling every day. More shocking is that I also asked the Paediatrician about FASD - Foetal alcohol (I had told my daughter I would do this). He asked her to lower her face mask, said she had a beautiful face, then turned to me and said, no, she doesn't have FASD as she doesn't have facial features. I was stunned as I am no expert but have read that there are facial features in only 10% of cases. That was it, two year wait for an appointment. I didn't challenge him, I'm not a doctor. Adopted children today have so many challenging problems; mental health problems, that can be a result of their early trauma, genetic conditions or drug/alcohol related in pregnancy and after. There is very little helpful support. Thank you again, it means a great deal.
All I wanted to say was good for you in caring so much for your daughter. I was adopted at the same age I had been mistreated and because of it have only one working eye and one hearing ear.
I am 76 years old, so there is hope for your daughter but it's not always an easy ride, especially for you. I never meet my birth sisters until 1990's they were kept and mistreated too. Basically I was the lucky one. Good Luck
Thank you so much for sharing this. It is heartbreaking to hear of your early days and for your poor sisters. I am so glad that adoption helped you to have a brighter future. I have the same hope for my girls every day.
I think many people would be truly shocked if they knew the extent of the problems for adopted families. Unfortunately, adopters don't really have a voice as most children are removed rather than relinquished and families have to keep a low profile.
Hi! just wanted to say I dont have any specific advice but am really sorry to hear of your daughter's suffering and am truly SCARED for my children's lives/mental health especially as they reach teenage years. I know there is obviously more background to her story than a 'regular' child but the lack of support is truly shocking
Just to back up that the NHS does not give a hoot about low ferritin- Mine was 6 post covid - no alarm bells for the GP at all. Have had low ferritin for years especially since thyroid issues. It went up to 12, GP said it's great! Said menstruating women come to the office regularly with even lower levels and it's totally fine. I have about 30% of my hair left, my ferritin is now 8. Did a private GI map and found H pylori! somehow the NHS stool test detected as well after i insisted on being tested as noone has ever explained the consistently low iron despite supplementing AND a good diet. I am now in early pregnancy and noone wants to treat it. I just dont know with these people anymore....they make you feel absolutely crazy and tell you not to google too much...funnily enough ....that same GP was googling right in front of me when i said thyroid levels absolutely must be controlled in pregnancy- he had 0 idea.
I hope you find some answers for your daughter- just keep pushing! You are bound to find someone enlightened
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