Am I missing something?

[asmom]

My 7 yr old daughter was "diagnosed" by her pediatrician using process of elimination last year with abdominal migraines.  On the advice of a friend who is a ND (natural doctor) we tried eliminating wheat, soy, nuts and dairy from her diet.  This was just over a year ago and her "episodes" (2-3 hours of nausea and crying, usually starting around 11pm, ending most often in vomiting later) have decreased dramatically since then, to the point they are almost non-existent.  Whenever we backslide on the wheat in particular, or let her get over exerted, she has an episode.  We never started her on the Amitryptiline her pediatrician prescribed for her to take prophylactically, it just seemed so intense for an otherwise healthy (at the time) 5 year old, and the diet seemed to manage it.

Although incredibly smart, funny, etc., her overall energy level pales in comparison to that of her younger brother or her friends.  30 minutes or so of "quiet time" 3-5 days/week is not optional if we want to avoid her geting run down, or sick.

My question is, although we are controlling her symptoms with diet and managing her activity level, is there anything else we could be missing/should be on the lookout for?  Her checkup is next month, are there any tests we should ask for of Kaiser?

Sincerely,
Laura R

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Also please remember that since she is avoiding certain food, her diet is well supplemented with other foods that she can take. Take care!

[asmom]

Thanks for the prompt reply.  I do indeed feel lucky she is doing much better now.  In reading various message boards I am amazed at the number and variety of conditions that seem to be, at least in some cases, triggered and/or exacerbated by wheat.  I will try some vitamins (the same ND gave us B12 she takes sporadically, when we remember!).
Thanks,
Laura

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

You are doing a great job and are indeed very lucky to be able to manage your daughter’s migraine with dietary control alone.
Identification and avoidance of trigger is the best of migraine. For her reduced energy levels you can start her on a multivitamin supplements.

Regards,

[asmom]

To clarify, I did not mean to imply derision when putting "diagnosed" in quotation marks above, her pediatricitian is a wonderful doctor.  I just meant that he himself told me the only way to really diagnose abdominal migraines is by process of elimination.