DS is 8.5 and takes concerta for ADHD. He's been doing well on it and has experienced a bit of appetite suppression. He's got a belly so a little weight loss/less food is ok. He has an underbite which requires quite a bit of orthodontics. The first step, is placing a fixed appliance/spacer in the roof of his mouth and we have to turn it was a "key"every night. He'll most likely have it for a year.
His twin sister had an appliance with no issues. DS got his placed last Wednesday. This weekend he barely ate and I think he became hypoglycemic. He was dizzy and vomited. He has big tonsils also so I feel like this paired with the appliance makes swallowing more difficult than most. It seems like DS would rather just not eat, than put the work in to get the food down. He's been to the ENT and since he doesn't snore and hasn't had difficulty eating previously, they are ok for for his body.
DH feels like DS needs to "suck it up" and learn how to chew and swallow better and more efficiently as it's currently taking quite a bit of time for him to eat anything. I'm wondering if we should consider a removable retainer that he can take out to eat. The biggest issue would be losing it at lunch time. I spoke to the RN at school today about his food issues and she said many kids leave their retainer in their office for lunch and then pick it up after lunch. Since he's been on meds, he's not lost any items or left anything at school ie lunch bag or water bottle.
I called the orthodontist today to ask about the retainer and he's out of the office until Wednesday. I'm already tired of trying to "make" him eat and he has a tendancy to get emotional if he's low on food reserves. Anyone have any experience or thoughts? Sorry it's so long.
**UPDATE**
I heard from the orthodontist and the removable retainer is not an option for DS's treatment. DS has improved in the mechanics of eating and swallowing. He's still eating a lot less than usual (even after the start of his ADHD meds), but we've not had any more hypoglycemic episodes. I'm still giving him pediasure to increase his caloric intake.
Re: Orthodontic Hell **UPDATE in OP**
DS completely understands why he has to have the device. He hasn't said it's not fair. He gets a large breakfast everyday before heading off to school. He's always been a good eater, hence the belly. We weren't having issues with food intake until he got the appliance. The issue at hand is the actual mechanics of eating. Learning to do it and doing it. That's what I was wondering if he just needs to figure it out.
I have found it is impossible to make a kid eat! Your DS may need time to practice and learn. Although, and especially because he is in school and needs to eat, it is easier and just as effective, I'd try the retainer.
I got pediasure and he's doing ok with it. He's able to eat PB&J sandwiches so I could try it with ice cream and carnation. Never know until you try!
BTW, after the expander (that is what mine was called), I got to wear the Hannibal Lector (what I called it) head gear and THEN retainers. Years of orthodontic hell went into my mouth. :-)
Can you give some pain meds to help keep your DS comfortable? Maybe use the key right before bed, so your DS could sleep through the 8hr period?
I remember how sore I was after i was being tightened. Any soft foods will help, cold pediasure, ice popcicles and frozen yogurt. Pediasure is great, and each one is 240cal!
Also sometimes when our body is used to a certain caloric intake, and then we diet for whatever reason, sometimes our bodies can get into a hypoglycemia state.
Glad he's feeling better