Lasting effects of malnutrition as a child for an adult

by David
(Dallas, TX, USA)

What are the lasting effects of malnutrition for an adult that was malnourished to severely malnourished as a child? I am 30 years old and would like to know if my health issues have anything to do with being severely malnourished and sleep deprived as a child. Most doctor's I have seen put up their hands and say I have no idea, go see another doctor. Then the other doctor says why you are here to see me. I’m on a waiting list to see a doctor at this time. It will be another 4 months. My health keeps getting worse no matter what I do at home. Other doctors think I just want drugs to support a habit I do not have.

I was born a premature twin 2 months early, had 7 transfusions before being released from the hospital. Malnourished most of my childhood and forced to stay awake most nights of the week for several years. Stress attack at age 10, 13, 17, 19, 21, 24 and 28. Diagnosed bi-polar, high blood pressure and had sudden nerve hearing loss 3 years ago. My hearing has comeback now and have severe hyperacusis and tinnitus. I also have nerve pains in my head on the right side that lessens but won't go away, food allergies developed 4 or 5 years ago to beef and pork, weak enamel on my teeth and teeth have been deteriorating. I take doxepin, carbamazepine, risperidone, hydroxysine and bupropion. I smoke about 5-7 cig a day and don't drink. Both parents have high blood pressure, my mom has diabetes, dad died of cancer, sister has a benign brain tumor and IBS, twin is anemic, another sister has breast cancer. I have had MRI's, cat scan and blood work.

Multiple symptoms and previous malnutrition

It would be easy to say that once the malnutrition was corrected that there should be no long lasting symptoms associated. But, this is unlikely to be true as malnutrition is likely to have long lasting psychological issues in particular as well as possible long term issues from organ damage. I can’t say that the multiple symptoms you have are definitely related as some of your problems may be related to the drugs that you take. For example, carbamazepine may have an effect on your teeth enamel, making them brittle and weak. Whether your bipolar illness was triggered by your childhood experiences or not would be purely subjective.

My name is Dr Peter Thatcher MBBS, MRCPI and I am a consultant physician and gastroenterologist in the UK. I have an interest in internet based medicine and administer this site in my spare time. I hope you find this site useful and informative. If you have any suggestions, please Contact Me or if you would like to comment on my site, please do so by Clicking Here. If you like the site and would like to make a donation to support what I am doing please do so by Clicking Here. Thank you for visiting and please drop by again!