My grandson swallowed a magnetic marble 1 week ago. He developed a rash all over his body 2 days later and coughs all night, flu like symptoms and complains of belly ache. The ped. doc said not to worry he would pass it and the allergy was most likely not related. It had been a week with no bowel movement. He had severe pain last night was in 2 different hospital ERs and no one seems concerned. At the second ER they gave him 3 enemas, xray shows marble is still is the stomach. They said to give it another week before taking to him children's hospital an hour away and made an appointment for him in a week to go there. Rash worse despite steroid shot. Could he be allergic to the metal the ball is made of? We don't know what to do?
Thank you for the advice.I called Rainbow Children's hospital in Cleveland and they said bring him in ASAP, if it had not passed in the 9 days it probably is not. By the time we got him there it was 7 PM and the gastro ped was gone for the day and surgery was was set for the morning. When they did xray the next morning it had moved to the colon so they said he would pass it in a couple of days and sent them home. They as the other ER he was in did not think the uncontrollable coughing and hives were from the marble even though I am allergic to nickel and most metals react on me(his grandma). Now 2 days post that overnight stay at childrens, still has not passed it and cough is worse, rash about the same. Mom and dad are exhaused as well.
Are you/they sure he swallowed only one magnet? If it is more than one, or if he swallowed another metal object, it can be very dangerous!
Belly aches and flu-like symptoms do not sound good at all!
Read this:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080205200644...
I would call the Children's Hospital right away and ask for advice, and even take him there as soon as possible!
The lack of bowel movements and severe pain would be my biggest concerns right now. As Nese has noted, swallowing more than one or having another magnetic object in the digestive tract at the same time can cause organs to stick together and block normal function. This can be deadly. Was the X-ray clear that there was only one object?
The reaction is possibly a separate, coincidental issue. Whether it is or not, the symptoms are severe, and I would push for answers. I nearly died of a ruptured appendix at 12 because my mother was afraid to demand a better answer from my doctor.
Good luck, let us know what you find out.
I'm surprised the doctors aren't concerned! He could be getting an infection from a foreign object in his stomach. I heard a story of a little boy who almost died because he swallowed a tire from a hot wheel. I would definitely get him in sooner than later.
Ok, so I'm adding to my answer. Dr. Oz is talking about this very subject and he said it's better to let the object pass. You may want to check his website on look on Mondays show (about xrays). http://www.doctoroz.com/
The main thing I would be worried about is if he gets an infection before the marble passes. Maybe the childrens hospital can give you signs to look for.
I would go demand a lead test. They have no idea what that marble is made of and I would be worried about poisoning. Take him to the children's hospital ER and demand that they give you satisfactory answers about both the illness and the marble. Good luck.
If you're waiting for it to pass, I'd give it some help. He needs lots of fiber to help it move through his system. (Laxatives won't work if it's still in his stomach.) Popcorn, apples with peel, corn, or fiber supplements will all help. If it refuses to move, or can't because of its size, he'll have to be sedated to have it removed. Good luck.
If there is a way, I would call Children's hospital for advice: what to look for or worry about in the week between. Did you consult with his pediatrician again after the ER trips? I think the allergy to the metal is possible, but it could also be that he picked up some virus because he puts stuff in his mouth. Don't be afraid to be the "squeaky wheel" if you don't like what they are telling you.
There are a lot of doctors out there who dont care enough to really investigate. I would go the children's hospital NOW. It seems too coincidental to me and magnets can be very dangerous.. go now!!
