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Jess Harry has an extraordinary challenge on her hands with her one-year-old son, Junior, who seems to have an insatiable appetite for non-edible items. From licking Velcro in baby books to devouring sand, playgroup rugs, and even furniture around the house, Junior has exhibited a penchant for consuming things he shouldn’t. A diagnosis of pica in September shed light on Junior’s condition, which involves a repeated craving for and ingestion of items with no nutritional value.
The situation became so severe that Jess had to withdraw Junior from nursery due to his excessive sand consumption. Transitioning Junior to a metal toddler bed did not entirely solve the issue, as he began gnawing on his doorframe, leading to hazardous lead exposure. As a temporary solution, Junior now resides in a travel cot or playpen until the lead paint dilemma is addressed by the housing association, Clwyd Alyn, which has assured to work on resolving the situation promptly.
Despite the challenges presented by Junior’s condition, Jess has been implementing various measures to redirect his focus towards safe alternatives. Liquorice root and Weetabix are among the substitutes that mimic the textures Junior craves, offering some relief. Awareness about pica remains low, leaving Jess feeling isolated in her struggles and yearning for more understanding and support from those around her. The National Pica Advisory Service, having assisted numerous families dealing with similar issues, underscores the severity of pica, stressing the importance of adopting guidelines for better assessment, diagnosis, and support for individuals affected by the condition.
Jess remains optimistic that as Junior grows older, she may have more success in reasoning with him regarding his dietary inclinations. The challenges presented by pica are significant, as exemplified by the tragic cases of individuals like James Frankish and Owen Garnet, highlighting the potential fatal consequences of the condition. Despite the hurdles she faces, Jess continues to navigate life with Junior, constantly striving to create a safe environment for him and advocating for increased awareness and support for those dealing with pica
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