Parents of children with myelodysplasia are often concerned about short stature, calorie intake, increased weight and constipation. Short stature is a common result of myelodysplasia. Growth below the defect on the spine is decreased. This means that the higher the defect is located on the spinal cord, the shorter the child may be. A healthy diet promotes normal growth, but increasing the food will not change the child's natural height.
Physical activity is important in maintaining a normal weight.
In children with little physical activity, fewer calories will be used each day. Thus, fewer calories need to be consumed each day. A regular exercise program is helpful in controlling weight and should be discussed with your physician or physical therapist. Because some children with myelodysplasia may not have full use of their legs, they often develop less muscle mass than the average child. This means that fewer calories are needed to maintain optimal body weight.