Could We Be Undiagnosed?

[robynrn]

Hi I am new to this web site and I am looking for answers. I am borderline iron-defient anemic, and my daughter has iron deficiency anemia, and no one seems to know why. We do not have the typical bowel problems most people with celiac disease have, but we both do have constipation, bloating and gas. My daughter is very young and she already has 7 cavities, she is very irritable, and we are both very tired people. I am an RN, but have not encountered anyone who (knowingly) has celiac disease. I just want to know if I should put my daughter through all kinds of testing to figure out if she does have celiac disease, or if I should be tested first, and if I have it get her tested. I would really like to know your opinions. Thank you.

[VydorScope]

Hi I am new to this web site and I am looking for answers. I am borderline iron-defient anemic, and my daughter has iron deficiency anemia, and no one seems to know why. We do not have the typical bowel problems most people with celiac disease have, but we both do have constipation, bloating and gas. My daughter is very young and she already has 7 cavities, she is very irritable, and we are both very tired people. I am an RN, but have not encountered anyone who (knowingly) has celiac disease. I just want to know if I should put my daughter through all kinds of testing to figure out if she does have celiac disease, or if I should be tested first, and if I have it get her tested. I would really like to know your opinions. Thank you.

Yes. Get teh blood test, and make them do the full Celiac Panel. It only take like 5 mins of your time. Do not do the diet before the test as it will impact the results.

Anemia was my first sympton, and for a while my only one.

[Guest Viola]

You and your daughter should really do the full blood panel. Symtoms are really varied among all of us, and only about 1/3 have the big D, a lot more are constipated, or have no bowel problems at all, just vitamin and mineral defiencies. And do the blood work before you try a gluten free diet, as my cute little friend said

That picture makes me smile

[mart]

Hi Robynrn. My son was also very irritable and had many cavities, despite the fact that we took such excellent care of his teeth. He also had lots of ear infections. This went on for the first six years of his life. He didn't exhibit any signs of celiac until he was 7, when his tummy problems started. He didn't grow from ages 4 - 7, and his doctors didn't find this to be a problem. I guess I'm should be grateful he started exhibiting stomach problems, otherwise, he still might be undiagnosed. So just because someone doesn't have all the symptoms doesn't mean they shouldn't bother testing. Also, most celiacs have few or no symptoms (which is why there are so many undiagnosed). You and your daughter should have the test ASAP. Remember that you must not start the gluten-free diet before your tests, otherwise the test may come back positive. Don't wait, and good luck!

Sorry, I meant to say the test might come back NEGATIVE if you start the diet before the test!

[mommida]

I would start by contacting your local Celiac support group for a doctor in your area familar with celiac disease. Get the blood test, follow the specialists advice, no matter how that goes you can always try the gluten free diet. There are just too many people doing better on a gluten free diet, than are actually diagnosed.

L.

[Nancym]

Get the blood tests but if they're negative, don't stop there. Try a couple of weeks on a strict gluten free diet and see how you feel. The blood tests don't pick up everyone.

[robynrn]

I would start by contacting your local Celiac support group for a doctor in your area familar with celiac disease. Get the blood test, follow the specialists advice, no matter how that goes you can always try the gluten free diet. There are just too many people doing better on a gluten free diet, than are actually diagnosed.

L.

Thank you all for your advice, I guess part of me is in denial because I love pasta, pizza and bread etc, etc. But if it makes us feel better than it is worth it, I will keep you posted on how opur tests come out!

Robyn

p.s. don't worry I will continue to eat gluten until I get the tests done!