Who Else Has It?

[Elyse]

Hi, my name is Elyse and I have 11 year old triplets. 2 boys and 1 girl. One of my sons, Joe, always had trouble focusing, was very picky with his eating habits, and always had stomach issues. Before this past Thanksgiving, I had noticed that the stomach problems were getting worse, and when he had to go, he had to go right then and there or else... We went to see the pediatrician who suggested that before we went through invasive testing, just keep his gluten intake to the bare minimum. I did this, and almost immediately he was more focused, he became involved in conversations with everyone, and he had no more "accidents". This was fine for about 3-4 months, and now it seems that he is having the problems again. Do I see my regular pediatrician, gastroenterologist, allergist? I'm not sure, and my pediatrician is really no help. Can someone point me in the right direction. Just to let you know, my other two kids do not seem to have this problem and my husband and I do not have this problem, so we can't figure out where it developed from. I was told that it was hereditary. Thanks so much for your input.

[Guest aramgard]

Celiac disease is hereditary and you may carry the gene but not have the disease, unless it is triggered. If you have only been keeping his gluten to a minimum, you may try cutting out gluten altogether. This is the only way to control gluten intolerance. One way to tell if the problem is really Celiac, is to have the genetic testing, which costs about $160 from enterolab without a doctors order. If he truly has Celiac disease the only way to prevent future problems is to maintain a totally gluten free diet for life. If he has been on restricted gluten for some time he may or may not register on a Celiac panel (blood testing). But at least the gene test would tell you if the disease is in the family. Many people carry the gene. At least 1 in 150-200 people in the U.S. Try reading up on Celiac disease on Celiac.com and then turn to enterolab.com. Dr. Fine, who runs this web site, is a Celiac and has developed testing which is cheaper than most of the lab tests in the U.S. Good luck with your hunt for health. Shirley

[mom of 5 celiac]

Elyse,

I have 3 kids also and they all have celiac. My husband was first diagnosed with it then as I read on it I saw that the kids were having symptoms. They are all colleg kids and having a hard time dealing with the diet. I found out I have it too. SO I think the whole world has it and just hasn't been dianosed.

I say you need to cut out all gluten Karne

[Guest aramgard]

I also believe all of my three children have Celiac, but try to convince them. At least the oldest one is really unconvinced and I think she has had it since infancy. Please read all that you can about this disease and take appropriate moves to keep a gluten free diet, eventually your child will grow into a healthier adult. Shirley