4-Year Old Has Appointment Next But Should I Wait That Long?

[momofdarius]

(sorry the title was supposed to be 'has an appointment next week but should I wait that long?')

Hi, my name is Angela. I have gluten intolerance and have been gluten free for 5 years. I have a 4 year old who has been having quite a bit of stomach pain for a while. I have been noticing a little mucus in his stools. So I made an appointment with his doctor for next week.

However today, he was complaining of stomach pain and went to the bathroom. There was a little bit of bright red blood in his stool. Is this something that is found in gluten intolerance/celiac? Or is it something more serious? Should I see if I can get him in to his doctors any sooner?

Sorry to ask you all this; I just don't know what to do!

Thank you so much!!

[GottaSki]

Hi Angela-

I think you should ask for an earlier appt. Not because I think it is an emergency - just think it would be good to start the celiac testing process as early as possible.

Stomach and bowel problems or all sort can be an indication of Celiac.

Make sure your Ped orders a full celiac panel. I'm on my cell - I'll check back and add specific test info if someone else doesn't chime in.

Don't remove gluten until testing is complete.

Hang in there!

[Chiana]

If you let them know that he has blood in his stool they will probably get him in asap. In the mean time, has he been getting lots of water and enough fiber? Bright red blood is usually an indication of issues lower down in the digestive tract. It's not that uncommon to pass some blood if you're a little less than 'regular', or have not been drinking enough fluids. Also, he hasn't been eating red velvet cake, chewing on markers, etc. has he? I can't tell you how many people I've run into that have taken their child in to the doctor only to find that all the red food coloring their child has been eating is what's really coming out the other end.

Screening for celiac is always a good idea if you have symptoms and a first-degree relative with gluten-problems. I wish I could get my relatives in there.

[nvsmom]

My celiac has always shown itself with stomach pains and constipation, including when I was a child. I ended up with hemorrhoids at a fairly young age because of the irritation. When the hemi's bleed it comes out red, that is what most adults see. Your little guy is so young though that I would check it out as soon as possible just to be sure.

Best wishes with the teating.