18 replies to this topic

[megsybeth]

I would probably see how soon you can get into a celiac specialist (look around here). If under two weeks, I'd keep your child on gluten, more than that and, personally, I'd probably take off. Is there a doubt in your mind about the diagnosis? If you are committed to the gluten-free diet that's the important thing.

[javic]

Thanks very much Nicole. The Dr did do tests for many vitamins. His folate and b12 were over the normal range. Vitamin d was one point below normal. Everything else was in the very normal range.

I do want to go gluten free ASAP but now managed to get an appointment to see a pediatric gastroenterologist next thursday. So I wonder if we should wait until then. I just had my blood tested today and if I am positive I think I will have the endoscopy.

Re the gluten free diet, I do want to start very soon for my son but wonder what else we might need to eliminate? I have heard about cross reactivity with milk, rice, buckwheat, quinoa etc and know that they do tests for these in the USA at Cyrex labs. I am in Australia though. Anyone know about these tests or know if I can get them done in Austraila? My Mum has issues with dairy as well as gluten so I wonder if these cross reactivities might run in the family as well?

Thank so much everyone for your help, advice and support!

[guest134]

It has long been promoted that children "grow out of" celiac disease. I believe it is because of these fluctuations you are talking about. Many children whose levels subsequently drop have been told they do not have celiac disease, only for it to re-emerge with a vengeance in later years. What is/are the more sinister issues you are referring to; i.e., more serious than having a celiac continue eating gluten? And subsequently developing other auto-immune diseases in later life?

More sinister stomach issues? Crohns, ulcerative colitis, intestinal lymphoma.

[mushroom]

Lymphoma is likely to develop if a celiac continues eating gluten. Crohn's and ulcerative colitis are from what I have heard extremely painful conditions which would, if any symptoms are present, certainly call for further investigation if the gluten free diet did not make them go away.