4 Year Old Daughter Having Biopsy Monday Any Advic

[paula]

What a long process this has been. My daughter has been suffering with very low iron (2) since last July. At that time my dr felt that it was related to her diet. A very good friend recommended that she have a blood test for Celiac disease but my dr said that she didn't have that. Long story short after months of pleading and lots of sleepless nights we just found out her blood test was positive. I am scared because my dr still feels that my daughter doesn't have celiac disease. She has never has diahera (sp) or any complication to gluten. She does have a big belly and is very small but contiues to gain weight. The level was 57 in her blood (told normal was 0-10) so I am pretty sure that this is what it is but am wondering if anyone elses child has presented with low iron and it the gluten-free diet has made a difference.

Thanks.

Paula

[ashlees-mom]

My 4 year old daughter was just diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I would encourage you to go through with the biopsy even though she isn't having the intestinal problems. With Ashlee it was not the iron, but rather slow growth we noticed and tried to find out what was causing it. Everyone told us if it was celiac disease there would be clear abdominal issues and we would know. Well, finally in Feb she started having diarrhea and losing weight. Since she was so small to begin with, losing 3 pounds had her down to skin and bones and finally after 4 weeks the Dr. refered her to a specialist who made my heart sing when he started asking questions I knew referred to celiac disease! I was so sick of hearing "I'm sure it's viral!" Her Dr. was in shock, she was also sure it was not celiac disease. I really wish I could have avoided the last 2 months and seeing my daughter get that sick. Just because your daughter is not having diarrhea now, doesn't mean it won't be coming, or that she doesn't have celiac disease. The good news is that now after 2 weeks gluten-free, Ashlee is looking and feeling much better!

Michelle