All My Kids?

[smithgirls]

I dont know what to do....I was just diagnosed yesterday (received the test results in the mail) I had done some research on it about 4 years ago when one of my 4 daughters was ill.........but turned out she had a severe dairy allergy. My question is....do I have all my kids tested for celiac disease? Is it worth doing the biopsy test with all of them or do we do the blood tests? I see 3 of my girls with symptoms for sure (one is on growth Horomone therepy because she does not grow) If 2 have it and 2 don't, do you cook gluten-free for all of them? I have so much reading to do.....Can you tell I feel a bit overwhelmed? Any words of advice will be appreciated.

[ravenwoodglass]

I dont know what to do....I was just diagnosed yesterday (received the test results in the mail)  I had done some research on it about 4 years ago when one of my 4 daughters was ill.........but turned out she had a severe dairy allergy.  My question is....do I have all my kids tested for celiac disease?  Is it worth doing the biopsy test with all of them or do we do the blood tests?  I see 3 of my girls with symptoms for sure (one is on growth Horomone therepy because she does not grow)  If 2 have it and 2 don't, do you cook gluten-free for all of them?  I have so much reading to do.....Can you tell I feel a bit overwhelmed?  Any words of advice will be appreciated.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would have them blood tested but not neccessarily endo. Also there is a company that I am sure others will post about, don't know the name, that can test a cheek swab sample for the genetic markers. This might be a pain free way to look at the kids.I would also make the house gluten-free. If the unaffected kids want to eat gluten let them off premises. It is so difficult with contamination issues and the gluten-free home will make things easier. Also if the ones who 'have no symptoms' have either a 'silent' form of gluten intolerance or manifest with 'unusual' symptoms, ie. headaches, balance or skin problems, depression etc., it will help prevent problems perhaps down the line. Best Wishes

[Guest nini]

it's much healthier, and easier on you, if the entire household is gluten-free. Read the book Dangerous Grains for reasons why.

The likelihood of all of your kids at the very least being gluten intolerant, is extremely high based on your positive dx.

you do not have to spend a ton of money on specialty foods, and the child with the dairy intolerance, may be able to go back on dairy after being gluten free for a while. there is a high correlation between dairy intolerance and celiac.

Stick with fresh meats, ie: beef, chicken, turkey, pork (preferably organic hormone free and antibiotic free), rice, potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and nuts... you can make many delicious meals with these basic foods, and you will be able to find a few gluten-free staple items to supplement your diet so that you have a well rounded diet.

Personal favorites are, pasta- Tinkyada brand, bread products - Kinnickinick brand, crackers and pretzels - EnerG brand

[lovegrov]

You should absolutely have the blood tests on all of your children. In fact, all first-degree relatives should be tested.

richard

[tarnalberry]

Yes. It's genetic, so all first-degree relatives should be tested. Second-degree... it's their call...