Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Big Tummy....still

ssjrobbins

Recommended Posts

ssjrobbins Newbie
ssjrobbins
Posted

My daughter was diagnosed in July 2005 with celiac disease. It was truly a wonderful day when we finally found out what was wrong with her. Since July we have done a lot of research, met with support groups, etc. and have found that our daughter truly had the classic child symptoms of celiac disease. Diarrhea, vomiting, behavioral problems, weight loss (lost 6 pounds in a matter of a few months), low-no energy, complaints of joint pains and most noticeable of all a large distended stomach.

She has been on the gluten-free diet now since July 5th and it has made a world of difference. All of the symptoms have subsided except for one that is truly bothering me, she still has a large stomach. Is this normal when eating gluten-free? Could she be getting gluten in something I am not aware or could it be something else?

Any help would be terrific!

Shannon

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ssjrobbins Newbie
ssjrobbins
Posted
  • Author

I forgot to mention that my daughter is 3-years old. :)

laurelfla Enthusiast
laurelfla
Posted

maybe it could be lactose-related? does she partake of milk products? just a thought. glad to know the other symptoms are better!

debbiewil Rookie
debbiewil
Posted

I believe that a big stomach can be caused by malnourishment, as well as gas, etc. If malnourishment is contibuting, then :

1. the villi have to heal, which can take many months or a year.

2. enough vitamins/minerals then have to be absorbed to bring levels up to where they belong.

Since she's so young, the villi should heal fairly quickly, but she may still be low on some vitamins/minerals. Is she taking any multivitamins or anything?

Debbie

ssjrobbins Newbie
ssjrobbins
Posted
  • Author
I forgot to mention that my daughter is 3-years old.  :)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We were wondering if it was milk-related so I took her off for a few weeks but maybe that was not long enough.

She is currently taking a multi-vitamin, she has been on it since July as well.

shayesmom Rookie
shayesmom
Posted
We were wondering if it was milk-related so I took her off for a few weeks but maybe that was not long enough.

She is currently taking a multi-vitamin, she has been on it since July as well.

In my dd's case, we discovered that soy AND dairy were also antagonists. From what I have read, it is fairly common for celiacs to have problems with both. Soy will actually inhibit the uptake of vitamins and minerals while dairy can block the uptake of iron. Not real great when there's already a malabsorbtion issue going on.

It also can take many months for the intestines to heal. You may want to look into probiotics as a supplement to help with that healing. You can find info on probiotics on PubMed, The Lancet and many other sites. It is available at most vitamin and health food stores. It worked wonders on my dd who is not quite as old as yours. There are varieties available that are safe for newborns.

e&j0304 Enthusiast
e&j0304
Posted

My daughter is also almost 3 years old and one of her symptoms was a distended stomach. It has improved a great deal, but it is still a little distended. We had a birthday party for my son tonight and someone commented that her stomach looked a lot better, but I was thinking that it looked a little big! Sometimes I don't really remember exactly how HUGE it was before and it's hard to compare unless I look at pictures that truely tell how far she's come.

I also agree that it will take some time for the villi to heal. My daughter was very malnourished and I think that over time her stomach will continue to go down.

Good luck!

Shannon

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ssjrobbins Newbie
ssjrobbins
Posted
  • Author
In my dd's case, we discovered that soy AND dairy were also antagonists. From what I have read, it is fairly common for celiacs to have problems with both. Soy will actually inhibit the uptake of vitamins and minerals while dairy can block the uptake of iron. Not real great when there's already a malabsorbtion issue going on.

It also can take many months for the intestines to heal. You may want to look into probiotics as a supplement to help with that healing. You can find info on probiotics on PubMed, The Lancet and many other sites. It is available at most vitamin and health food stores. It worked wonders on my dd who is not quite as old as yours. There are varieties available that are safe for newborns.

Shannon-

Thank you for what you said about Ella, that is exactly what I am thinking with our daughter, Peyton. I do forget how big her stomach was before eating gluten-free was and while I am sure it is improving and is smaller than it was, it is hard to see every day!

Good luck to you and your family!

Shannon

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,912
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    westman3d
    Newest Member
    westman3d
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.