Kids, Doctors, Insurance

[lonewolf]

I have multiple food allergies and have just figured out that I have to go completely gluten-free, rather than "gluten light" as someone else put it. I have spent a ton of time and money trying to get my health back (pretty successfully) and have made sure my kids have eaten "healthy" food, but not gluten-free. Now I'm concerned about all of them. I want to have them all tested, but what do I say to a doctor without him/her thinking I'm a hypochondriac? And how to make sure the insurance pays for it all? Our insurance only covers doctor visits and tests if the child has a specific problem to be checked out. And there's the problem of non-cooperation with a couple of the kids. I wish I had done this when they were little!

I have 2 boys and 2 girls. My oldest (14 yo girl) is terrified of needles and says that she'll go gluten-free for a week to see if anything happens. She is healthy, but has horrible PMS and debilitating cramps 1-2 days every month. There are a few other minor issues with her and she doesn't tolerate dairy or eggs well. My 12 year old daughter is very fiesty. She won't go gluten free unless she has a test to prove she needs to. She's good about eating my gluten-free food at home, but would cheat anywhere else. She has a chronic stuffy nose and wild mood swings, but no other apparent health problems. My 10 year old son is allergic to milk, is a tiny bit overweight, can't stop bed-wetting and complains about stomach aches a lot. I'm most concerned about him. My youngest is adopted, but has dark circles under his eyes (actually, we all do, except my husband) and really bumpy, rough skin. I wouldn't leave him out of the testing.

Any suggestions on how to get a doctor to order tests? I'm interested in the gene test for myself, since I'm not going back to gluten anyway. Has your insurance paid for all this testing? And, any suggestions on how to convince a strong-willed 12 year old that mom isn't crazy, just trying to take care of her?

Thanks,

Liz

[taweavmo3]

I really feel for you, that's a tough situation. Have you been dx'd with celiac, or gluten intolerance? I would approach the pediatrician with the fact that there is a family history of this, and the current literature states that all 1st degree relatives need to be tested. Bring some paperwork in if you have to...and if the doc sees how prepared you are, that may help your case. Be pushy if you have to, sometimes you just can't worry about what the doctors are going to think about you. If they treat you in a demeaning way, find another doc. You are only looking out for the best interest of your children, and trying to save them from years of possible health problems. Some docs will not test for celiac unless the patient is knocking on death's door (sometimes not even then!), and nothing is going to change their mind. Find a doc who takes your concerns seriously, and looks at you as a partner in your child's health. I've always liked nurse practitioners myself, I have found them to be more open minded and willing to really listen to me. But, that's just my experience of course.

I wish I had some advice on getting your kids to stick to the gluten-free diet. It's very easy with my 3 year old, since she doesn't know any better. But my 6 year old, who's tests are still pending, will be a tough sell. He has developed a disdain for all things gluten free. I think he'd rather have the tummy aches and terrible rash, than eat gluten-free food! He eats totally gluten-free at home, but buys his lunch at school. It will definately be tougher with him, since he doesn't feel all that sick.

Good luck....wish I could be of more help to you!