Possible SCD for my 12 year old.

[CrystalW]

Hello, I was wondering if a modified SCD might be helpful for my 12 year old son.  He was diagnosed a few months ago with an allergy to wheat, rice, corn, peanuts, and tomatoes.  IKR! This diagnosis came after a year or more of his constant struggle with nausea, indigestion, rash, and gas.  On a side note--which may be of import here--he has been dealing with behavioral disorders for years.  He has a current diagnoses of OCD with generalized anxiety for which he takes medication.  As if that allergy list alone hasn't made shopping impossible, today his GI added sweet potatoes, milk, shellfish, and oats to the list after his allergy test.  So while shopping and agonizing over what I was going to put in his lunch tomorrow (the loss of cheese was a blow to him), I came home and did some research.  I think that this SCD might be a good start for him, with modification for milk and nuts of course.  Also the GI doctor never acts like any of this is a big deal; is it common for a kid to have this many allergies? Any input or suggestions would be super helpful here as we are feeling very overwhelmed. 

[kareng]

2 minutes ago, CrystalW said:

Hello, I was wondering if a modified SCD might be helpful for my 12 year old son.  He was diagnosed a few months ago with an allergy to wheat, rice, corn, peanuts, and tomatoes.  IKR! This diagnosis came after a year or more of his constant struggle with nausea, indigestion, rash, and gas.  On a side note--which may be of import here--he has been dealing with behavioral disorders for years.  He has a current diagnoses of OCD with generalized anxiety for which he takes medication.  As if that allergy list alone hasn't made shopping impossible, today his GI added sweet potatoes, milk, shellfish, and oats to the list after his allergy test.  So while shopping and agonizing over what I was going to put in his lunch tomorrow (the loss of cheese was a blow to him), I came home and did some research.  I think that this SCD might be a good start for him, with modification for milk and nuts of course.  Also the GI doctor never acts like any of this is a big deal; is it common for a kid to have this many allergies? Any input or suggestions would be super helpful here as we are feeling very overwhelmed. 

A GI doctor did food allergy tests?  Seems unusual.    The one for wheat - was that a Celiac blood test?  Food allergy testing is a bit iffy, but Celiac testing is more accurate.

[CrystalW]

The first test they did a few months ago was a blood test.  The test they did today was a scratch test.  Hth

[kareng]

16 minutes ago, CrystalW said:

The first test they did a few months ago was a blood test.  The test they did today was a scratch test.  Hth

I actually was trying to be helpful, but never mind.  Maybe you should ask the doctor what he should eat?  Or for a referral to a registered dietitian?  Good luck.  I hope your son feels better.

[CrystalW]

I am sorry if I misunderstood your question, and I did assume you were trying to be helpful.  I did ask his doctor what he should eat and he basically just answered , "Not those foods," and points to the allergy list.  Btw, he doesn't have the best bedside manner, lol.  They did do a Celiac test on him and it was negative, but they said there is another kind they need to check as well? I definitely will look into the dietitian thing though. 

[tessa25]

The full celiac panel includes:

TTG IGA and IGG

DGP IGA and IGG

EMA

IGA

Most doctors only test one or two of those as a screening test. Hopefully your doc will order the tests that haven't been run yet.

 

[cyclinglady]

Hi!  

I would recommmend that you get a copy (and maintain) of all your son’s medical records for a variety of reasons.  You might want to consider a second opinion from another GI or an allergist.  Your son may not have received the entire celiac panel.  I can tell you that personally, I test weird.  If my doctor just gave me the standard screening TTG, my diagnosis would never have been caught.  I would hate for your son to miss a diagnosis because of that.  The. There are seronegative celiacs (10%).  Did the GI offer an endoscopy?  Rule out other things like Crohn’s?   It would be nice to firmly rule out celiac disease before altering his diet as all celiac testing requires you to be on gluten.  

As far as the diet goes, did he test positive to an actual wheat allergy?  You might want to find a dietitian to help you.  Your son is growing and he is a kid.  A dietitian could help him with making good food choices that will not impact his growth (he also might listen to him/her over you).  They might suggest a rotational diet and provide tips on preparing meals, planning and shopping.  If that option is not available, you could trial the diet for a month (it should not cause harm).  

Keep advocating for your son.  I wish you well.