Advise Needed- 8yr Old Sons Blood Test Suspious

[kathy1]

Hi, I am new here. My husb was DX 2 weeks ago with Celiac (his mom has it too) and this board has been very valuable in educating me since I do the shopping and cooking in the family. Well, I took my 8 yr old son in for testing tuesday and the Dr called last night and said that his blood test came back "suspicious" and the antibodies were high. He will confir next week with the Gastroenterologist to see what he thinks. (This is the same Gastroenterologist that my mother in law and husband see). From your experiences with your own kids, do you have an opinion of what high antibodies mean?? Could it be a sign of something else?? He did not tell me what the actual #'s were. Does anyone know of the acceptable levels? My husband has no symptoms of celiac disease, but the Dr has recommends a gluten-free diet to prevent it. My son has no symptoms either, except he bulches frequently. I appreciate any info you can send my way. THANKS!!

[KathyMac]

I just had my family's DNA tested because I am #6 of 6 kids. Two older brothers and a sister have tested positive for celiac sprue. My sister was just diagnosed this summer. One of her primary symptoms was frequent belching and a lot of gas. Her blood tests were borderline negative, but the biopsy (which had not been planned and was only done by chance during an endoscopic exam) came back positive. She has been gluten-free since September and is feeling very good now. My DNA test indicates I have the celiac sprue gene + one of the genes for gluten sensitivity. Stool analysis indicates elevated gluten reaction. I have started a gluten-free diet on my own. Partly because of my three older sibs being celiac and also numerous other auto-immune disorders in my immediate family. I have heard so many people say the blood tests are highly inaccurate -- unless they give a very strong positive result. As a mom, I would say that it's important for you to follow your instincts on this. You may want to see if you can get more conclusive information via DNA and stool analysis. I would discuss these options with your doctor. It sounds like he may be more informed about celiac than the average doctor.

Good luck.