Is A 'sensitive Stomach' Something To Worry About?

[floridanative]

I was diagnosed with Celiac last month. Since then no one in my family has been tested but I only spoke with them on the phone since I have to worry about myself for the moment. Finally this week I'm sending out letters with statistic sheets about Celiac disease included, urging my parents and siblings to get tested. And also for my sister to have her kids tested as well (neither me or my brother has kids).

Here is my question. I knew that my neice (she's 4) seems to have frequent viruses that cause some symptoms which could indicate Celiac but then they could also be just a virus (some times she runs a fever with symptoms, other times not). She started 4K this year so she is exposed to plenty of germs now. But I only found out recently that my neice has a 'sensitive stomach' to quote my sister who also told me that she (sister) actually prepares two versions of meals for her family. One for her, her husband and their 3 year old son and a more bland version for my niece. Should this be a red flag now that I've been formally dx'd with Celiac or am I just being an overly concerned aunt? Any advice would be much appreciated since I know nothing about raising children or what a 'sensitive stomach' even means. Thanks in advance if anyone can help.

[mouse]

I would consider it a red flag. Just make sure that they have ALL the right tests done and that she is still eating gluten. I am sure that my daughter has Celiac, but she will not get tested. My brother who is older then me and extremely intellegent, won't take the time to read "Dangerous Grains" and he shows many of the symptoms. We can lead a horse to water, but we cannot make them drink. Hopefully, your sister will listen to your concerns. {{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}

[jerseyangel]

Hi Tiffany--if I were you, I would be concerned and urge your sister to have her tested. I had a 'sensitive stomach' as a child, too. During my teen years, it went away, and came back when I was in my 20's. I understand that such a pattern is common. I have 2 neices--one of my sisters has no children, these are both from my youngest sister. After I was diagnosed, I told her to at least tell the girl's doctor about their aunt having Celiac, and to watch out for any suspicious symptoms. If anything stood out like that to me, I would tell her to get the test done--I would not want any person to go as long as I did without knowing what was wrong. I believe that the chances increase to 1 in 39 when a second degree relative has it. (according to the U. of Chicago factsheet)

[penguin]

I had a "sensitive stomach" as a child as well. I also had stomach aches and a battery of tests from which the Dr. concluded that I had a nervous stomach. And yet, here I am.

Encourage your sister to look into it, if nothing else, maybe they'll find another reason her stomach is so sensitive.

[Guest nini]

"sensitive stomach" boy, that is how my family used to describe ME! I would say definitely a red flag...

my sister won't get tested, and she refuses to get her kids tested either... I don't get it. Wouldn't you WANT to know?

[floridanative]

Thank you for your replys everyone. Patti I actually included those UofC fact sheets (you mentioned them to me in another post) with the letters I mailed to my family members today. I highlighted the statistics you mentioned so they would not be overlooked. Hopefully when my sister gets back from vacation next week I can discuss my concerns with her in a helpful and concerned way. My sister already told me she thought she would have her doctor test her (my sister) for it before I even brought it up that family members needed to get tested. Surely if I tell her that some kids who have Celiac are thought to have 'sensitive stomachs' she'll agree to get her kids tested. I agree Nisla - I don't know why people won't get themselves and especially their kids tested. That boggles my mind.

When my sister and her kids were here to visit our new aquarium last month, my neice had fried chicken fingers/fries for both lunch and dinner and then we had pumkin bread for b'fast the next day. Well the neice had a tummy ache all morning and then was sick (throwing up) when they got to a kids museum. I think the rest of the family eventually ended up sick though so it seems that was really a virus. The kids touched aquatic creatures and then ate lunch with their hands without washing them... But then two weeks later my Mother told me my niece had another 'virus' and had to go back to the doctor. This does not seem normal to me but maybe it is. Still she needs to get at least the girl tested just to make sure it's not Celiac.

[floridanative]

Update on some family members. I just found out that my nephew has some symptoms of either lactose intolerance or Celiac. My sister thought he was just lactose intolerant since he was a baby (he's 3 now) but since he's been lactose free all his symptoms did not go away. I've never heard about any of this until today. Next week the whole family is starting an unprocessed food diet (also gluten free of course since she can't grow her own wheat) for two weeks to see what happens. What should I suggest she reintroduce back into the kid's diet first - gluten or lactose?