15 month old with recent Celiac diagnosis.

[KateB.]

Hi, all!

My 15 month old was just recently diagnosed with celiac disease (this week, actually), and to say I am a bit overwhelmed is an understatement. She has been very sick, including losing weight/failure to thrive, and we are very thankful we now know why. I guess my question is, where do I start? And how long after making gluten free changes will I start noticing an improvement in her? I have basically tossed out everything in the house that contains gluten and have replaced with gluten-free items. But I go beyond just food items, right? I am hearing it's in cosmetics, toothpaste, soaps, etc?? It's everywhere!!! I just want to make sure I am doing all absolutely necessary to get her happy and healthy again. Any tips/advice are very much appreciated and welcomed!

 

KateB. 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, KateB! You are already on the right track with your level of awareness of the myriad of ways gluten exposure can happen. I will include a link to a primer for beginning the gluten free journey. But don't obsess over this. Start with things that will go in her mouth before you worry about cosmetics, soaps and other external contact possibilities. Those are not a concern for the vast majority of celiacs. Only the most sensitive among us need worry about epidermal exposure IMO. I would check out medications such as cough syrups, however, and vitamins.

Infants and children have remarkable recuperative powers so once you have eliminated dietary exposure to gluten from your daughter's life you should see improvement within days or weeks I would think.

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by trents

[Wheatwacked]

When my son was weaned in 1976 he was diagnosed. The doctor insisted that he was fed only Nutramigen. He quickly improved.  Saved his life.  They make a version for toddlers now also.  He grew up strong and is now a professional life guard with several awards for heroism, saving lives.

When he was diagnosed the doctor told us he has ADD and that when he goes to school the kindergarden teachers would beg us to start on Ritalin. Sure enough that is what happend, and he took Ritalin until finishing high school. Also had swim team once he was old enough.  Summer team at 5 then year round.  Excellant to use excess energy and making friends.

The doctor also recommended that my wife and I also start gluten free diet. At the time it was believed that 10% first degree relatives have Celiac Disease. New research indicates 40%.  We did not and it is the only decision I regret.  She died in 2005 and I finally did start gluten free in 2014.  Symptom I had been living with since childhood suddenly went away.  In retrospec by symptom both I and my wife did, but no gastro issues.  Give it a try for a least a month.

Don't do the do as I say thing. It will be all right.

[Wheatwacked]

Here is an article on non classic symptoms found with Celiac Disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?