New Here, Looking For Info, Have Some Questions

[Guest GoofyG]

I've just started hearing about Celiac disease. I've been looking up some info. My children are young so I don't know if effects them yet or not. I have a 3 yr old who weighs 24lbs. She has only gained 4lbs since she was 2. My 11mos old weighs 15lbs. Both of them eat all the time, and they eat a lot. They both love everything, they never turn their nose to anything. their teachers can't believe how much they eat. I was going to talk to their pediatrician about this. I wasn't for sure if they were old enough though. I'm still looking up info. I just don't know why they both don't put weight on. The both have been diagnosed with Failure to thrive. I hate that title, I feel like I've failed with them. I'm also noticing that they are trying Gluten Free for ADD and ADHD. I wonder if that would have helped with my ADHD. If anyone knows anything about kids, or if my kids may be to young. I'm just lost on why they don't gain weight, when they eat everything. If I'm in the wrong place then I'm sorry.

The oldest has been test for CF, and she doesn't have it. They now test the babies after you have them in the hospital where I live. SO I know neither of my kids have CF.

When they do a metabolic test. Does that test for celiac disease too?

FRUSTRATED

[CarlaB 22]

Welcome!

I think you are on the right track researching this on your own so that you are informed and aren't just relying on the doctor's opinion.

I found something interesting on failure to thrive. There can be several reasons for it, but since your kids eat a lot, most of them can be ruled out. Here's what's left. I found this information at http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition...ure_thrive.html

Cystic fibrosis, chronic liver disease, and celiac disease are conditions that limit the body's ability to absorb nutrients. These are known as malabsorptive disorders - the infant may eat a lot, but his or her body doesn't absorb and retain enough of that food. Celiac disease results from a sensitivity to a dietary protein found in wheat and certain other grains. The immune system's abnormal response to this protein causes damage to the lining of the intestine, interfering with its ability to absorb nutrients.

an intolerance of milk protein. This condition can initially lead to difficulty with absorbing nutrients until it's recognized. It can also put an entire class of food out of reach, restricting the child's diet and occasionally leading to failure to thrive.

I don't think it would hurt a bit to have them tested for celiac disease. It's a blood test. Be sure they do all five of the tests ... someone else will post what they are. Many docs only do the IgA, but it's not enough.