Blood Test Now Or Later On New C Diagnosis?

[NewtoGF]

Dr. suspects some form of Celiac disease in my 7 yr. old son. Headaches, slow growth, abnormal bowel movements, tired all the time, etc...

She said take him off wheat for a mo. and then see how it goes.

I want to know if I should insist on tests now or should I wait to see how he fares on a gluten free diet?

Heather

[wolfie]

Has your son had any bloodwork done at all? I would personally have the testing done before you put him on a gluten-free diet, especially if the dr suspects it. Once your son goes gluten-free, the test results could be skewed.

I hope that you can find some answers and get your son feeling better soon!

[NewtoGF]

Thanks Kim,

No, he has not had any blood work done lately. Several years ago I had him tested for thyroid problems. He was tested for diabetes on Fri. (urine test). Nothing else. I think she is just guessing.

Heather

[Izak's Mom]

Dr. suspects some form of Celiac disease in my 7 yr. old son. Headaches, slow growth, abnormal bowel movements, tired all the time, etc...

She said take him off wheat for a mo. and then see how it goes.

I want to know if I should insist on tests now or should I wait to see how he fares on a gluten free diet?

Heather

I'd do the tests now - before going gluten-free - because if the doc is right and the gluten-free diet DOES work, you're not going to want to have to challenge him (give him gluten) to get an accurate test - especially if eliminating wheat zaps his problems.

[Suzie-GFfamily]

The clincal practice guidelines for celiac disease recommend doing the tests first. It is much harder to get an accurate diagnosis if you eliminate gluten before having any testing done.

[chrissy]

make sure your doc does a total IgA serum and a Ttg IgA.