Asked Doc For Blood Work Instead Refered To Allergist

[NewtoGF]

Doc suggeste 7yold son has some degree of celiac disease. That was last Fri. I have been working hard to keep him gluten free. I called today to ask her to order the panel of blood test and her nurse called me back to refer me to an allergist.

We did that at age 1 and it was the prick test. came back milk and egg allergic. Now they want to do the prick test again, but I have not read any posts about this test to determine celiac disease. I called my ped. back, but she had already left for the day. I left a message so we'll see if she will order the tests.

I really don't want to put him through the prick tests again if its as easy as one blood draw. He does fine having it drawn.

Just venting-anyone have any advice?

Heather

[CarlaB]

There's no point in going to an allergist to test for celiac. It's a blood test of five things from one blood draw. He needs to be eating gluten until all testing is completed!!

I would insist on the celiac panel being done. If the doctor won't do it, take you child elsewhere. I'd take hubby or a friend along on the appt. when you ask the doctor. He's less likely to say no if someone else is there to see him refusing a simple blood test. If he still refuses, I'd say, "So, you think he might have celiac disease, but you are refusing to test him?" Hopefully, he will hear how ridiculous that sounds.

Get him tested. Don't bother with the allergist. Keep him eating gluten every day until all the testing is completed.

[Lisa]

Doc suggeste 7yold son has some degree of celiac disease. That was last Fri. I have been working hard to keep him gluten free. I called today to ask her to order the panel of blood test and her nurse called me back to refer me to an allergist.

We did that at age 1 and it was the prick test. came back milk and egg allergic. Now they want to do the prick test again, but I have not read any posts about this test to determine celiac disease. I called my ped. back, but she had already left for the day. I left a message so we'll see if she will order the tests.

I really don't want to put him through the prick tests again if its as easy as one blood draw. He does fine having it drawn.

Just venting-anyone have any advice?

Heather

Hey Heather,

Your doctors suggestion that you son has "some degree of celiac", is evidence that she has no clue. How did she come to that conclusion. There is no "some degree of celiac", you have it or you do not. The only ways to determine the amount of damage done by celiac is to do an endoscopy exam to see visually and take biopsy samples. What TEST would draw her to that conclusion?

Depending on the length of time that your son has been off gluten would cause concern regarding the accuracy of the blood panel test for celiac.

I am not knowledgeable about the prick test, but it may just show and allergy or sensitivity to wheat. It will not diagnose celiac.

I am sorry, but I think that you doctor is brushing you off. I would suggest a GI doctor.

I don't blame you for venting.

Lisa

[NewtoGF]

Thanks for your opinions. I will keep him eating gluten. I asked him if he could have anything for dinner what would it be-he said, "pizza." So, pizza it is.

The Dr. used her arm to demonstrate celiac. She pointed to her fingertips and said that they were celiac disease and her elbow was a wheat allergy. She said he may be somewhere on the continuum.

I'll keep reading posts in an attempt to learn what I can. This site is a wonderful help! Thanks to all who contribute.

Heather