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Blood Test Positive-wait To Go Gluten Free?

tumtumsmom

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tumtumsmom Newbie
tumtumsmom
Posted

Hi All, this is new to me but from what I've seen and read so far I think this website and messageboard might be the key to my sanity...

My 13 yr old son has had stomach problems for years and just last week went through a barrage of tests scheduled by his pediatrician. She called yesterday and said that his bloodwork shows he's positive for Celiac and that he also had blood in his stool. We've got an appt. with a GI doctor on Tuesday but my question is: Does my son need to keep eating glutens until we see the GI? I was going to start him gluten-free free immediatly but after reading books and such I'm guessing there will be further tests. I would call the Doctor but they are closed for the 3 day weekend.

I'm so glad to have found this site. Yesterday was such a shock and emotional time. At least I feel more calm and in control today. Reading these wonderful posts answers so many questions although I'm sure I'll have thousands of questions.

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confused Community Regular
confused
Posted

It is best to wait to talk to the gi dr, unless you dont want to do an scope. But since there is blood in his stool, i would think it is best to have all the test that the gi dr wants to do, that way you will get more accurate results. During this weekend, it would be best to read up as much as you can on what is safe and what is not safe. Get new pots and pans and get rid of plastic dishes, so when you are ready to go gluten free you will already be ready. Do things in bb steps so you will not be overwhelmed. Get yourself and spouse tested and if you have any other kids get them tested asap. Do you plan on everyone going gluten free or just your 13 yr old. My stepson was diagnosed at 13, and it has been so rough. He cheats all the time and it is hard on the whole family. IS your 13 yr old willing to go gluten free?

paula

MySuicidalTurtle Enthusiast
MySuicidalTurtle
Posted

When I was 17 my doctor told me to go gluten-free after my blood test and I never saw anyone else. My Brother, however, continued eating gluten and saw a specialist to get another postive. So, it is really up to you and him. The diet worked fine for me right away, so, I didn't want to go back on it for another test. It's a personal thing.

tumtumsmom Newbie
tumtumsmom
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll just let him continue and eat gluten foods until we see the GI. I want to have any tests needed especially since he has blood in his stool. Both my husband and I are scheduled for a blood test and my other two sons will be next.

I'm a confused as to why I need to buy new pots and pans? Isn't dishwashing them enough? Or are these new ones to just be kept gluten free? I still have so much reading to do....

gfpaperdoll Rookie
gfpaperdoll
Posted

welcome to our group. The reason that you want new pots & pans is that if you have non stick ones or cast iron they are porous & have gluten hidden in the scratches, even dishwasher will not get that stuff out, same thing with plastic & wooden cutting boards, plastic spatulas, wooden spoons. So you might want to wait till you get the whole family tested to see if you are going to have a gluten-free kitchen or a "mixed" kitchen. Either way the flour canister has to go, because wheat flour will poof up & get into everything, not counting breathing it in. There are a lot of threads here on these issues...

Most newbies are very skeptical of this but then they learn the hard way & hence the many posts on these issues. Plus this info is also in most books on Celiac...

I have a gluten-free house & use stainless steel & glass pans & baking dishes. Well, I have some baking pans not stainless steel - new ones from Walmart. You will need things like parchment paper & cup cake liners (& I do suggest new muffin pans) because you will want to learn to bake gluten-free because it is healthier & better than bought gluten-free stuff... There is a learning curve but we have recipe sections etc. & we have all been there & are available to walk you though your first efforts. One of the easiest things to convert is a banana bread recipe or a carrot cake or an apple cake, that kind of stuff.

Just read a lot & take it one day at a time. This journey will surely result in healthier meals for everyone.

sickchick Community Regular
sickchick
Posted

Very good luck on your journey. B)

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    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      You might consider asking for a referral to a RD (Registered Dietician) to help with food choices and planning a diet. Even apart from any gluten issues, you will likely find there are some foods you need to avoid because of the shorter bowel but you may also find that your system may make adjustments over time and that symptoms may improve.
    • Ello
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      I wish Dr’s would have these discussions with their patients. So frustrating but will continue to do research. Absolutely love this website. I will post any updates on my testing and results.  Thank you
    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      Losing 12" of your small bowel is going to present challenges for you in nutritional uptake because you are losing a significant amount of nutritional absorption surface area. You will need to focus on consuming foods that are nutritionally dense and also probably look at some good supplements. If indeed you are having issues with gluten you will need to educate yourself as to how gluten is hidden in the food supply. There's more to it than just avoiding the major sources of gluten like bread and pasta. It is hidden in so many things you would never expect to find it in like canned tomato soup and soy sauce just to name a few. It can be in pills and medications.  Also, your "yellow diarrhea, constipation and bloating" though these are classic signs of a gluten disorder, could also be related to the post surgical shorter length of your small bowel causing incomplete processing/digestion of food.
    • Ello
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      Yes this information helps. I will continue to be pro active with this issues I am having. More testing to be done. Thank you so much for your response. 
    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

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