Need Advice!

[gsipps]

I am very concerned about daugter. She is 8 1/2 years old, she was diagnosed with celiac right before she turned 2 years old. We immediatedly started a gluten free diet and she has never gotten sick again. I know that she has accidently eaten some gluten at daycare a few times but she did not get sick. About a month ago, we went to taco bell and she got chips and cheese, she started feeling sick on the way home and threw up once we got home. This has never happened before. A couple of weeks ago, we went to chili's and ordered her a grilled chicken, during the meal she started feeling sick and kept running to the bathroom because she felt like she was going to throw up. She did not throw up and eventually started feeling better. This week, she has been sick with a stuffy nose, cough and says her stomach hurts her. We went to the doctor this morning and he said it is viral and it just has to run its course. He gave her Z-Cof for her stuffy nose and cough. This afternoon her stomach started hurting her, it got worse and she thought that she was going to throw up. She did not throw up and eventually started feeling better. I called the doctor and told them what has been going on the past month. He thinks it has to do with her being sick now and it is worse because of her celiac and he wanted to call in an rx for her nausea. She has never had any additional tests since being diagnosed. Should she have yearly tests?? If so, what tests does she need? We have been using this pediatrician for 17 years but should I find another doctor that is more familiar with celiac?? I don't know what to do, I appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you.

[ryebaby0]

I don't think it's very typical to have annual tests once you are symptom free. Everyone reacts differently but it sure sounds to me like she was "glutenated" at the restaurants. Taco Bell probably has flour flying around the air, let alone on the counter staffs' hands! I didn't even think any of their food was gluten-free, but that's just my assumption. Chili's is not much better. Did anyone check the Z-Cof to see if it is gluten-free? I also don't see why being sick would make her react any differently to a gluten exposure. Your pediatrician sounds like s/he is doing a fine job, so try not to let the panic get you ! Nothing worse than a sick kid~

Joanna

[KaitiUSA]

How long ago did she have a few things at the day care? I know for me the 7th day after I have something I shouldn't is the worst. Maybe she is having a reaction just days after ingesting it.

If she is very sensitive to gluten you should not take her to fast food places. There is a very high risk for cross contamination.

Also have you thought maybe have another intolerance or allergy?

I hope she feels better

[plantime]

Taco Bell's chips are made from wheat flour, not corn. Her meal at Chili's probably had some wheat in it somewhere. Then it sounds like she just caught ye olde fashioned virus! Give her 7-10 days, she should be fine.

[ashlee's mom]

I was just told that yearly checks are now recommended for children as well. It made sense to me since I guess it is the comparisons of the blood tests that really help you interperet what is going on. I am also trying to figure out what is going on with my daughter right now and am leaning towards a food intollerance since doing a food diary, but I am still getting her blood tested again to rule out the idea that she could be getting gluten. As far as your pediatrition, my idea is that if they are willing to learn about celiac disease, I'm OK with them. I try and read up as much as I can since I would rather supply information with the pediatrition then rely on their knowledge of celiac disease. That's just my take though. You should be able to see a ped. GI even if you don't want to do yearly tests so that you are also periodically seeing a Dr. who (hopefully) is knowledgeable about celiac disease.

Good luck,

Michelle

[hapi2bgf]

I would recheck all foods that you know to be safe. Maybe something has changed? If she still gets "sick" after this cold has ended, ask the pediatrician to check her Celiac blood levels again. If you are still having problems after that, go see a pediatric gastro, maybe something else in her system is changing or not functioning correctly.

I would keep after this problem until you get her feeling better. Good luck.