My Son Is Sick And I Was Wondering If This Sounds Like Celiac To You...

[robettamb]

Hello...I am new to this site but figured you all could help me. My son (8 yrs old) has not really been healthy since this past summer. He played on a travelling baseball team and we attributed some of the symptoms to the heat...that was until he had blood in his stool a few months ago. Since then, we have been in and out of doctor's offices for diarrhea, weight loss, etc. Some of the symptoms that he has been experiencing include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, canker sores in his mouth (7 at the present time), abdominal pain, muscle cramps, blood in stool, etc. Does this sound like celiac disease? I have mentioned it to a couple of doctors and they look at me (mom) like I am stupid...They say that he is too young to have that problem that just developed out of nowhere. I need some direction and appreciate all responses...Thank you!!!

Robetta

[lovegrov]

"Hello...I am new to this site but figured you all could help me. My son (8 yrs old) has not really been healthy since this past summer. He played on a travelling baseball team and we attributed some of the symptoms to the heat...that was until he had blood in his stool a few months ago. Since then, we have been in and out of doctor's offices for diarrhea, weight loss, etc. Some of the symptoms that he has been experiencing include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, canker sores in his mouth (7 at the present time), abdominal pain, muscle cramps, blood in stool, etc. Does this sound like celiac disease? I have mentioned it to a couple of doctors and they look at me (mom) like I am stupid...They say that he is too young to have that problem that just developed out of nowhere. I need some direction and appreciate all responses...Thank you!"

Several of these symptoms sound like celiac, although the blood in stool is not common. Vomiting is not unheard of, but still is not high on the list of symptoms.

If the doctor can't figure out what's happening, he or she is an idiot for not doing the celiac blood panel. It's simple, although it does cost. Too young? No such thing. We also hear doctors saying people are too old. BS. My father was diagnosed at age 70.

If you have the money or insurance, it should be done.

richard

[Fiddle-Faddle]

He is NOT too young to develop celiac like this all of a sudden.

However, there are many things that could cause these symptoms. On the other hand, all it would take would be a simple blood test to rule it in (unfortunately, many of us don't believe that you can rule it out, even with negative bloodwork, unless you find something else that explains all the symptoms).

The blood in his stool--is it bright red, or very dark?

If it's bright red, it might be from fissures (cracks) near the anus, or from hemorrhoids irritated by straining during poops. What do the doctors say about the blood?

You might try printing out information about celiac and bringing it to the doctors; sounds like they aren't current with their information. (There's a reason that it takes an average of 11 years in this country to get diagnosed--the doctors aren't exactly on top of things.) Only problem is, doctors HATE when you point out that they are wrong.

Can you get a second opinion? Perhaps you could start another thread asking for a recommendation to a celiac-savvy MD in your area.

Does celiac run in your family? If so, it might help if the doctors know this, especially if somebody had these same symptoms as a child and was then diagnosed with celiac.

Hang in there, good luck, and keep us posted!

[RiceGuy]

Strenuous (even moderate) exercise or warm/humid weather always did me in (and still does to some extent). One thing I found out about along the way is intestinal yeast overgrowth (candida). Although it can cause some of the symptoms you've mentioned, I would not expect it to explain everything. Still, it seems to be related to Celiac in some way, for many on this board. The canker sores and nausea are the ones which seem to relate most to candida.

I would definitely seek another doctor if you want to pursue tests, though unless you find someone with a clue about Celiac, it can be a bumpy and frustrating ride. Meanwhile, your son will continue to suffer. The tests are not very accurate, and if you choose to try the gluten-free diet before completing the tests, it will make testing all-the-more inaccurate.

On the other hand, the diet is by far the best test there is, and if it helps your son feel better, there is no tests in the world that can take that away. When first trying the gluten-free diet, it is often recommended to also go dairy-free at the same time. After feeling better, try reintroducing dairy and see what happens. Some find they can tolerate dairy once the body heals, while others do not.

You may also consider Open Original Shared Link testing, which many on this board have recommended. Apparently, their tests can still be done for a certain amount of time after starting the gluten-free diet.

A final note on candida; It can't hurt to try some Open Original Shared Link to see if they help (check ingredients). But IMO there is more going on than that, especially given the bloody stools. That part sounds potentially serous.

[rinne]

I'm sorry to hear he is ill.

I am wondering if he was healthy until this past summer? Does he have any history of infections treated with anti-biotics? Ear infections as a baby? Does his diet include processed food with additives? Does he crave sugar? Could he have been exposed to any toxic substances?

As someone else mentioned you can try the diet without a diagnosis and if it helps that will provide some clues.

As for doctors, keep looking till you find a good one, the last thing you need is a doctor who questions or resents your looking for answers.

[jerseyangel]

Before you try cutting anything out of his diet, tell the doctor that you want the Celiac Panel run. It's a simple blood draw, and there's certainly enough in the way of symptoms to warrant the test. Going gluten-free or gluten lite beforehand will affect this test.

The panel consists of these--

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Total Serum IgA

You need them all to get a good picture of what might be going on.

Best of luck