Newbie - Intro

[jmjsmomma]

Hello Everyone,

I cannot put into words the overwhelming relief I feel in finding this board!! My name is Shannon. My 5 1/2 year old son, Jackson, has recently been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Long story short, he fell off the growth charts at his 3 year c/u. Under the care of a pedi endocrinologist since Jan 07, tested negative for growth hormone deficiency. Monitored every 6 months and at the 12.17.08 f/u appt, the doc was very concerned that he had not grown at all in the previous 6 months. I mentioned that he had been complaining of the odd stomach ache and the bells went off. She ordered the test and called me back to say that his b/w was "alarming". Meet with the pedi G.I. on Jan 8, and he was scoped on Jan 10. He's been gluten free since Jan 9th.

While it was initially completely stressful, we are doing pretty good 2-3 weeks into it. He is a happy, pleasing child so he hasn't resisted at all...yet!! He is my meat, veggie and fruit eater and is willing to try anything. My 3 year old son and hubby have tested negative. My results are still pending. Questionable is my 2 year old daughter. Her results came back negative, BUT, she is IGA deficient, so last week it was off to the G.I. with her! He said her deficiency render the panel useless so we have to do the genetic screen on her next week. UGH!!!

I'm happy to have the diagnosis and the knowledge that my 5 1/2 year old (who is the size of my 3 year old) will hopefully catch up and feel better. It is all so shocking as he really was very asymptomatic other than the odd belly ache. But of course now that we have the diagnosis and knowledge, he had other signs (distended belly, slow growth).

Just feeling isolated and alone right now....really need a great group of Mommies to help muddle through this maze! I look forward to getting to know you all!

[Jestgar]

There is a great group of mommies here. I'm not one of them, but I wanted to welcome you just the same

[dandelionmom]

Welcome! This forum has helped us a lot.

Our 5 year old was diagnosed a year and a half ago and I can't even begin to tell you the transformation we've seen in that time. She went from the littlest in her class to the tallest (and she's no longer the thinnest!).

[happygirl]

There is a great group of mommies here. I'm not one of them, but I wanted to welcome you just the same

Ditto. This is a great resource, so make yourself at home. There is always someone with an answer or opinion. Welcome to the board!

[Amyleigh0007]

Welcome! This forum has helped me tremendously. It's a great place to vent, ask questions, and learn! I don't know what I would do without this forum! I felt just like you when my young son was diagnosed but I promise, it gets easier. Now, shopping gluten free is second nature. The positives far outweigh the negatives in the gluten free lifestyle. Your son will begin to grow and thrive and you will be a gluten free believer just like the rest of us!

[CeliacMom2008]

Just wanted to add my "Welcome!" The beginning is a stream of ups and downs. We'll help you through the downs and celebrate the ups with you! We've been gluten-free for a litte over a year, and it really does get MUCH easier than it is the first couple of months.

Welcome!!