Distended Stomache?

[lainie]

Hello,

My 16 mos. old daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She started showing symptoms at 12 mos. when we took her off formula and started really feeding her more solids. The past four months have been very hard but we are finally on a gluten free diet and she is like her old self again. My biggest worry is that she has a very distended abdomen and it has not completely gone away. She has been Gluten free for about 3.5 weeks. Has this happened to any one else? How long might it take for her belly to be normal again? Thanks for any comments or ideas.

[momof2]

Its funny you should post this. My husband and I were just looking at our 22 month olds pictures of when she was first diagnosed at 16 months. The stomach on her was incredible, and if your child resembles, mine, it will take a while. It was about 4 months before my daughters full tummy went away.

Good luck with this new way of living!

[JacobsMom]

Hi

My 2 year old is the same way. We are newly diagnoised also about the same time as you. He has been gluten-free for about 3 weeks and his stomach is still huge also. Maybe it will just take time like everyone says...I also heard someone say they didnt see a difference for about 6 months...

Good Luck to you I know exactly what your going thru. Sorry I cant shed any light on it!!!

Have a good week.

Brandi

[lainie]

Thanks for your posts. It is good to know that we are not alone. I can't wait for her stomache to go down. It looks so uncomfortable.

[tpineo]

My daughter was diagnosed at 3 and it took a few months to see the difference in her stomach. She regained her energy, started toileting normally, and gained several pounds within a few weeks of being gluten-free but it took longer for her stomach to look "normal" again. Hang in there - the first few months are the hardest when you are constantly unsure of what is gluten-free and what is not and are trying new foods some of which are not great.

I would recommend:

Kids with Celiac Disease by Donna Korn

Eating Gluten Free with Emily- cute book for kids about 2-8

and food wise I have a list of my daughter''s favorite foods (also named Emily) which may help:

Emily

[angel-jd1]

That is a great list for newbie parents!!! Especially the craft info. You put a lot of work into it. Nice job!

-Jessica

[lainie]

Thank you Tania! what a great list. I am printing it out right now! It is also really good to know that the distended stomache will take a while but that it will eventually go away.

Elaine