Just Starting Have Few Questions

[laurie9141]

several questions. suspect gluten intolerance in my 3 yr old.. am changing diet..how do I make her understand that she cant eat the fun cookies that everyone else is eating in preschool (esp w Valentines parties coming up).? If anyone has a kid in school and its "their day" to bring snaks do I bring gluten free food for everyone? this stuff is expensive. what do others do?

and lastly, her brother (2 year old) doesnt seem to have probs w gluten. but has milk allergy and has intermittent asthma symptoms and treatment.. does anyone know, if asthma (at least symptoms) can be from gluten? Maybe his show up differently? thanks, laurie

[climbmtwhitney]

Hi Laurie,

I have treat jars at school for my kids. That way when an unexpected birthday treat comes in, they can choose something that they like from their jar. I take class parties one at a time. I find out what the plan is and then work from there. For example, my son's class is decorating heart shaped sugar cookies this week. So, I'm sending in a Gluten-free Casein-free sugar cookie, Gluten-free Casein-free frosting and special dye free sprinkles for him. My daughter's class is having parents send in treats for the whole class, so I volunteered to send in popcorn in baggies. That way I know she'll have at least one favorite to eat. As far as preschool snack day goes there are inexpensive treats. You can do cut up fruit or something like rice krispie treats made with gluten-free Rice Chex. It IS hard, but you'll find that kids adjust really quickly. I have taught my kids never to whine about what they can't have. And, I always do my best to make sure they don't feel left out. Yes, it's extra work, but I think it's important.

Good luck!

Jillian

[CeliacMom2008]

First, have you had either of them tested for Celiac. If you or your pediatrician have any possible thought that it is Celiac, you're going to want to have the testing done before you remove gluten. The test doesn't work if they aren't eating gluten. Also, this is a strict, sometimes challenging lifestyle and you want to have as much motivation to stay on it as possible.

To answer your questions - when we take treats to school, I always do gluten free for the whole class. There are many options - gluten free crispy rice treats (that would be Rice Krispie treats made with gluten free crispy rice cereal, not mainstream Rice Krispies), Betty Crocker fruit snacks (they even have Valentine shaped ones out now), gluten-free cookies or brownies made by you or even cupcakes, ice cream or popsicles if there is a freezer available, Fruitabu fruit tape (made with real fruit and cool for kids because it's a long wound up thingie).

In my opinion, 3 is too young to really be able to understand. The teacher is going to have to take care of her at preschool. Eventually she'll be able to put it all together, but there are lots of adults who don't get it! And it is made even harder if you give her "look alike" products. Her crispy rice treat looks just like Johnny's Rice Krispie treat.

[Squirrelflight]

I agree that I would have the bloodtest done before trying the diet. Also, yes, I would have both children tested and try the diet with both. I have mild asthma with gluten. Again it is mild but I notice it and I do carry an inhaler with me as well.

[sunnybabi1986]

Here is a super good recipe for gluten free cookies using "normal" inexpensive ingredients...you could send some with her to share with her class.

Peanut Butter cookies:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (we use JIF or Skippy)

1 egg

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well, roll into a ball and flatten with a fork

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes

[laurie9141]

great answers but triggers another question.. I have to wait a few to maybe more to see my ped if not an emergency... Unless I lie, lol... been having these behavior problems for too long.. ped pulmonologist just threw the now 2 yr old, on meds and said get used to it.. I dont agree. it isnt that often that he wheezes and I dnot want him on steroids to cover anyone's butt. I notice a diff on the 3 yr old when we have little or no gluten... how much is too much? and I wanna start SOON. SO HOW LONG to be off of gluten will screw up tests? I wonder if that's why mine was neg? I had to be fasting for the rest of the tests drawn... so maybe I didnt have gluten in my system? If the ped isnt seeing this first, and the pulmonologist, nor the allergist/surgeon who removed both of their tonsils, WHO AM I GONNA GET TO SEE IT?... AND finally, thank you all for helping me understand... laurie

[climbmtwhitney]

  On 2/8/2010 at 5:44 AM, laurie9141 said:

great answers but triggers another question.. I have to wait a few to maybe more to see my ped if not an emergency... Unless I lie, lol... been having these behavior problems for too long.. ped pulmonologist just threw the now 2 yr old, on meds and said get used to it.. I dont agree. it isnt that often that he wheezes and I dnot want him on steroids to cover anyone's butt. I notice a diff on the 3 yr old when we have little or no gluten... how much is too much? and I wanna start SOON. SO HOW LONG to be off of gluten will screw up tests? I wonder if that's why mine was neg? I had to be fasting for the rest of the tests drawn... so maybe I didnt have gluten in my system? If the ped isnt seeing this first, and the pulmonologist, nor the allergist/surgeon who removed both of their tonsils, WHO AM I GONNA GET TO SEE IT?... AND finally, thank you all for helping me understand... laurie

Laurie,

Only a few days without gluten shouldn't mess up the tests. I didn't realize you hadn't tested your kids yet. You need to....while ON gluten. The gluten-free lifestyle requires 100% dedication. It is life changing for the ENTIRE family. You're going to need ammunition to stick to it. IF gluten is the problem and IF the kids go gluten free before the tests, then you will notice your kids feeling better right away. Then you will have to put them back on gluten for the tests and knowingly "poison" them. In addition, when gluten is the culprit and you remove it, most people's bodies become more sensitive when they do consume it. So, a gluten challenge becomes even more difficult. And, believe me, you will want a definitive answer. You will want full testing. It may not be Celiac. It may be gluten intolerance. It may be a wheat allergy. Or something else entirely.

I know it's really difficult when you think you have the answer and just want to get going. Been there. But it will be worth it to do it right. Hang in there and get the testing.

Jillian

[Squirrelflight]

  On 2/8/2010 at 5:44 AM, laurie9141 said:

great answers but triggers another question.. I have to wait a few to maybe more to see my ped if not an emergency... Unless I lie, lol... been having these behavior problems for too long.. ped pulmonologist just threw the now 2 yr old, on meds and said get used to it.. I dont agree. it isnt that often that he wheezes and I dnot want him on steroids to cover anyone's butt. I notice a diff on the 3 yr old when we have little or no gluten... how much is too much? and I wanna start SOON. SO HOW LONG to be off of gluten will screw up tests? I wonder if that's why mine was neg? I had to be fasting for the rest of the tests drawn... so maybe I didnt have gluten in my system? If the ped isnt seeing this first, and the pulmonologist, nor the allergist/surgeon who removed both of their tonsils, WHO AM I GONNA GET TO SEE IT?... AND finally, thank you all for helping me understand... laurie

That's a tough situation and if it were an adult I'd say just do the diet but the fact is children are rarely in full control of their environment. Without an official diagnosis they will not have a clear 'right' to a gluten free diet when at school, etc. That is why I feel the dx is important for children.

[CeliacMom2008]

You might try calling your ped's office and requesting the Celiac blood test. You might luck out and have them be cooperative. Try firm but kind. Then you wouldn't have to wait.

[mamaw]

One should be on gluten for at least three months for accurate testing... Some people notice & feel better in a few days without gluten so putting it on the spin-- the other side of the coin. No gluten for several days can alter the test. I'm a seasoned celiac so that is my thought.

There are cookies & cakes , pretzels, candy that we take for our kids at school. I even match the lunch for the day with gluten-free subs. It does require time & planning. I can honestly say our kids have never felt deprived or left out of anything....they even go to CHuckie CHeese for other kids birthday parties. We just take a gluten-free pizza for them. They get to do what all the other kids do....

Stay postive - it does have its rewards.....