Biopsy For My Son

[Mac55]

Hi all, I've read A LOT of the posts here but this is my first. I found out a few weeks ago I have Celiac and went gluten-free immediately with fantastic results. I'm not %100 yet but feeling better than I have in years! Our family dr also recommended having our boys try it too, as our oldest, who's almost 4, has had many issues over his short life we've been trying to work out, including sleep apnea, reflux, mild speech delay, big attentional issues, lots of ENT issues including ear and sinus infections. I had been thinking along the lines of a gluten sensitivity with him, if not Celiac, and she was aware of this. He's been doing great on the gluten-free diet. Marked improvement in the attention department, not as exhausted and congested. His issues aren't solved but some are better.

Anyway, at my older son's last GI appt he wanted to do a scope to see if they could find any reasons for his reflux. This was prior to my diagnosis. My dr updated his GI about my Celiac and he wants definitely wants to have him come in for a scope. He called and left a message this afternoon. We do want to get both the boys tested and we know the conventional way is putting them back on gluten. I'm so wary to do this. My poor little guy has spent so much of his life in haze, exhausted and just not feeling right. I'd hate to do this if I don't have to. Although, I do want to know for sure. Such an internal battle, you know?

I guess my question to you all is what would you do? Is it something that is worth it in the end? I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to eat gluten again to get the biopsy. I told my dr this and she said I didn't have to, the blood tests and symptoms were enough. I just don't know what to do! Also, in your opinion, how long should he be back on gluten? He's only been gluten-free for 2 1/2 weeks or so. Thanks for any input!!!

Megan

[Wolicki]

Megan,

I could not bare to put my son back on gluten for the biopsy. His symptom improvement was more than enough for me. That, including a positive blood test, was enough for me. I just couldn't put him under even more stress by doing the biopsy. If his improvement is significant, I would go with that.

janie

[Mac55]

Thanks for your reply. We haven't even done any blood work on him in the last two years. He was tested at 2 and was negative. I should get those results, come to think of it. I'm still torn. I do know he's better without gluten but it'd be nice to know if he has it, like I do. Still haven't made up my mind. How old was your son when you were going through this with him?