Diagnosis

[a-adamson]

Just after my son turned 1 year old he started having really bad diarrhea. The doctor told us for about 6 weeks that that it was a virus and we just had to wait for him to get over it. I felt that wasn't right but we waited some more, trusting our doctor. Then he stayed with my in-laws for a weekend and my mother-in-law said she thought it was a gluten allergy. So rather than listen to the doctor we went to the store and bought gluten free food. He got better within a week. So we are 90% sure that he has celiac disease.

We have had some issues with diarrhea but not nearly as bad as before (I think it is because I am not experienced at reading labels yet so there was some hidden gluten). We went to our doctor again and he still said it was just another virus but did write a referral for an allergist.

Today we had our visit to the allergist. They did a scratch test and he was not allergic to wheat, milk, egg, rye, oat, or soy. The allergist does think that he has celiac disease due to the family history (mother-in-law) and the symptoms. However, he said our son was too young to do the blood test but he would do it in six months. He said to keep the gluten free diet. But then he said the blood test will most likely show negative since he will not have gluten in his system. I don't understand why we would do a blood test on an 18 month old if you already know it will be negative. Has anyone experienced a diagnosis for a child this young?

[Dixiebell]

Sorry to hear your little one is having tummy troubles. Celiac is not an allergy so the allergy tests would not find it. If you want blood test or endoscopy keep him on gluten. I think some children that young have been positive on the blood test. If you think you have found your answer to his problems and don't need an official diagnosis then keep him gluten free. A good thing is that being gluten free will not mask other medical problems.

[sarahbella636]

Hi there- my 19 month old tested positive to the celiac panel when he was 18 months. The doctor ordered it due to his slow weight gain and mild anemia. We have a follow up appointment with the pediatric GI doctor next month. We will see if he will have further bloodwork done then or a biopsy. From what I've heard on here, his results from the bloodwork definitely look like Celiac.

Good luck to you and I hope you are able to find some answers