What Would You Do?

[amy8877]

We are 3 weeks in to going gluten free here. Did it all the wrong way...but to make a long story short- there is NO way I want to put my kids back on gluten now for testing. But, my 5 year old has had a rash for 2 years on his bottom. It bleeds sometimes. Looks like zits. It completely went away after 3 days gluten-free. I tested him 2 days ago and gave him goldfish. the rash was back and bleeding the next morning! 30 hours later after no gluten. it is completely gone!! Now, how do I go about getting him tested for celiac without giving him gluten for months???

[shadowicewolf]

You can't? He'd have to be on it for a several weeks (i've heard anywhere from 2-6 weeks, longer the better) just for the testing to come back accurately. The only test that does not require this is the genetics test but generally that alone is not enough for a diagnosis.

[squirmingitch]

Even for the skin biopsy he has to be eating a full gluten diet. You could try giving him gluten for a week & get the dh biopsy & if it's neg. you can be pretty sure it was false neg. but there's the off chance that it will be positive.

[jlaw]

although if you had a sympathetic doctor, the genetics test and your own observations may be enough for a diagnosis?? Ahh, I don't know. It really is a dilemma. But if it was me, I probably would continue the gluten. It's such a lifestyle change and particularly hard with children. I personally would need the formal diagnosis behind me. BUT that is only me. I guess it depends somewhat on how you feel like you will go later on.

[GFreeMO]

I would just go with your gut and the positive results he has had. You don't need an official diagnosis to eat a certain way. I'm glad that your kids are doing better! Thats the most important part.