Gluten, Celiac Testing and Diet Changes

[sugarsue]

Well, we will be starting up a GFCF diet next week. Savanna gets her celiac test on Monday and then her new doc (Dr. J.) wants her off gluten even if the celiac test is negative. Since she has similar issues that are found in children with autism and has so many of the celiac symptoms, Dr. J. believes that she will benefit a lot from this diet. I am overwhelmed with the future of controlling every bite that goes into her mouth but I know we have to try. She is addicted to wheat and is a picky eater and this will be a difficult transition.

Susan

[angeleena]

Wow, let us know how it goes.

What kind of testing shows celiac? I ask because I wonder about my girl and myself.

Hope it goes well.

Angi

[sugarsue]

There is a celiac panel

that tests all the immune responses to Gluten. This test is apparently 90% accurate in children over the age of 6 but under 6 can be even more unreliable. Also, it is possible to be gluten intollerant but not officially a celiac.

There are many symptoms but you can also have no symptoms (and they pop up later). Here are some of Savanna's...

Behavior
Seizures
Stomach pain
really loose, smelly stools
gas
small stature
addicted to wheat
poor sleeper
malabsorbtion

It's definately something to look into if you have any thought it might be the case. I am getting excited to start and see if it helps Savanna.

HUGS and thanks for responding!

Susan

[pepperlc]

Good luck - I can only imagine how hard this is going to be. Thankfully there are so many alternatives out there now.

Big hugs.
karen