Possible Celiac Disease - What Else Might It Be?

Hi, I have Celiac disease and my son was diagnosed with Celiac at age 13. We both had some stomach symptoms such as bloating and discomfort but our most troublesome symptoms were fatique, joint pain and general malaise. My son could not focus and had symptoms similiar to ADD. We had blood test and biopsy for comfirmation of diagnosis.

It is not the worse thing in the world - We both feel so much better and healthier. The pre-made, store bought gluten free foods are not that good (some brands better than others) and are very expensive. I make most of our food from scratch. And believe it or not, the food is often better than the wheat based options. I have had lots of company who can eat wheat - love my food and they don't even realize that they are eating something gluten free.

Our whole family went gluten free, it is easier that way and prevents cross contamination. (Although sometimes my husband and daughter have a gluten containing treat).

Elisabeth Hasselback from the view has Celiac. She has written a great cookbook - the recipes are simple to follow. She has a recipe for the best ever devil dogs - Even better than the store bought brand.

I don't know what other kinds of allergies your son has, but if he can have almond flour - I find it is a great alternative to some of the more calorie dense, nutritionally lacking rice flours. and with almond flour you don't need to add so many different ingredients. Google Eleana's pantry for great recipes with almond flour.

Coconut flour is another good healthy option and has a low allergen quality. Again, you don't need so many ingredients when cooking with coconut flour and it is delicious.

Being diagnosed at age 4 versus 13 will be a little easier for your son because it will be what he knows - my son and I had to make complete life style changes. It is definately worth it!

FYI: Your son can have a 504 plan at school for his allergies and celiac disease if that is what he has. The school also required to provide safe food for him. M

I would take Celiac disease over ulcerative colitis or chrons any day - those disease are terrible and often result in bowel resections and other side effects when they get older. Those disease also require medications with side effect. Celiac is just a change in the way you eat - much easier and healthier.

If yo u have any questions or want some resources PM me I would be glad to help.

I just asked my husband to read this because my niece has it but I didn't meet him until she was already being tested. He said the big driver for her was she was always constipated. Totally laxative resistant and would have to be hospitized to clear her out.

He also said from what he heard it takes on many forms so you can't say everyone has this or that.

Why I know on the subject is she is a completely different child now that they have been on the diet. First she isn't physically miserable but more than that her personality changed, she is more outgoing. I don't think people consider how physical issues effect how you look at life.

It is a hard and expensive diet to be on but well worth it. It really isn't life changing in the sense you are speaking. She doesn't seem to care that other kids don't have to eat gluten free or that she cannot. Part of this is her parents mind you. They always make sure that they know when someone in school is celebrating a birthday so they can send a gluten free alternative. All of us keep our eyes out for gluten free foods that will taste good. We live three hundred miles away and still do what we can.

I guess I am saying finding out what was going on was the best thing that happened. The only thing life changing that was going on was the disease itself. Finding out just changed life for the better.

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My daughter is wheat intolerant. Continued to have stomach issues. Turns out her gallbladder was the culprit. She had it out 3 weeks ago & is doing better.

I'm not suggesting your son has this problem. I would seek advice from a pediatric gastroenterologist. Good luck!

My oldest Stepson was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. It presents the same way, with the same symptoms you have described. He was tested for Celiacs as well as Crohns. But it was only Ulcerative Colitis, thank goodness!

~In all honesty, the food allergies alone could be the culprit. The pediatric gastroenterologist will tell you all you need to know.

Could be any number of things, and some are easier to deal with than others. You could do some very simple work up front that won't interfere with testing or meds, if you want to go that route. I have colleagues dealing with Celiac - their kids are symptom-free. Another colleague had a child with 60 food allergies - really. He is allergy free. The different approach is adding what is needed rather than taking away everything. If you want to network with other parents, I can help you do that.

It might be Crohn's Disease or Ulcertive Colitis. Good Luck!