Getting kids tested?

[k75]

Hi, I am new to this forum and newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I am 31 and given my symptoms have probably had CD for many years, but not sure about in childhood. I have two children, ages 4 and 6, who may or may not have symptoms. I say that because while neither of them is wasting away or seem to have severe GI symptoms, certain things could be attributed to CD and I personally did not have severe GI symptoms either. My question is whether or not I should get them tested. I really don't want them to go through the blood draw for nothing, and their pediatrician says not to test, but I also think that like most other primary docs she is not really current on her info about CD.

Does anyone have an experience to share about getting thier kids tested and what it was like? I would really appreciate it. I think it's really important to know if they need to be on my GF diet, but I don't want to put them through something unnecessarily. Thanks! K

[cruelshoes]

Welcome to the board! Yes, all your first degree relatives should be tested (parents, siblings, children). Their chance of having CD is approximately 1 in 22. General population has a chance of 1 in 133. I had my children tested after I was diagnosed. My daughter was negative, but my son was positive. He had no obvious symptoms other than a slowdown in his growth. He had no GI symptoms other than occasional "D".

Testing starts with a simple blood test. Not too traumatic - nothing a little ice cream won't cure. Based on the results, you Dr. may pass you on to a GI doctor for an endoscopy.

Here are some recent discussions you may find of use:

blood tests to diagnose CD: http://www.celiacforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=217

Testing children: http://www.celiacforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=3031

I'm sure others will chime in with more info. Know that you are not alone, and you can ask any question you have here.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
9-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters have negative bloodwork - so far!

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[tdavis11]

My father has celiac. And I recently started a gluten free diet after a long period of illness with no surprise improved health. I do not have an official diagnosis, my blood tests came back negative, and I have not done any further testing.

My daughter also has had negative blood test results but continues to have intestinal issues. I just ordered the genetic test (swab of the cheek) for her at enterolab.com. I'm hoping to find out if she has the genes, then I will put her on a gluten free diet. She is 12 and very tired of being sick. I want to be sure before I start her on a gluten free diet. I'm going to send the paperwork to my insurance company to see if they will cover the fees, if not I feel it is $150 well spent. They say if you have the genes you may be triggered into the disease later on or already have celiac. With the time it took for me to finally feel better (get properly diagnosed) I would rather just know with my daughter.

Eventually I would like to order the genetic testing for myself. I'm a teacher and this is an especially hectic time for me to have it done so I'm waiting. I'm also curious to see if my insurance will cover the cost. My daughter's pediatrician had never heard of the test but after going on the website agreed that it would be a good idea to order it. She even offered to write doctor's orders if I need them for the insurance.

Hope this helps.

[Amooliakin]

[ostrich]

Amoo officially has the cutest avatar ever. <3
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

[Amooliakin]

[tdavis11]

My daughter tested positive for gluten sensitivity but not celiac. She has been following a gf diet now and is doing great. It is amazing the difference. Also my insurance reimbursed me for the cost of the test another bonus

Good luck with the test if you decide to do it.

Terri