testing son

wendifor · Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 20

I took my 15 year old son in today to get blood work to test for CD, I was was DX about 2 1/2mths ago. Some questions:
My symptoms were there, but never really strong. He says he has no symptoms. Can the disease be dormant and start showing itself later in life (seems like mine did after having my last child 3yrs ago)? If so, will he test positive for Celiac, or can it basically hide itself until later in his life?

Thanks,
Wendi

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2545 Location: Washington State

Celiac disease can present few symptoms for many years and then get triggered by something like stress, childirth, an illness, etc. My son was nearly asymptomatic when he was diagnosed when he was 6. Also, during the teenage years you can have what is called a "honeymoon period", in which the symptoms seem to go away. But even though there are no symptoms, there is still damage occurring.

My son's GI was absolutely shocked at how much damage there was in my son's endoscopy pictures. She said she was amazed that he was not having classic symptoms.

Hope this helps.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

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

bookworm87 · Joined: 29 Oct 2006 Posts: 6

Catching things early seem to prevent a lot of pain and frustration that may come in the near future. I have had symptoms my whole life, but I was not diagnosed until 17. I have been told by doctors and my nutritionsit that celiac's my not come full throtle until after a major stress in your life, child birth, sever illness, an accident...So there is a chance your son will have no problems now, but may later in life. The more you talk about your allergies the better prepared he will be if ever the symptoms start showing themselves. I say why not get him tested, what will it hurt if everything comes up roses?