Mucousy Stools A Symptom?

[stomica]

My daughter who is now 2 1/2 was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in January after a colonoscopy. Her main symptoms were loose stools (2 x day) with lots of mucous and, infrequently, traces of blood. She's been on the meds for her colitis for two months now, though I don't see any change in her stools. The ped GI tested her stool and found no blood as well as no WBC's, which is a measure of inflammation. He ordered one more test (alpha 1-antitrypsin) to check out the inflammation in the colon as well.

In February, her celiac panel came back positive for IgA's and IgG's, though the other two were negative. He said he wants to recheck that in two more months to see if the numbers have increased. He said we need to give it some time for her to build up antibodies to get an accurate result (since two year olds haven't had much time to do that).

I know her symptoms are mild right now, but I'm having trouble waiting. I just want to fix it! I understand going gluten free would be tough, but I want to do whatever is best for her. Here's my main questions...She's very pale with dark circles under her eyes - is that also pretty common in kids with celiac disease? Also, is mucousy stools a common symptom? It's so hard to say since she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis as well. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!

[gf4life]

Have you and your doctor conscidered gene testing? Both the dark circles and the mucousy stool could be caused by celiac disease. Also, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease can be caused by the same genes. It would be worth looking into. It doesn't sound like he is ruling out celiac disease, but it sure is hard to sit back and wait for more testing. Basically, in order for your daughter to have positive antibodies (EMA and TTG is what they want to see before diagnosis) then her intestines have to be damaged enough for the antibodies being produced to "leak" out into the bloodstream. Know this is what is happening kept me from waiting. I got my children tested through Enterolab and then put them on the diet. This is good for their health (they are all three improving), but they do not have an official diagnosis, which is sometimes hard. You have to consider what is best for you and yours. I would try for the gene test first, and then maybe it won't be necessary to wait for more blood tests.

God bless,

Mariann

[Guest gillian502]

I'm curious what you mean by "mucosy" stools, because I too have both celiac disease and Colitis, and lately I've noticed my stools are more "fatty" I guess I would say, than usual. I noticed this more since trying the new medication, Asacol, for the colitis. I also have paleness and dark under-eye circles that have not lessened at all since being gluten-free for 9 months. Now I'm wondering if it was the colitis causing this after all. What type of symptoms is your daughter suffering from, and what have they suggested medication-wise? I'm still learning and getting adjusted to the Colitis part of my diagnosis and am eager to talk to others who have people in their lives with both celiac disease and Colitis. It's so hard to tell which one is causing me the problems I'm still having! I'm also wondering if it's possible that my celiac disease diagnosis was incorrect and the disease I've had all along was Colitis, but maybe not since my small intestine did improve on this diet.

[stomica]

My daughter's only symptoms are mushy, mucousy stools, usually 2 x day. Rarely, she'll complain of tummy pain right before she poops. She's taking azulfidine, which she's been on for two months. I have no idea what's causing them...I still question the UC diagnosis. Who knows! I hope you're doing well. Keep in touch!

[mat4mel]

Hello

I know we have PM'd, but just wanted to tell say my 2 yr old's symptoms sound exactly like yours. She had lots of mucus in her stools, and also complained about her tummy hurting before a bowel movement sometimes. She is also very pale and has dark circles under her eyes. She is a blond hair blue eyed gal anyway, so it might be more noticable with her fair complexion. She has not been really formally diagnosed (I won't do the biopsy) but her two anti-gliadin antibodies were high like your dd's. She didn't have the other antibody tests done. Her stools are so much more normal since going gluten free/casein free. Also wanted to mention that my friend who is a pathologist looked up the #'s for me, and with both tests being positive, there is a 97% chance of my dd having celiac disease. (what the other 3% is, I can't seem to find the answers for). That was enough for me to go gluten free. Anyway, I know I've told you my story a million times. Hang in there, and PM me if you want.

Mel