Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

I Need Advice And Help For A 3 Year Old!


PattiB

Recommended Posts

PattiB Newbie

Hi! I am a new member and I really need some help. My daughter is 3 1/2 and has not been able to have a normal bm since she was 1 1/2. All of the doctors tell me that she is constipated and that it is normal. Believe me, this is not normal. She has contraction like pain while trying to poop and after all of the hours in severe pain she only has leakage that feels almost as though it is grainy and/or sandy. It absolutely breaks my heart and I don't know what to do anymore. She does not eat or drink dairy, I have not gotten rid of gluten yet. I just wanted to get this out there to see if anyone's child has been going through this heart wrenching situation! Please respond if you have any information.

Thanks!!

PattiB


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



gfgypsyqueen Enthusiast

One of my kids went through that for years. It was horrible. The Drs put her on adult doages of stool softeners. Warning labels of over dosage from the pharmasist and all. I got lectures on how to feed a growing child from the DR. Just terrible experience for everyone. In the end the problem was dairy. Once all dairy was eliminated, stools have never been a problem. She is now allowed some cheeses once in a while with a lactaid. This child is not a celiac, but does have food allergies. What helped until she became dairy free is over load the child with water and foods that cause diarrhea.

The next child had the opposite problem. Diarrhea for months on end. Once again Drs said not to worry. When she stopped growing they said she was petite. Don't tell me that when she is under 2 and not doing well. Finally forced a Celiac panel and biopsy. Inconclusive. She has a milk allergy among others. After making her strictly gluten-free/CF and everything else, she is growing and has normal poops.

So for your child, pursue Celiac biopsy and testing. Get gene test too. Sometimes the results are not accurate for young kids. Try an elimination diet. You said child was dairy free now. I would bet some other food is causing problems. (Allergist skin prick tests did not pick up the dairy problem for my oldest.) If nothing else fixes the problem, try the gluten-free diet. I assume someone else in the family has Celiacs which lead you here.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      128,090
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Kerischultz
    Newest Member
    Kerischultz
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.1k
    • Total Posts
      70.6k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Thanks for following up with us on the results. This might be helpful to you now:  
    • Kiwifruit
      Hi I just wanted to update you all and let you know that I finally have my diagnosis. 2 weeks ago I had my third gastroscopy and the biopsy confirmed the damage. Thank you for giving me the information I needed to advocate for myself when I a was a feeling so lost!
    • Scott Adams
      I agree that the gastritis may go away after you've been on a gluten-free diet for a while. If you are concerned, it might make sense for you to do a follow up biopsy after  a year or so on a gluten-free diet. This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):    
    • Scott Adams
      Getting tested for celiac disease is a valid concern, especially given your history of microscopic colitis and the potential risks associated with undiagnosed celiac disease, such as cross-contamination, nutrient malabsorption, and increased cancer risk. Since you’ve been gluten-free for years, reintroducing gluten for the standard celiac blood tests or endoscopy would be challenging, as it requires consuming gluten for several weeks to months, which could worsen your symptoms and disrupt your daily life. Gene testing (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) through a lab like EnteroLab could be a helpful first step. While these genes are present in nearly all celiac patients, having them doesn’t confirm celiac disease—it only indicates genetic susceptibility. If you don’t have these genes, celiac disease is highly unlikely, which could provide some peace of mind. However, if you do have the genes, it doesn’t confirm celiac disease but suggests further testing might be warranted if you’re willing to undergo a gluten challenge. Another option is to discuss with your doctor whether a follow-up endoscopy or other non-invasive tests (like stool tests for gluten antibodies) could provide insights without requiring a gluten challenge. While a formal celiac diagnosis can be important for ensuring strict dietary adherence, access to gluten-free options in hospitals, and monitoring for complications, it’s also worth weighing the risks and benefits of reintroducing gluten. If you’re already strictly gluten-free and managing your symptoms well, the urgency of a formal diagnosis may depend on your personal health goals and concerns. Consulting a gastroenterologist familiar with celiac disease and Microscopic Colitis can help guide your decision.
    • Scott Adams
      Steatorrhea (oily or fatty stools) can indeed be a symptom of malabsorption, which is often linked to gluten exposure in individuals with celiac disease. While it’s possible that a single glutening event, like cross-contamination at a restaurant, could trigger temporary steatorrhea, it’s also worth considering whether there’s a more chronic source of gluten exposure, such as in medications or ongoing dietary mistakes. Since you’ve been less careful recently and experienced this symptom after eating out, it’s plausible that the fries or other cross-contaminated foods could be the culprit. However, if the steatorrhea persists, it might indicate ongoing gluten exposure or another underlying issue, such as pancreatic insufficiency or bile acid malabsorption. Until you can see a GI doctor, it might help to strictly avoid any potential sources of gluten, including cross-contamination, and monitor your symptoms. If the issue continues, it’s important to investigate further, as persistent steatorrhea can lead to nutrient deficiencies. In the meantime, keeping a detailed food and symptom diary could help identify patterns or triggers. Good luck finding a new GI doctor—hopefully, they can provide clarity soon!  
×
×
  • Create New...