Lactose intolerance or more?

[bethylou]

I hope it's okay to post about intolerances here, as I know they are different to allergies.

I am at the end of my tether! Ds1 (2.6years) has been put on a lactose-free diet by the dietician after 4 months of being clinically anaemic. There was a marked improvement within days in his energy levels, he was less whiney and had much more colour in his (Caspar the ghost-like) cheeks. He's gained 420g this month, as opposed to the 40g he managed pre-diet the previous month so we know we're going in the right direction.

However, the improvement seems to have dropped off a little. He's paler again and has been lying on the bottom step of the stairs saying, "It's a long way up there. I can't get up," again.

What do I do next? I'm guessing that I might need to try dairy-free stuff but I don't have another appointment with the dietician till the new year (and had to wait ages for the last one)and have no idea where to start, what to use/avoid etc.. How much longer should I leave it before doing anything?

Sorry for the ramble - it's been a long journey that I thought was complete, and suddenly I feel we have had a set back. Any advice gratefully received.

my dd had intolerance and a dairy free diet for a long time. she had very differnet symptoms but im assuming if its aneamia then you need to get as much iron in to him as possible and alot of carbs if he is weak, pasta pots and rice. lots of green veggies, red meat and dark berried fruits such as blue berries and blackberries, tomaotos and avocadoes. I didnt really use to much dairy alternatives as they dont taste too great, other than soya as a basic for sauces and the odd milkshake or smoothie but you do need to limit this due to hormone levels as it contains alot of oestrogen.

have you discussed him eating snack foods that may have milk products in them? as if a child is under weight puddings are great, my dd was not under weight but did like the odd pudding and she could tolerate biscuits and most cakes and very high contents dark chocolate (but not milk) would give her a real boost of energy. i used to give her the occassional square or 2 of 70% or higher contents choc, in my experience the dietition was helpfull over the phone if i had any major worries she would be happy to call me back and advice.

Has he been tested for Coeliac Disease?

You can become anaemic and lactose intolerant if you develop Coeliac Disease.

My son was ghostly white and had to be carried up stairs - he was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease.

Does he have any other symptoms?

I am lactose intolerant and it doesn't sound a bit like it I'm afraid. I would push to find out more for sure.

Thanks. The problems began after a prolonged tummy bug and the other symptoms included: reflux which seemed to be a real issue (from 4 months old, but can't get him off it successfully); he wasn't gaining weight (of any amount to speak of); very lethargic; complaining of tummy ache and feeling sick on a daily basis; stools loose or too solid.

Booner - he has been tested for Coeliac Disease and it came back negative but I do wonder whether cutting back on wheat might help (and it's definitely helped DH).

Allhallows-he eats lots of the foods you have suggested anyway and he's been on iron for the last few months but it hasn't had much effect - suggesting that he's not absorbing it I assume?

Thanks for answering me. We actually went out for dinner last night, for the first time in months, hence not replying.