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8 year old possible coeliac disease?

4 replies

Wincher · 29/09/2018 21:00

My son has had stomach issues for the last five weeks or so - ongoing nausea, stomach aches, constipation. He has been in tears going into school every day this week because of feeling ill, but apparently he perks up during the day. I feel really bad sending him in regardless, but he cants stay off every day, and he seems fine much of the time. We have so far been to the GP twice - the first one diagnosed constipation and prescribed movicol. The second time I asked for a blood test for coeliac, because quite a few people in my family have it (though I've never been tested). The GP was quite dismissive and googled coeliac and said that if he had it he would have diahorrea, not constipation, but he did agree to the test (we haven't managed to get the test done yet). He advised to up the dose of Movicol and said we would review after the bloods were done. DS does seem to be pooing more regularly now but still feeling really unwell so much of the time. He is quite small and skinny for his age, despite having tall parents, and eating loads.

Does anyone know whether this sounds like it could be coeliac? Or any other suggestions? We have wondered whether it could be connected to anxiety about school, but he says nothing is bothering him about school. Can coeliac develop so suddenly aged 8? Can he inherit it even if a parent doesn't have it? The GP said if no first degree relative has it he is less likely to have it, although my grandmother, aunt and uncle all have/had it.

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stripes1 · 29/09/2018 21:07

Have you had a look on the coeliac uk website? I think constipation is listed as a symptom (it’s less common than diahorrea). It is genetic, but you may have the gene but not develop the disease or develop it later in life. Have you been advised that he needs to keep gluten in the diet until diagnosis? If you take gluten out of the diet the blood test won’t be accurate. Good luck, hope you get answers soon.

epicclusterfuck · 29/09/2018 21:08

Very likely to be coeliac disease! 1 in 10 chance if close relative has it (parent, sibling, children) and 1 in 100 chance for everyone else. Can cause constipation and bloating as well as diarrhoea. Doesn't always cause weight loss but often the reason for 'failure to thrive' in younger children.

redsummershoes · 29/09/2018 21:10

it could be. symptoms od coeliac are very varied.
especially with the family history it's good that they have tested.
the blood test is a first good step, but if it comes back negative dc needs to be referred for biopsy (false negative blood test results are possible)

Wincher · 29/09/2018 21:25

Thanks all. The GP was so dismissive, if it comes back negative I think it will be more "I told you so" than referring for a biopsy. Of course I really hope it isn't coeliac, as that is lifelong and would be an arse ache, but a small part of me guiltily would like to prove this GP wrong! Also when he went online to google he had a story on his screen from a Nigerian news source with a headline about a married woman being fingered, which didn't seem terribly appropriate. Anyway, I do think it is a possibility. I've just put him to bed with a hot water bottle for his tummy and some peppermint tea. I just wish I knew what was going on. People have suggested abdominal migraine, but that sounds like it is more episodic whereas this is just constant.

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