Gluten Free But Misdiagnosed, more than once

by Catherine Smith
(Christchurch, Nz)

Valentina isn't yet two, but from the time she started on formula at 9 months something didn't seem right. She had a huge puku, always loose bowel moments and bad skin. She itched her skin so much it bled.

4 out of my 7 nieces and nephews have coeliacs but I didn't think of it. So I took her to the doctor many times and he kept saying she must have an infection. After a year of this I was sick of hearing the same thing , I had changed formulas twice on the doctors request.

Since I have lactose intolerance we assumed that is what she had. We put her on lactose free milk. Not much changed to be honest. So I changed doctors ( Ive had the same one for 18 years ).

My new doctor suggested I get tested for coeliacs, and while I was negative for it I had done some research on it. All of her symptoms matched Coeliacs and even my nursing friends and family said it was likely. I don't want to get her tested as I have already taken her off gluten fully and she would have to back on gluten to be tested.

The Improvements are immense, better skin but not perfect, no large swollen puku, better bowel movements and she doesn't have dark under eye circles. Taken into consideration its only been a month and it takes a lot longer to fully recover. But she has gained weight and got taller. I know this because she doesn't fit her clothes.

The worst part for all of it, we are of italian heritage, so we eat or should I say used to eat a lot of bread and pasta (and cheese). So even though we have swapped over it just doesn't taste the same. Even my gut is looking a lot better.

So that was a bit of a rant but I have a mostly happier child except when she wants to eat other kids food.