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Hi, Please offer your thoughts, if you have any on this subject.  I was
diagnosed with celiac 6 months ago. I have two sons, one is 11 years the
other is 18 months. At the 11 year old's physical, I asked our
pediatrician about having him tested for celiac even though he has no
obvious symptoms. It took 10 years for me to be diagnosed (I was told
Irritable Bowel for 10 years), and it bothers me to think about how much
damage I unknowingly did to my small intestine. If possible, I'd like to
protect my son from that.

However, after much discussion with the pediatrician (who I might add,
consulted with a pediatric gastroenterologist), I am feeling even more
confused than ever. The two outcomes of testing:

a) We do the blood test and biopsy and find out he's negative. That
would rule out that he would not develop celiac disease. Which would
make me feel incredibly happy. or b) we do the blood test and biopsy and
find out that he's positive BUT he has no symptoms right now. So then
what? Do you force a child of 11 years to adhere to a gluten free diet
even though he's not technically sick (yet)?

My other major concern is this. If he has no symptoms, but does have celiac
disease, is there damage being done to his small intestine even though he
has no symptoms? The pediatric gastro says that there is "no evidence" to
support or refute that.

Your thoughts much appreciated!

Thank you.

Deb