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We live in Canberra , Australia. My  daughter now aged 10 has had
recurrent ulcers on the cornea in either or both her eyes since the age
of 3 or 4. After many visits to eye specialists, paediatricians, many GP
s, a naturopath and an acupuncturist we have managed to largely control
the problem by eliminating gluten and milk in her diet. No doctor could
successfully diagnose her problem. With the ulcers on the eye, she also
suffered diarrhoea, often pale and foamy, excessive gas, stomach aches
above the waist and sometimes migraines. She was until recently very pale
and often very tired. As a toddler she had chronic eczema and had to have
her tonsils removed as they were dangerously inflamed. She has had many
blood tests and the earlier ones showed iron deficiency and an increase
in white blood cells. She has also had abdominal ultrasounds and
scrapings to ensure that there was no herpes in the eyes. All were
negative. We went to a corneal specialist in Sydney who had never heard
of the condition and was unable to help.
 
We initially eliminated only wheat and she improved but still had
problems. We then eliminated rye and  oats and mild products but she
still occasionally had all the above symptoms. The eye specialist was
using strong steroid drops which did cure the eyes but I was not happy
about the use of these. We eventually had blood test done to check for
Celiac s disease, but she always tested negative. We finally removed
maltodextrine, which was in the Soy milk that I was giving her and in
many other things and her condition improved further. She has a much
improved skin colour and has filled out considerably. We had a blood test
done to test for allergies and was positive for wheat, bakers yeast,
strawberries, bananas, colours 102 and 122 and cocoa and `Canberra
trees . Further restrictions, including having a rather indoor life have
kept her symptoms under control. She still occasionally has problems,
with an upset stomach and red eyes but she seems to improve  in a matter
of a day or two rather than a week or more.
 
I see from this newsletter that a biopsy is seen as essential but I am
loathe to do this as it will further damage her eyes (there is some
scarring) to give her gluten products. I feel that I should confirm
Celiacs if that is what it is so that my other children can also be
tested.
 
Has anyone come across a similar case to this? I would be glad of any
comments.
 
Rosemary Oram ([log in to unmask])