<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Ron Hoggan suggested delaying a gluten challenge in children until they
are at least six years old, so as not to adversely affect early growth
and development.  I am inclined to agree with this reasoning for
young children with close celiac relatives or who have exhibited
symptoms associated with celiac disease.

Gayle Kennedy then wrote:

> I would like to also suggest that the same consideration might apply
> to adults....If a gluten free diet removes the symptoms and ingestion
> of a little bit of gluten makes one sick, is that not enough empirical
> evidence?

I think a post last fall by Nancy Lilly addresses this issue very well.
Here are some excerpts from it:

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Date:         Mon, 21 Oct 1996 15:13:33 -0700
From:         Nancy Lilly <[log in to unmask]>

It interested me that I had quite a few responses questioning why I want
the diagnosis, since the GF diet has sort of proven it by default....
Since more than one or two people asked, I thought I'd reply to the
list.

1.  I have a wonderful adult son, & will probably have grandchildren one
of these days.  If I am a definite, diagnosed celiac, I can convince my
son to get tested, plus it will be a known genetic factor to take into
consideration medically for my family.

2.  And, speaking of family, I am hoping to trace (&think I may know)
what the line of inheritance is.

3.  I don't like doctors looking at me when I say I have Celiac Disease
with that "humor her - it can't hurt, anyway" kind of attitude.

4.  I was lucky the last time I was hospitalized for an illness - there
was a doctor on the staff who had CD and could front with the kitchen
for me - otherwise, I would have had a hard time getting decent food.  I
may not be so lucky next time, so I want a diagnosis on my medical
record.  (I know the diagnosis doesn't mean people will know more, but
it means that they might give what I have to say more credence.)

5.  There are investigations, tests, experiments, etc.  going on through
USC re/Celiac, and I would like to be available to volunteer, but they
only use diagnosed subjects.

6.  My mother had Alzheimers, and I live in fear of being helpless &
confused, and being fed food that will make me even more miserable.
Again, I feel that the "credibility factor" of having a diagnosis that
medical personnel will respect is important in so many potentially
difficult situations.

7.  Even though I think I'm gluten free, a lab test cannot prove that
unless we have a test that is positive for antibodies to use as a
standard.

8.  If I don't have CD, I have SOMETHING that creates the same extensive
symptomology, and I'd like to know what the heck it is.
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In some countries there can also be tax or social service benefits
available to those who can prove (usually with a doctor's statement)
that they are celiacs.  This is yet another reason why it can be worth-
while getting a confirmed diagnosis.

For adults and older children, I think these points make a strong case
for getting a medically-proven diagnosis.  As we can see, this is very
difficult for those who have already adopted the GF diet, because it
involves a prolonged gluten challenge.  Hopefully this will at least
encourage anyone who is contemplating "trying" the GF diet on their own
to instead pursue getting a medically-proven diagnosis.  In the long run
I really think it is worth it.

Just another layperson's opinion...

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-- Jim Lyles ................... Home: [log in to unmask]
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