FTT - No reason found?!

[KokIsmom]

My 18mo old weighs  in at 16lbs and is just under 26inches.  She has plataued on the charts from 6-9 months on. She has "mushy" stools an avg. of 3-4xs a day. I have had a RAST test done (with no allergies), Celiac panel (negative), thyroid check (all good), Liver function (good), Stool samples for fat, parasites, etc. (all clear), CF sweat check and xray - clear.  I am greatful that all is coming out clear...but I am convinced something is not functioning properly.  On the advice of a nutricianist, I have pumped up her calories by adding to her diet. She is on a vitamin supplement as well as pro-biotics per the Ped GI.

I was told to wait a month to see what happens - we are three weeks into the diet change with no gains/changes in anything included BMs.  I would like to know what I should be asking the Ped GI next?  What is the next course of action?  There are 4 Ped GIs in our area, all work together.  I like the Doc. but I've gone as high up as I can; I think.

I must add that I am only 4'11.  I have no aversion to my child being petite.  I am concerned about her developement.  I am tired of people saying, I'm small so she is small.  I don't think this is a problem - or The problem.  I have a 3 year old who is on "target".  

Would love some advice and guidance.  Please!!!

[patient915]

Your doctor is somewhat right.  The chance is of having celiac disease and having a negative blood test is about 1%.  There is no definite answer for the amount of time to try a gluten free diet.  If you do it strictly for a month (that means 0 gluten) she should show some improvement in a month.  If that doesn't help or if you don't want to try that you should take her to a hospital known to have a good GI department.

[KokIsmom]

Thank you for your reply.  She had a Celiac Panel done with neg results..the Ped GI said with certanty "she does not have Celiac...she might develope it sometime but she doesn't have it."  When I asked about a Gluten free diet his response was "you can try it but why put yourself thru the stress.  She doesn't have Celiac."  Where should I go when the only one of 4 Ped. GIs tells me this?  

So, you reckon it takes about 1mo to see if the Gluten Free diet works?  Thank you so much.  I'm at my wits end.

[patient915]

I don't know what it is but just letting you know that a child can still have Celiac disease with totally negative blood panels.  You might want to try her on a completely gluten free diet for at least a month and see if anything improves.  The only 100% accurate test for Celiac disease is a colonoscopy which I assume is very difficult for a 18 month old.  You might want to get some more blood tests done like a CBC and testing her vitamins and minerals to make sure she is not malnourished from a disease or something.  Best of luck.