There is so much out there nowadays to learn more about allergies and how to treat the side effects thanks to the internet.

And…kudos to you for educating yourself on Jensen’s health issues. It takes a lot of work to do that, and so many folks just don’t realize that the info is out there for anyone to have.

Last, but not least, praise God that the peanut thing was not life-threatening. What a blessing!

Second, ROCK ON for advocating for your son’s health. Good for you.

I am over 50 years old and was only just diagnosed with gluten intolerance a couple of months ago. The new doctor I saw diagnosed me within ten minutes of me beginning to tell him my health history. Then he backed up his diagnosis with testing.

The INEXCUSABLE facts are that a person with this problem would be diagnosed within an average of six months in Europe. In the USA, it takes an AVERAGE of TWELVE YEARS to be diagnosed with gluten intolerance or Celiac. So says the doctor who diagnosed me. (You might have a challenge finding a doctor who will listen to you, but I know you will fight for your son. )

He also said that if your ancestors come from the United Kingdom or Eastern Europe you are much more likely to have this disease. One in three Irish have it.

Stool testing is more reliable than blood testing. The lab that tested me also does a genetic test, a saliva test that is done with a cotton swab in the mouth. Easy.

The naturopathic doc I used to see says that most all gastroenterologists won’t even admit there is such a thing as leaky gut, but gluten intolerance leads to leaky gut.

The list of problems caused by ignoring a gluten intolerance is long. I personally believe medical costs in the USA could be cut immensely if people would just get to the root of the problem (gluten intolerance) that is causing the secondary disease. I thought the root of my problem was low thyroid. Turns out gluten intolerance causes problems with most organs of the body and then further disease, from those organs not working properly, if gluten isn’t eliminated from the diet.

I also have a son who was speech delayed (didn’t really talk until he was five years old and boy did that cause problems in preschool), allergy ridden, had excema as a toddler and ended up struggling SO much in school. If only I had known what I know now, I would have had him tested for the gluten intolerance, while I still had significant control over his diet.

Glad the peanut allergy was not life threatening.

We just were on vacation with my husband’s nephew and his young family. At the 2yo check up, their 2nd child, a boy, had only 3 words that he used. The mom, a speech pathologist, was mortified. But thankfully, she didn’t panic and all of a sudden he was talking in complete sentences and parroting EVERYTHING everyone said. I don’t understand why doctors are so quick to recommend extra help. It’s making young mothers neurotic! (Except for us level-headed ones! HA!) And putting labels on kids that they just don’t NEED the great majority of the time. Why do they think that every child will fit into the same cookie mold? Good grief, let the children develop on their own time.

I totally know what you mean about being proud he called you by name and even said “Thank You!” even if it was about a booger. My 20 month old boy is still not talking- only says Mama and Mine, so I have been a little worried. Glad Jensen is making progress!

We are the only active advocates for our kids, and it is tough. You really have to research and know your rights and fight for what they need and deserve because unfortunately no one will volunteer necessary information. Keep up the good work and listen to your intuitions!

Glad everything’s okay with Jensen!