Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Not Absorbing After Year And A Half


platinumpony49

Recommended Posts

platinumpony49 Newbie

Hello, I just had a dexa scan the second in 14 months. I went from having a trace of osteopenia in 8/02 to osteoporsis now. I have been gluten-free the whole time and taking calcium. I also have bood tests for calcium levels which came back very good. I just don't know what to think much less what to do about it. If Iam not absorbing the calcium yet it shows up in my blood then where is it going?? If anyone can help please do. Thanks


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Guest gillian502

I don't understand it myself, although it may be time now to try one of the fancier drugs such as Evista or Fosamax to reverse some of the osteoporosis. I hope your doctor has some theories on this...it is strange to be worse off than where you started!

tarnalberry Community Regular

are you getting sufficient magnesium, zinc, and vit D with the calcium? there was a study (it's linked on this site somewhere) that magnesium is far more important for celiacs for bone health than calcium... (and too many calcium supplements don't have enough of it! bah on them!)

gf4life Enthusiast

Tiffany is right. You need a balance of those supplements. Calcium alone is not enough to make strong bones, but for some reason that is the one that is pushed on the vitamin market. I would check into it.

God bless,

Mariann

platinumpony49 Newbie

Thanks so much to all for your input. I have been taking a liquid calcium and magnesium called Eniva. When I told this to the doctor he said that there was no proof that magnesium helped. I tell you what everyone that a person talks to tells youa different story. Health store people and chiropractor don't want you to take Fosamax. It really leaves one wondering what is the best thing to do. I have to find someone to put my trust in besides the good Lord. I just wish there was a doctor in our area for Celiac. I had it with out knowing what it was for over 30 years..............does that tell you anything. Thanks again.

tarnalberry Community Regular

Are you also getting plenty of weight bearing exercise? That's crucial to stimulate bone growth.

platinumpony49 Newbie

Yes, thanks Tiffany Iam doing strength training usually 4 times a week. I have been on that program for around 4 years. I probably should add walking to that. I have a stand on my feet job but don't move that much. Let me know if anyone has the same problem or any suggestions.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



andyc Newbie

After being diagnosed with celiac disease I had a bone scan and I had osteoporosis - I went on Evista and then went to an endocrinologist. He did a 24 hour urine test and a lot of other test - I am now a mega doses of vitamin d(from the doctor)and evista I get get tested every 6 months and on my last dexa scan i no longer have osteoporosis but have osteopenia. Be careful with fosamax(?) if there is uncontrolled malabsorbtion this drug should not be taken(check with your doctor) -I found this out in a celiac meeting that hosted Dr Green from Columbia Pres hospital.

carolyno Newbie

I'll add my two cents worth. Calcium citrate is more absorbable than Calcium carbonate (I don't know what you've got in your Calcium supplements.) It's a pain in the butt because a human body can only absorb 500 mg at a time so I have to take it many times during the day. BUT it works for me! My blood levels are good AND I have stabilized my osteopenia.

I also take about 800 IU of vitamin D with my calcium (Harvard has increased units recommended for women from 400 to 800 IU). And yes, I take magnesium as well.

If your doctor does not understand vitamins (many do not take any nutritional courses in med school), then a naturopath may be helpful.

Carolyn

LUAP Newbie

14 MONTHS

THAT'S A LOT...

BUT YOU SHOULDN'T FOCUS ON CALCIUM. YOU SHOULD FOCUS ON LYSINE. LYSINE IS THE PROTEIN THAT MAKE YOUR BODY ABSORB CALCIUM. WHY DO YOU MISS LYSINE? PART OF IT BECAUSE OF YOUR TRANSGLUTAMINASE (LYSINE+GLUTAMINE) ANTIBODY.

SO I THINK YOU SHOULD RATHER FOCUS ON LYSINE...

platinumpony49 Newbie

To All, Thanks but now am really confused!! Never heard of lysine and the person that did the scan said that evista is never recomended anymore!?!?! She said that I should take Fosmax. Andy, why would that add to malabsorption problem?? How does one know if they have malabsorption?? Like I said in above link my boold test for calcium and vit D and vit B came back normal. But then this dexa scan was bad. I so wish I had a doctor that delt with the problems of celiac. The closest one is 3 hours from here.

plantime Contributor

It just might be worth a three hour drive for answers!

tarnalberry Community Regular

Yep, the gyn for my vulvar vestibulitis is 90 miles away (3.5 hours during traffic! blah!), as is the sex therapist whom I see for the condition. A doctor who can help you is worth the time. (It's a pain coordinating with work, but eh... my health is more important.)

Guest gillian502

That's strange that Evista isn't recommended anymore. My Mother has taken it for years with great results.

platinumpony49 Newbie

Hi Gillian, I don't know that for sure because I was only told that by the woman that gave me my dexa scan. If it has helped your mom that is great! I still am reading about different possibilities.

andyc Newbie

Sorry it took so long to get back and answer your questions about evista, fosamax and malabsorption. The women who gave you your dexa scan was probably referring to people who do not have any malabsorption problems. Since celiac disease is a malabsorption disease as well as a auto immune disease there is the greatest of possibilities that you still have a malabsorption problem. fosamax works in such a way that it breaks the bone down faster so that the bone will rebuild at a faster rate- ithink -if you go on the web an search osteoporosis you will find out how bone is built up. If you are not absorbing the vits and minerals the body cannot build bone the same way as a person who is absorbing. Evista does not work the same way as fosamax and therefore does not have the same problems for us. If you have not been given a 24 hour urine test there is no way to know what is really going on. It measures the amount of calcium in the urine - If most of the calcium is not being used you might have a deficiency. Also - if there is a lot of calcium in the urine it could be caused by secondary hyperparathyrodism ( not absorbing vit d ). You should find yourself a good doctor one who is aware of celiac and the problems we have. Were do you live - it might be worth the trip to see Dr. Green at columbia pres hospital in new york - he is a leading authority on celiac disease and has a staff that will advise you on all of the ins and outs of staying healthy. Most importantly - we are too young to have osteoporosis and if given the wrong course of treatment the effects could be horrible. Please find a doctor that can help you.

Andrea

platinumpony49 Newbie

Andy, Just GREAT info!!! Iam so thankful for people like you that help those of us that need such information. I don't know a single person with celiac disease in my area so most of the time I only know what I read. Even the doctors dont seem to know much. I live in Indiana. I will continue to read these boards and whatever else I can find to get the answers. Thank you so very much as well as all the others that responded to this.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - trents replied to Larzipan's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      42

      Has anyone had terrible TMJ/ Jaw Pain from undiagnosed Celiac?

    2. - Scott Adams replied to Larzipan's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      42

      Has anyone had terrible TMJ/ Jaw Pain from undiagnosed Celiac?

    3. - Wheatwacked commented on Scott Adams's article in Latest Research
      6

      Study Estimates the Costs of Delayed Celiac Disease Diagnosis (+Video)

    4. - Wheatwacked replied to Larzipan's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      42

      Has anyone had terrible TMJ/ Jaw Pain from undiagnosed Celiac?

    5. - trents replied to Ginger38's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,386
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    TByrd
    Newest Member
    TByrd
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Thanks for the thoughtful reply and links, Wheatwacked. Definitely some food for thought. However, I would point out that your linked articles refer to gliadin in human breast milk, not cow's milk. And although it might seem reasonable to conclude it would work the same way in cows, that is not necessarily the case. Studies seem to indicate otherwise. Studies also indicate the amount of gliadin in human breast milk is miniscule and unlikely to cause reactions:  https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/gluten-peptides-in-human-breast-milk-implications-for-cows-milk/ I would also point out that Dr. Peter Osborne's doctorate is in chiropractic medicine, though he also has studied and, I believe, holds some sort of certifications in nutritional science. To put it plainly, he is considered by many qualified medical and nutritional professionals to be on the fringe of quackery. But he has a dedicated and rabid following, nonetheless.
    • Scott Adams
      I'd be very cautious about accepting these claims without robust evidence. The hypothesis requires a chain of biologically unlikely events: Gluten/gliadin survives the cow's rumen and entire digestive system intact. It is then absorbed whole into the cow's bloodstream. It bypasses the cow's immune system and liver. It is then secreted, still intact and immunogenic, into the milk. The cow's digestive system is designed to break down proteins, not transfer them whole into milk. This is not a recognized pathway in veterinary science. The provided backup shifts from cow's milk to human breastmilk, which is a classic bait-and-switch. While the transfer of food proteins in human breastmilk is a valid area of study, it doesn't validate the initial claim about commercial dairy. The use of a Dr. Osborne video is a major red flag. His entire platform is based on the idea that all grains are toxic, a view that far exceeds the established science on Celiac Disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and a YouTube video from a known ideological source is not that evidence."  
    • Wheatwacked
      Some backup to my statement about gluten and milk. Some background.  When my son was born in 1976 he was colicky from the beginning.  When he transitioned to formula it got really bad.  That's when we found the only pediactric gastroenterologist (in a population of 6 million that dealt with Celiac Disease (and he only had 14 patients with celiac disease), who dianosed by biopsy and started him on Nutramegen.  Recovery was quick. The portion of gluten that passes through to breastmilk is called gliadin. It is the component of gluten that causes celiac disease or gluten intolerance. What are the Effects of Gluten in Breastmilk? Gliaden, a component of gluten which is typically responsible for the intestinal reaction of gluten, DOES pass through breast milk.  This is because gliaden (as one of many food proteins) passes through the lining of your small intestine into your blood. Can gluten transmit through breast milk?  
    • trents
      I don't know of a connection. Lots of people who don't have celiac disease/gluten issues get shingles.
    • Ginger38
      I’m 43, just newly diagnosed with a horrible case of shingles last week . They are all over my face , around my eye, ear , all in my scalp. Lymph nodes are a mess. Ear is a mess. My eye is hurting and sensitive. Pain has been a 10/10+ daily. Taking Motrin and Tylenol around the clock. I AM MISERABLE. The pain is unrelenting. I just want to cry.   But Developing shingles has me a bit concerned about my immune system which also has me wondering about celiac and if there’s a connection to celiac / gluten and shingles; particularly since I haven't been 💯 gluten free because of all the confusing test results and doctors advice etc., is there a connection here? I’ve never had shingles and the gluten/ celiac  roller coaster has been ongoing for a while but I’ve had gluten off and on the last year bc of all the confusion  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.