Hand Weakness And Reduced Dexterity

[Jacky]

Over the last few months I have noticed my right hand (I am an ambidexterous lefty) has become weaker and less dexterous. I have trouble picking up small objects, turning pages in the newspaper all dexterity issues) and I have a loss of hand/finger strength. It seems to be in my fingers. I have a small spray bottle and I can no longer depress the sprayer with my right index finger. I've read about neurological symptoms associated with celiac disease, but I can't find any descriptions or specific manifestations. Please help!! I became symptomatic in January 2010 and have been trying to maintain a gluten free diet since March 2010.

[emaegf]

It's called Celiac Neuropathy it's similar to Diabetic Neuropathy with most if not all of the same symptoms. But like any other symptoms one may have to gluten they vary with each person.

[Jacky]

It's called Celiac Neuropathy it's similar to Diabetic Neuropathy with most if not all of the same symptoms. But like any other symptoms one may have to gluten they vary with each person.

Thanks so much! I googled that last night and learned so much about celiac disease neuropathy! My family doctor is running tests right now to rule out MS and I've been pretty freaked out the last few days!! I'm feel a lot better now about the whole thing. Over the last 11 months since I became an "active" celiac I have had symptoms like crazy....the rash, mouth sores, now lactose intolerant, 2 sinus infections, a virus infection that relapsed (don't know if these things are related) and now over the last 3 or more months this hand weakness.

Here's my NEXT question: I've been trying to maintain a gluten free diet for the last 9 months (hiccups from gluten containing prescriptions, can't consumed distilled alcohol such as vodka, scotch) but these symptoms have all occurred AFTER I went gluten free. Why is that? Am I going to continue to get other celiac related problems even though I'm gluten free?

This whole thing is scary and I worry if it's ever going to stabilize or if I'm going to end up really disabled from this thing. I see that you said symptoms vary from one person to another, so maybe there's no knowing...but do you know if this will eventually stabilize?

[Lily127]

I wanted to chime in and say I'm sorry for your pain. I get severe joint/tendon issues of late and I know how scary it is to not be able to turn a faucet or press the lotion bottle thingy down or open a bottle. That being said I have fibromyalgia. I'm never sure if it's gluten or fibro but the odd thing is that since I've been trying to go gluten free in April of 2010 all my symptoms have gotten much worse. It's almost unreal to me how much I'm eating better and suffering more. I don't know if there is a reason for that like maybe it's pulling it out of my tissues. I don't know. I'm just rambling here as I limp along trying to type!!

I know aspirin and celebrex (not together of course) help me feel better with the stiffness/pain but they upset my stomach. So if I take 200mg of celebrex I can be normal and open the bottles and use the lotion so I also wonder if it is gluten causing it why would celebrex help in that I don't think it's just masking the pain because the redness from the hot joint goes away too. anyway just thought you might like to know that maybe celebrex might help your discomfort if you wanted to try that path. Just an option for you

[Skylark]

Have you talked to a doctor about carpal tunnel syndrome? An anti-inflammatory and a wrist brace might really help. It's especially important to sleep with your wrist in a brace if it's carpal tunnel. Celiacs do have a slightly higher incidence of carpal tunnel problems. Mine have always gone away if I take good care of my hands and wrists.

[mushroom]

Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory as well as a pain reliever - it relieves the pain by taking away the inflammation.