Can Low Urea Be A Sign Of Celiac Disease? As In Malnourishment?

[ivyandwill]

I had some test results come back today.  Among the results I had low Urea, low Lymphocytes, very low ferritin and very low cholesterol.  

I'm curious if these can indicate a link with Celiac disease?  I am guessing the lymphocytes are due to adrenal fatigue...but really I have no idea.  My potassium levels are generally borderline and sometimes low.

[frieze]

poor absorbtion would support the need for celiac testing.

[1desperateladysaved]

I had low ferritin which resolved by 18 months gluten free.  I have heard others mention low cholesterol.  If you have an adequate diet, but are low in nutrients that would seem to indicate the need for to find a cause of the low nutrients levels.  Did you have a full celiac blood panel yet?

[ivyandwill]

No, it's difficult to ask for. I'm going to suggest it when I see a haemotologist for iron deficiency.

[cyclinglady]

Ivy,

Based on your previous posts, I think you need to get tested for celiac disease. Print off a copy of testing requirements to share with your doctor here or find a reputable site in your country.

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Anemia (low ferritin) was my only symptom when I went for a routine colonoscopy (yep, I am over 50). During my GI consult, he suggested celiac disease. I was shocked. I had no tummy issues (except when I had milk, eggs, or nuts -- allergies since I was young). My GP and GYN chocked up my low hemoglobin to Thalassemia (a genetic anemia) and low ferrtin (result = 2) to menopause which was really masking iron deficiency anemia. But it really was celiac disease and not just the Thals or menopausal issues.

Three months into my dx, I suffered bone fractures. Osteoporosis! celiac disease can be very damaging and it does not have to have obvious symptoms.

Go armed with evidence (be nice) to share with your Hemo.

I wish you well.

[ivyandwill]

I've had a bone fracture and then I had a scan for bone density which came back at the very bottom of the normal range.  I fractured my spine unknowingly!  Thank you kindly for your continued advice.  I worry that a Dr will write me off as a know it all hypochondriac if I ask for specific things.  I usually just suggest vague things and see if they lead on to what I was hoping they'd cover.  Sometimes that works.

[cyclinglady]

Yikes! How long was your fracture? I have another year to go before my next scan and I am hoping that the extra calcium and estrogen has build bone. I just want to have a "normal" risk factor when it comes to my bones.

You are not a hypochondriac! Just go in with the U of Chicago's celiac website screening materials and the list of 300 symptoms. Inquire nicely.

If your doctor resists (ask for his reasons for refusing to test you), find another doctor.

[Fenrir]

I've had a bone fracture and then I had a scan for bone density which came back at the very bottom of the normal range.  I fractured my spine unknowingly!  Thank you kindly for your continued advice.  I worry that a Dr will write me off as a know it all hypochondriac if I ask for specific things.  I usually just suggest vague things and see if they lead on to what I was hoping they'd cover.  Sometimes that works.

Yeah, I fractured my back  years ago without knowing how I did it. Went to the Dr. with a backache and did x-rays and I had three compression fractures between my shoulder blades. Then I found out I have scheuerman's diease, now I find out I have celiac disease and it all makes sense. Scheuerman's can weaken the spine and I probably have been low in calcium for years on top of it.

 

Now the urea being low probably isn't relavant to Celiac Disease but many of the other things you mention are, so you should defintely get tested.

[ivyandwill]

Thank you Fenrir.  I also have Scheuerman's disease (the degenerative one - not the bowing of the back one).  It's astounding how GP's are clueless to what it means.  I said to my GP it causes pain and she grabbed a Paediatric book off her shelf, looked it up (found the back bowing one) and down the list it said it doesn't cause pain - so that's is she says, it doesn't cause you pain!!!  Well thanks.

 

[ivyandwill]

I've just spoken with a Naturopath who is also a Biochemist.  He's going to go through my tests and try to help me.  Definite issues with my gut (be it from celiacs or not) and he talked about certain enzymes and how it all affects the hormones (which I can vouch for as I also have major issues with regard to my hormones).

[cyclinglady]

Nice to have a Naturopath, but enzymes or supplements are not going to resolve Intestinal issues, low ferritin, or osteoporosis, if you have celiac disease. You need to get a celiac blood panel.