Siblings With Cd

[lonewolf]

Hello,

I just discovered this website a couple of weeks ago and am constantly amazed at what I have learned here. I found out that I am "allergic" to wheat/gluten (as well as eggs, dairy and soy) almost 10 years ago. I never gave a thought to the possibility that I had celiac disease, until now. I can't believe that so many other people have multiple food sensitivities, thyroid issues, weight problems, dental enamel issues as children, skin problems, etc. Wow! (And interesting to find out that being Irish could be a contributing factor - I'm Irish, Scottish and English).

I have 4 older siblings, all of whom have various degrees of health problems - most have "stomach troubles" of some sort or the other. I'm thinking that they probably all have either celiac disease or gluten sensitivity too. Would it be possible for 5 siblings to all have it? Do any of you have siblings with celiac disease? My brothers and sisters are all in their 40's and early 50's (MUCH older than I am!) and already think I'm half crazy for being on my strict diet, but I feel like I have to at least mention to them that they could have this too. Does anyone know of a good article I could print out that discusses how common it is among siblings?

Thanks,

Liz

[MySuicidalTurtle]

I do not know any articles but this disease is genetic. My brother and I both have Celiac Disease and I have met many families where all or most of their children have it, too.

[darlindeb25]

I am 50 and my sister is 47--we both have celiacs disease and have been gluten free now for over 4 yrs. Our father has been gluten free now for just over a year and he is 71. My daughter is coming to visit with me in a few weeks, she is 23 and says she is going to eat gluten free with me to see if it helps her at all. My dad has had stomach trouble for as long as I can remember. My sister was diagnosed with vitamin deficienciesas a young child, but celiacs or gluten sensitivities were not known about then. I have had stomach probs for years too. I suffered severe stomach probs for the last 30 years anyways. I was told all those same answers as others, IBS, irratable colin, soastic colin, nervous stomach, and too much stress. I developed panic attacks, agoraphobia, anticipatory anxiety--I was first put on xanax and then later paxil at 5 mg which grew into 40mg and i still couldnt cope. When I went gluten free, I weaned myself off of paxil and the panic is nearly gone now. Its very rare for me to panic anymore. I now have Raynauds Syndrome and Neuropathy because of the years of not knowing. I take 5 different vitamins daily now, including 1000mcg of B12 which may turn into shots soon.

Do your best to get other family members to ber tested or at least go gluten free. Celaics will shorten their lives especially if they allow it to invite other diseases into their bodies. It's a disease you can live with, it's not fatal if you stick with the lifestyle. Good luck! Deb

[Guest CD_Surviver]

My mom , my brother and i have but i think others have it in the family like my cousin. they may not of had since birthn something traumatic can cause it to flare up but it also very likely my other brother who has no signs of celiac disease as of right now could have signs later in life but he is only 26.

[skoki-mom]

First degree siblings are the most likely of your relatives to be affected. I think the odds are somthing like 13% your siblings will have it. I was Dx in routine family screening since my sister has it. I have no symptoms, so I was quite surprised to find out I am also affected. Sounds like your family should look into screening, but from what I have heard here, a lot of family members would rather live in denial than get tested. Good luck!