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Later Diagnosis

DebbieAnnCollura

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DebbieAnnCollura Newbie
DebbieAnnCollura
Posted

Anyone get diagnosed in their 60s. I have been sick for 5 years. Thinking it might be celiac.  Can barely get out of bed !

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kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted
1 hour ago, DebbieAnnCollura said:

Anyone get diagnosed in their 60s. I have been sick for 5 years. Thinking it might be celiac.  Can barely get out of bed !

Lots of people are diagnosed after 50 according to this

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RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

Diagnosed at 57

Terrylynnemj Newbie
Terrylynnemj
Posted

I’m 62 and have just now been tested for Celiac.  My Titer was negative, I have zero IGa and too much IGg (16) which is an indicator of intolerance at the very least and may indicate the need for another endoscopy. He also tested for EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) which was negative. 

I just had a colonoscopy/endoscopy last year as a part of being diagnosed w/ Gastroparesis. I also have (among other things which I’m not sure are as relevant) - T2 Diabetes, Hashimotos Thyroiditis (late 30’s) Chronic Kidney Stones (since age 40), Osteoporosis (way before Menopause and not well controlled), and Gallbladder disease.(was removed)

I’m discovering that all those I listed may be related in some way, and related to Celiac.  I haven’t seen the gastro doc for followup since the testing (obtained results from lab) so I’m not sure what he’s going to recommend. 

Here’s where it gets scary... my daughter has many of the same things. She was just diagnosed with EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) at 32.  She was diagnosed w/Glucose intolerance at 15, had her Gallbladder removed at 20, PCOS at 22, and Gluten intolerance at 30 (no testing, just her gastro’s recommendation). She’s been diagnosed w/Gastroparesis, POTS,  MAST Cell Activation Disorder, Peripheral Neuropathy, (lost use of her bladder and has a neuro stimulator) - all in the last year. 

Too much coincidence for me.  This has to be all related. I keep reading more and more studies linking all these things (like EDS and Celiac) together. My daughters  geneticist is blown away by the multiple overlapping and co-morbid conditions we have and tells us it’s not uncommon. She also says research is expanding. 

Sadly, the specialist docs seem baffled and can’t even begin to address our issues, and only help to manage the symptoms - sometimes. And every “Disease/Disorder” has a “diet” or protocol, and they are all at odds with each other - very frustrating. 

I guess the moral of this story is to let others know that there’s a lot more to all this than meets the eye. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re fine if you have what seem to be strange unrelated symptoms. You’re not crazy. Keep fighting for understanding and knowledge. Be an advocate for yourself, you’re loved ones,  for us all.

 

 

 

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      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

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    • JudyLou
      Seeking advice on potential gluten challenge

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      Thank you so much @knitty kitty! My feet aren’t dry or ashy and I don’t have a rash that gets scaly. It’s like very itchy/burning vesicles that are symmetrical - on both arms, both legs, etc. They actually feel better in direct sunlight as long as it isn’t really hot or I’m not exercising outside, but gets worse if I sweat (especially if the area is covered up). It’s not usually on the outside of my elbows and knees which seems more typical of dermatitis herpetiformis (unless it spreads there). It tends to first hit the inside of those areas. Interestingly, twice the rash broke out soon after eating an unhealthy meal and having an alcoholic drink (I only drink a few times a year, no more alcohol content than a glass of wine).  So I wonder if there is a connection. I’m halfway considering doing a gluten challenge for a few months to see what happens, knowing I can stop if I have any symptoms, and asking for a full celiac disease panel at the end. I really appreciate your thoughts! 
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