Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • 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

Abdominal pain, low Ferritin and other questions

Norway91
 Share

Recommended Posts

Norway91 Newbie
Norway91
Posted

Hi, 

I have some questions that I hope to get some answers to. First of all, I am not diagnosed and have not been tested for celiac. Only bloodtest I have taken that's relevant is Ferritin and Iron. I'm not anemic, but both my levels are on the lower range of normal (Ferritin 20-25 and Iron 9 and Iron binding capacity a bit over the normal range). My first question is if this is normal in celiacs, or would the Ferritin and Iron be lower if I was celiac? I eat meat and vegetables and my periods are normal. 

Second Question is related to abdominal pain. I have these IBS related pains (cramping before going to the bathroom) sometimes and also some bloating and stuff. But sometimes I get this lower abdominal pain that is different, it's much much worse when I press my stomach in or touch it. It almost feel normal when I sit still in one position, but when i lean forward, touch it or press it in, it's really bad. Does anyone else with celiac relate to this kind of abdominal pain?

The reason I'm asking these questions is because I'm wondering if I should get tested for celiac. I've had symptoms for a while now, and I want to suggest different blood tests to my doctor. I have a feeling I should get tested for something autoimmune. There are already three different Autoimmune diseases in my mother's family (grandmother with psoriasis, cousin with diabetes, mother with ulcerus colitis), and I've been having diffuse symptoms for a while now, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscle/bone pain, some joint pain, muscles falling asleep, some tingling, anxiety, neck pain, fever feeling without fever, chills, fatigue (especially after lunch), bad hangovers etc etc. The list is long. So I'm just trying to get some answers so I can be more clear with my doc. 

Thanks! 

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted

The initial blood test is simple and just requires you to be eating gluten every day 1-2 slices of bread at least. Keep eating gluten daily til ALL test are done. After the full blood panel they they will need to do a endoscope and biopsy to confirm. Since you have UC also in the family might opt for both scopes to rule on UC or other AI of the large intestines as well.
Open Original Shared Link
Open Original Shared Link


Do note I had celiac first then later developed UC, no proof but I blame the UC as a secondary development. Diabetes also goes hand in hand with celiac.
The muscle cramps, anxiety, and tingling are often a sign of Magnesium and or B-vitamin deficiency...and these do now show up well in test as everyone has different levels of normal for these. These are also common in celiac due to our damaged villi causing nutrient absorption issues."
As to your iron...it could be, mine was celiac and bleeding from UC was often 2-9 range.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,938
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Moni74sl
    Newest Member
    Moni74sl
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Wheatwacked
      Having the will to be healthy but not the willpower

      By Wheatwacked · Posted

      This is not a weakness.  It is a serious threat to your health.  I once read an interview with a representitive of a large company.  He proudly stated that his wheat based product is more addictive than potato chips.  The other issue is cultural.   Perhaps this book will help Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together.  It is published here on Celiac.com free to read.  Chapter 1 starts here Gluten-Centric Culture: The Commensality Conundrum - Chapter 1 - Are You Kidding? At first I ate anything, regardless of nutritional value. Fritos, M&M Peanuts, potato chips, fruit, steak; anything else. Like most habits, it takes about thirty days create the gluten free habit. Pretend you've moved to another country where the food is entirely different.  Don't try to recreate your old diet based from commercial gluten free foods.  Gluten free foods are not fortified, so be aware of vitamins and mineral intake, especially vitamin D.  Vitamin D deficiency is practically a given.  You probably already have deficits from the malabsorption caused by villi damage. Some symptoms respond immediately, others take time to heal.  I counted 19 different symptoms that got better.  Some, like permanent stuffed nose, I was told was normal for some people. Welcome aboard @Crossaint !  
    • cristiana
      Having the will to be healthy but not the willpower

      By cristiana · Posted

      Great advice from @trents.  A couple of other tips. Firstly, always try to have a good stock of gluten-free alternatives in the house so you aren't tempted to give in when there is nothing else available. Secondly,  as you will have noticed, gluten-free bread does taste quite different from regular bread.  But I think it was my GP who said making toast with it makes it taste much more like the usual stuff - and I would agree there. If you haven't already I suggest you give it a try. But remember, you will either need to toast it under a clean grill, or your Mom will need to buy you your own dedicated gluten-free toaster.
    • trents
      Having the will to be healthy but not the willpower

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Crossaint! Are you living in the same home with your mother? Your experience with the cravings is very common in the celiac community, especially among the recently diagnosed. It might surprise you to hear this but gluten has addictive qualities much like opiates. It plugs into the same pleasure sensors as gluten in the brain and so for some people, there can be a significant withdrawal experience. It usually begins to subside in a matter of weeks but is perpetuated with inconsistency.  I think three major things need to happen for your to get on top of this: 1. You need to understand that more is at stake here than the number of bathroom trips you make if you can't stick to your gluten free diet. There can be some serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, neurological damage, a host of medical conditions related to poor vitamin and mineral absorption and even small bowel lymphoma.  2. You need to help your mom understand how serious this is and how important it is to your long term health to be consistent in eating gluten free. Both you and she need to understand that celiac disease is not just a matter of inconvenience or discomfort from a little GI distress. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small bowel that can have serious health consequences over time. 3. You need to redirect your mom's baking skills toward creating delicious gluten-free creations. Challenger her with it. Gluten-free does not have to mean "it tastes awful!" One good place to start is with a good gluten-free carrot cake recipe. Another is gluten-free zucchini bread. These are two things that taste just as good made with gluten-free flour as they do with wheat flour. There are a ton of good gluten-free recipes on the Internet. Not everything can be made to taste as good with gluten free ingredients as it does with wheat flour but many things are pretty close. And you know what? After a while, you adjust and many gluten-free foods become the new norm for you. You don't miss the wheat ones so bad anymore. Yes, you may still have flashbacks of "I remember what this or that wheat thing used to taste like and I really miss it" but not so often as time goes on. Check out the relevant sections on this forum for some good recipes and get your mom going on it for the sake of her kid.
    • Crossaint
      Having the will to be healthy but not the willpower

      By Crossaint · Posted

      Was recently diagnosed with Celiac after almost 16 years of suffering. The first week gluten free was amazing, my brain was working, i wasnt as bloated, i even started to not have to use the toilet 12 times in an hour. Excellent! But i keep having uncontrollable cravings for gluten. My mom is an amazing baker, woth no sympathy for my weakness and live for food, so of cohrse i ended up eating a bunch of gluten today. i dont know how to stop, i know its poison but at the end of the day i just feel like i need it. Will be re attempting gluten free tomorrow, but im scared that i wont be able to stop myself from eating the deliciously poisonous devil that gluten is. 😞
    • Awol cast iron stomach
      Diagnosed w Celiacs, but reacting to gluten-free Digiorno Pizza AND Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing

      By Awol cast iron stomach · Posted

      I wanted to say hello, and add that  early in eating gluten free I had  to avoid processed foods due to too many ingredients. I also had additional intolerances that needed time to subside. My team suggested I limit gluten free processed foods, as I was having issues with items with too many ingredients. I see Trents explained some of the culprits when he responded.  I found it helpful to go whole foods  diet. When I need inspiration I found Paleo and AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) recipes helpful to offer variety to my palate.  Often our bodies in the early stages prefer we go whole foods/ minimal processed foods. In turn, I realized I prefer freshly made salad dressing which I still make to this day. My pocketbook also finds making my own has its benefits.    Best wishes.  
×
×
  • Create New...