symptoms of Celiac?

[Tracey E]

Hi everyone, I'm 57 and have been suffering from extreme bloating, belching, wind and acid reflux. Accompanying this are heart palpitations which kick in when I have to clear wind through belching. I also have joint pain on in my ankles lower limbs, feet and fingers. I've sent off for a Coeliac test kit in a hope it might give me an answer to my symptons. Are these tests reliable are all the above symptons of gluten intolerance? Thanks Tracey.

[Scott Adams]

Can you share which test kit you ordered? If we know more about the screening we could say more about the tests accuracy. In general the home celiac test kits produce accurate results, but positive results should be followed up with a trip to your doctor and additional screening. Likewise, you should discuss your other symptoms with your doctor, especially the heart palpitations. 

[pikakegirl]

Agree with Admin. My Celiac diagnosis was by blood test and biopsy. There is importance in proper diagnosis and the difference between Celiac and Gluten Intollerence. That said my diagnosis took 30 years so I have needed other specialists to assist in healing and management. Gastroenterologist followups, Family Doctor for vitamin  panel screening, Cardiologist for stable tachycardia, Neurologist for neneuralgia, Rheumatologist to screen for other autoimmune diseases, Endocrinologjst for thyroid damage from autoimmune activity, and Dermatologist for skin issues related to Celiac. Even after a gluten free diet I had bloating, gas etc. The FODMAP diet stopped this for me. 

I find that each person has a unique health story and journey. Please keep persevering for diagnosis.

[Scott Adams]

Wow @pikakegirl, it only makes me wonder if you would have had all those conditions if you had been diagnosed and gone gluten-free 30 years ago!