Body Swelling

[PAnant]

I haven't been diagnosed with celiac disease but I think I have it. I started with left and right back pain in my flank and kidney area. I have been lactose intolerant for many years. I also have other unexplained symptoms like fatigue, random pain around my abdomen and swelling of my right inner thigh. Also some mild pain and itching down the inside of both my thighs. Plus my right and sometimes my left ankle swells up. My doctor doesn't know whats wrong and CT scans of my abdomen show all is normal. In desperation I gave up all foods that I could be allergic to including nuts, sugar, dairy and wheat. All my symptoms are clearing up slowly and I feel a million times better in my inner self but my back pain is still there. Also when I eat out sometimes my ankles swell up even though I'm still avoiding gluten. Maybe there are traces of wheat in the food when I eat out. Has anyone heard of these kind of symptoms with celiac disease? I guess it might take some time to be syptom free. I have been wheat free for about 4 weeks now. Any thoughts?

[Scott Adams]

The abdominal pains and swelling are certainly in line with celiac disease symptoms, and various aches, especially joint pain can be as well. That said, the right kidney/back area would not be very common, so be sure to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. Kidney stones can cause this, but the pain is typically severe.

If you suspect celiac disease definitely ask your doctor to do a screening for it, but be sure to keep eating wheat/gluten until all testing is completed. There are also home test kits available for celiac disease if you can't afford the doctor/lab route.