Wondering if I’m Celiac

[Chelsea P.]

Hi everyone,

Last October, I begin having reactions to eating food with gluten. I had already been put on iron supplements that summer because I had pretty low ferritin levels. I asked my GP to test for wheat reactions since I had been feeling fatigued and joint pain. She reluctantly had me tested for non celiac gluten sensitivity. She called and said my levels were elevated and to stay away from gluten. Since then I’ve been following a pretty strict gluten free diet, but sometimes I’ll eat gluten from time to time and have horrible reactions. I’ll have chills, fever, bloating, joint pain in my elbows, knees, and spine, sharp stabbing pain in my stomach, and sometimes vomiting. Even eating plain potato chips that are made in the same factory with wheat products is enough to set off a reaction. I read that it’s best to rule out celiac before going on the gluten free diet, but i didn’t know until I already stopped eating gluten. I’m not sure if my doctor would test me for celiac anyways. I was wondering if you all had any advice or thoughts?

Thanks!

[Ennis-TX]

In the current world affairs there are 2 sides, one getting tested would not only involve the blood test ( you can always opt for one of the good mail order ones) but to confirm and get it on your record requires a endoscope and biopsies to check for damage. The latter would be hard to book with all the hospitals dealing with the covid virus. But on the other hand having it on your record would be great for if your hospitalized they can at least make a effort to get your gluten free food....my last experience left me refusing food and having family bring me stuff from home prepackaged.

A gluten challenge would be needed regardless before testing with about 2 slices of wheat bread a day for 6-8 weeks.
https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/screening-and-diagnosis/screening/