Thyroid Issues And Celiac?

[Jolanta 0]

I have been dealing with symptoms that include chronic diarrhea that is the absolutely worst! I have been dealing with anemia and a slew of other issues! Well, my primary decided to test my thyroid and looks like I am hyper. I have gone to the Endocrinologist and have been diagnosed with Graves Disease. After stopping gluten now for almost 1- 1/2 months, I feel wonderful! My thyroid is actually repairing itself. Also, my blood pressure has gone from a constant 160/90 to 110/80!

The primary even stated that I will probably be taken off meds for blood pressure and I probably do not have Graves disease!!!! My primary told me that I definitely have celiac. I was tested for celiac, but since I have been gluten free for this period, all tests came back negative. She does not think I need any additional tests. She said this is proof enough!

I did see a Gastro and he thinks I should be tested anyway - endoscopy and colonoscopy. I feel that these are just very nice expensive tests for the doctor to get reimbursed, and that I should probably just follow my primary doctors recommendations.

What do you think? Should I have the tests? Or does this prove that I have celiac?

Jolanta

[CarlaB 22]

Welcome!!

If you've been off gluten for some time, those other tests will probably be negative as well. I don't know why they're wanting to do more tests as dietary response IS clinical proof. I wouldn't bother. You feel better, and your primary doc is working with you on it.

[Jolanta 0]

Welcome!!

If you've been off gluten for some time, those other tests will probably be negative as well. I don't know why they're wanting to do more tests as dietary response IS clinical proof. I wouldn't bother. You feel better, and your primary doc is working with you on it.

That's exactly how I feel. But, there is always that little voice saying maybe it's something else. But, as you said, the diet is proof itself. My blood pressure has not been so low in over 5 years. I've been battling chronic diarrhea and unexplained anemia even longer. The docs always said the anemia was since I was a woman and had my periods. Hmmm...

I will be seeing the Endo in December and will see if the thyroid has gone back to normal. Seems that I have many antibodies... Graves or Hashimoto. Doctor said Graves most likely.

We will see... Has anyone heard of Celiacs having Graves???

Jolanta

[Canadian Karen 9]

Hi! Welcome to the board!

I agree that the tests will basically be worthless anyway, now that you are gluten free. Even if you were still consuming gluten, the endoscopy and biopsies are basically a hit and miss situation, depending on the amount of damage done. If the damage is only sporatic, then in all likelihood the spots they pick to biopsy very well may not be the damaged parts and will come up as a false negative.

Dietary response is the most important indicator, IMO.

I have hypothryoidism, so it's a bit different from yours. I can tell you about the chronic diarrhea though, since I have not had anything but water for a BM for over a decade! The doctor also found (during the colonoscopy) that I have collagenous colitis. It can only be diagnosed via biopsy as it can only be seen by a pathologist through a microscope. Here is a link you might find interesting:

http://www.gastro.net.au/diseases/microscopiccolitis.html

Oh, maybe PM KaitiUSA, I believe she has Graves......

Karen

[Nancym 4]

Wow! That's' terrific. I wish I had known about the gluten/thyroid thing almost 20 years ago. Dr. Fine says that 30% of thyroiditis sufferers can go into remission on a gluten-free diet. But I went and had RAI done.

But I am so happy for you!

[Ruth52 0]

I'm very pleased that you are feeling well. An overactive thyroid makes life really difficult. Hopefully your recovery will continue and you will be back to full health before you know it.

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in early 2004 and was put on medication. I had a dream run through to remission, only needing to be on medication for 11 months. My thyroid levels have been constant for the past two years.

I didn't know anything about Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance until my cousin told me about how it effected her. It was like an awakening - what she described was exactly how I had been feeling for a couple of years. I started to dable in eating gluten free in September 2004. I say dable because I would do it for a few months, feel really great and go back to the gluten diet only to get sick again. Anyway the long and short of it is that for the past twelve months I have been totally gluten free and have finally got back the stamina that I lost through a combination of Graves Disease and Gluten Intolerance.

I know there is a lot of debate about whether or not a gluten-free diet can improve thyroid disease , but I because I have stayed in remission (Graves Disease) for two years I am a believer.

[Jolanta 0]

I am relieved to hear that there is some hope out there. I have been having so many issues that my life is just so crazy! I have a pretty stressful job and have been dealing with anxiety on top of all this. I was NOT able to drive my car for over a 2 years. My husband would drive me everywhere. Being diagnosed with something was a relief that this was not all in my head! It was real! and stopping gluten made such a difference.

I wish the best for you. Sounds like we are all finding the right path!!!!!!

Jolanta

[Nancym 4]

When I was hyperthyroid I was wired all the time and had a hair-trigger temper. My anxiety levels were astronomical. It was like running on adrenoline constantly.

Well, anyway, hope you have the thyroid thing beat!

[georgie 12]

Jolanta, I have Thyroid and Celiac. ( think its celiac). Some Drs don't have a clue re Hashis. With Hashis you alternate between hyper and hypo as your thyoid dies. You need Armour meds to suppress the Antibodies attacks.Synthetics don't work very well. My guess is that you have Hashis as that goes with Celiac a lot. I haven't had all the tests for Celiac. My Dr thought it wasn't necessary for me. But read this site to learn about Thyroid www.stopthyroidmadness.com