Could I Have Celiac?

[jaycee30]

Hi,

I just found this board after doing some research on the internet and am wondering about Celiac.

I am 40 years old, just dx'd with MS this year and as of last year, suddenly came up with some fairly bad reactions to foods (eggs being the worst culprit. Over the past two years, I had a feeling that I was allergic to breads, pasta etc. but was tested and had no allergy to yeast, wheat, soy, corn etc. My question is: what I've noticed is that after I've eaten bread or pasta, lots of crackers or cereal, etc., it is as if my whole digestive tract just shuts down. I bloat up, to the point where my heartbeat is painful in my belly and you can actually SEE it! I get foul foul gas, constantly fight constipation, fell poorly in general, indigestion...just general "stomach stuff". I also, about 1.5 years ago, suddenly started losing weight (80 lbs of it). That weight loss has stopped, but I eat like a horse now and never gain a pound. I had blood tests, an abominal CAT scan with a barium swallow and dye...nothing. Then I hear about this and start looking at the symptoms and I'm really wondering......... I have weakness, numbness and tingling also, but with the MS that can be expected. Does this sound at all like Celiac? I am going in for some allergy tests next week (inahalants and foods) and am wondering if I should ask for this also.

Sorry so long, thanks for your time.

[gf4life]

Hi Jaycee30,

Welcome to the board!

I think that it certainly would not be a bad idea to ask for the testing. I do know that some people have had good luck getting tested by an allergist, but the allergy doctors around my area don't seem to have any clue about Celiac Disease. One thing that stood out in your symptoms (at least to me) was "I bloat up, to the point where my heartbeat is painful in my belly and you can actually SEE it!". I can totally understand that one! That happened to me so many times before. It was the strangest feeling. Many of the symptoms you described do sound like they could be gluten related. Make sure you print up a list of what tests need to be ordered, just in case the doctor is willing, but isn't quite sure of what to order. I've had this happen to me before and it always helps to be prepared. If you aren't sure what those exact tests are, here is a list:

*Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Autoantibodies

*Gliadin IgA Antibodies

*Gliadin IgG Antibodies

*Endomysial IgA Autoantibodies (this is often considered to be the same as the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA so sometimes only one is done)

*IgA - Total Serum (very important to check for IgA deficiency, which would alter the test results)

*Reticulin IgA Autoantibodies (not used very often anymore)

God bless,

Mariann

[Alexolua]

Not a doctor, not an expert, but if everything else is coming up negative so far, I'd say you should definately look into getting testing for Celiac Disease. In my non-expert opinion, I'd say ask to be tested for it too. Or demand! Depending on how your doctor is, lol.

The loss of weight, inability to gain it, and feeling worse after eating more gluten makes it sound possible though.