Could I Have Celiac?

[edd]

A visit to the doctor 12 months ago resulted in a diagnosis of IBS. However, I now think I may have celiac disease but if it turns out I don't its still one more thing ticked off the 'no' list. My BMs can be normal* for a few days but then I sense a gurgling in my guts, get gas and within a few hours will have D. This is where my symptoms seem to differ from the typical IBS sufferer though; I don't have bad pain, and once I've gone I feel fine and won't go again for a day at which point the BM will usually be normal again. I do however have urgency. Other symptoms are bloating, feeling tired, tired eyes (could be using the computer too much ) and irritability some days.

*normal doesn't mean the typical sausage BM, just not D.

I'm male, 5'7" and weighed 114 pounds this morning but feel as though I eat enough, just stay thin for some other reason.

Thanks for any help.

[GlutenWrangler]

Edd,

Your symptoms definitely correspond with celiac disease. IBS is a load of crap, and you definitely shouldn't settle for that type of diagnosis. You need to get tested. If your doctor refuses, as some do, get tested through Enterolab. If you have a problem with gluten, it will show up on an Enterolab test. It's a little expensive, but well worth it to find out one way or another. Your weight itself is a good indicator of celiac disease, since many celiacs cannot put on any weight. I'm 5'10" and about 130, so I know what you're going through. But overall, I think it would be a good idea to get tested right away. Good luck,

-Brian

[edd]

Edd,

Your symptoms definitely correspond with celiac disease. IBS is a load of crap, and you definitely shouldn't settle for that type of diagnosis. You need to get tested. If your doctor refuses, as some do, get tested through Enterolab. If you have a problem with gluten, it will show up on an Enterolab test. It's a little expensive, but well worth it to find out one way or another. Your weight itself is a good indicator of celiac disease, since many celiacs cannot put on any weight. I'm 5'10" and about 130, so I know what you're going through. But overall, I think it would be a good idea to get tested right away. Good luck,

-Brian

Brian,

Unfortunately, I am located in the UK and as far as I can tell Enterolab are a US only company. Also, it doesn't really make a difference to me if my doctor confirms I have celiac (or if I'm sensitive to gluten), the thing that really matters is whether I feel better. With this in mind a gluten free diet is now under way.

I've been gluten free (hopefully) since Sunday (the 4th) and am feeling better. I still feel a bit strange at times so cutting out my breakfast porridge is in order. Finding a replacement is a bit of a chore, but walking round the supermarket for a while tonight should resolve the matter.

Thanks for your advice.