New User - Gluten Sensitivity Runs In The Family

[davemu]

Today I went to the doctor for an antibody blood test. I know something is wrong with my digestive tract but I haven't even thought about it until my dad diagnosed himself as sensitive to gluten (he's an M.D.). His symptoms included bloating, joint pain, peeling skin, etc etc... when he stopped eating gluten (2 years ago), his joint pain went away, he could run again, and bloating went away too. His skin also stopped peeling on his hands. When he eats any pizza or the like, 24 hours his joint pain comes back with a vengeance... Like many celiacs, he connected many of his symptoms (ie: bloating) to the disease only AFTER he stopped eating gluten.

In any case, I am worried I also have the condition. I've always had a sensitive stomach but my other symptoms are as follows:

-I'm pale - much more than my siblings

-I haven't been able to gain weight despite working out for 2 years (resistance training)

-I often suffer from bloating / abdominal discomforts. Sometimes my friends comment that i look sick after eating lunch. I feel it too - I feel extremely exhausted and bloated, a terrible feeling. Last summer my boss asked me a few times if i wanted to go home because i was pale and feeling unwell...

-I am always dehydrated - In the morning my mouth sometimes is incredibly dry till about noon.. I usually drink about 2 litres of water in the morning alone on such occasions (happens about 1/week) - I have a normal blood-sugar level

-Occasionally I have terrible breath (can be smelled many yards away) --> how embarrassing - I have noted that such instances which are relatively rare always are accompanied by really bad bloating. Clearly a digestive problem.

-i feel extremely exhausted, depressed, and generally unwell a lot of the time (usually in the afternoon)

I would be almost relieved to be positive for celiac disease... If I can get rid of all these symptoms i think i would lead a much happier life. What do you all make of these symptoms? Thanks a lot to all of you and it's nice to have people to tlak to about this.

[tarnalberry]

I would think that celiac could be causing those problems, but not the only thing causing those problems. Other intolerances, or a slow moving digestive system could allow time for bacteria to ferment the food in your digestive tract (hence the bloating and odor). You've gotten off to a good start, with the blood work. You might consider, even if the test is inconclusive or just negative, trying the diet and seeing how it works for you. It really doesn't have to be that hard, and if that is the answer, then you'll have found your answer.

[Guest barbara3675]

I totally agree with Tiffany and I think you know that is what you need to do. Go strictly gluten-free for at least six weeks to six months and then you will have your answer. The gene testing through Enterolab would give you a quick answer if that is what you are looking for including whether you are allergic to other things. I did that recently and they are very professional and thorough. As your father is an MD, I am surprised he isn't on you to go gluten-free or have gene testing. Best wishes, actaully going gluten-free isn't as hard as you might think. Barbara

[davemu]

What can cause the occasional terrible breath? All i know is that sometimes my saliva is very very thick, and i don't know what would be causing that. I drink nothing but water and maybe one cup of coffee in the morning. It is so embarrassing when it happens... or worse when i come home and one of my family members mentions it... I feel very very self-conscious... I brush my teeth like 4-5 times a day and go through a pack of gum in 2 days.

The worst feeling i've had is when one of my friends wrote on one of his pages of notes that my breath smells awful, which he showed my other friend sitting beside him. These friends were very good people, and wouldn't tell me... But I inadvertantly read it when i looked over at his page of notes... I felt so hurt after. (this was 5 years ago).