Introduction And Some Questions

[tallfran]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 61 year old female who is almost positive that I have Celiac Disease. I've been blaming my gastic problems on other things for a long time -- mainly on Lactose and Fat. I don't have D per se, as in multiple times per day, but after nearly any meal, I have to get to the bathroom within 20 minutes or so for an exlosive, watery stool.

I saw the doctor a couple of months ago for extreme fatigue and weight loss. She did a CBC, blood sugar, and thyroid panel. All were pretty much normal.

I'm just under 6 feet in height and my current weight is 145, which is a little low. I did a long distance hike in 2006 and my weight at that time dropped from 158 to 141, so I have regained a little of the weight I lost hiking, but not as much as I would like. I got up to about 150, and then started losing again.

My parents are both deceased now, but I suspect they both had celiac as well. Dad was Type 1 diabetic, Mom had lots of gastric complaints, and both were quite thin. I have one sister, who has had a thyroidectomy, not certain of the reason.

My medical history includes severe headaches, GERD, peripheral neuropathy, ADD, removal of gall bladder, multiple canker sores, polymyalgia rheumatica, poor balance, extremely poor night vision, optic migraine, arthritis, and (surprise, surprise) depression.

I just got back from Walmart where I grocery shopped, looking for gluten-free items. I did find gluten-free pastas and soy sauce. They even had the gluten-free beer! I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I did buy a six-pack and it tastes like any other beer to me. I was told they had gluten-free bread, but they were out of it. I don't plan on going gluten-free until after my tests, but thought I'd start getting ready because even if the tests are negative, I want to try the gluten free diet to see if it helps.

Any responses or suggestions highly welcome!

Fran

[gfpaperdoll]

welcome Fran!!! I think all your symptoms point to a gluten problem. I think you are very smart to go gluten free. What type of tests are you going to get?

I am 60 & have never felt younger or healthier !!!!

[tallfran]

Thanks for your reply!

She doesn't know why I made the appointment yet; I just spoke with the receptionist. I plan to take my copy of Peter Green's book, just in case she knows nothing about celiac, and I'll request the full celiac panel. I also hope she'll refer me to a GI doc so that if the blood comes back positive, I won't lose too much time before the biopsy. I don't know if my insurance will pay for the biopsy if the blood tests come back negative...

I do need to load up on gluten. I've never been much of a bread eater, except specialty breads like San Francisco sourdough, or the Italian bread at Carrabba's that you dip in the Olive Oil. I do love pasta though, and biscuits and gravy.

Fran

[buffettbride]

Fran,

I hope you finally find out what has been ailing you. Perhaps you could get your PCP to refer you straight to a GI for the blood and endoscopy tests? Might have a better chance of running them concurrently. With my daughter, they drew blood and did the endoscopy on the same day. We got the results on the same day, and were complimentary in terms of diagnosing her as Celiac.

Either way, after the tests, you can try gluten-free to see if it makes you feel better! You will find a wealth of information here--this site is really the best resource I've found.

Take care!