How To Cope With Symptomless Celiac?

[ElseB]

Is there anyone else out there with symtomless Celiac Disease? Prior to diagnosis as Celiac, and since diagnosis, I have absolutely no symptoms or reactions from consuming gluten. The post-diagnosis gluten ingestion was of course accidental. But my biggest problem is that while I try to eat gluten-free, I could be accidentally ingesting gluten through cross-contamination and not know it. So then I become completely paranoid. Case in point - I've been eating Astro yoghurt, but did some research today and discovered that people had gotten information from the company that they can't guarantee their products are gluten-free. Do I continue eating it or not? I've had absolutely no problems from eating it. I'm too afraid to eat anything because it might have gluten and I'd never know it. Anyone else have this problem?

[Lisa]

Welcome!

One member comes to mind whose Celiac was discovered through issues with diabetes. Elye may be of some help to you. You can find her by doing a member search.

[aim301]

This doesn't help with your overall issues, but if you love yogurt, Stoneyfield Farm says on their website that they are certified gluten-free. Thank god, because I think I would die if I couldn't eat their yogurt.

[zero]

Before my diagnosis, I did not have any gastro symptoms from eating breads or anything with gluten though I would have a strong reaction from eating raw vegetables. I figure the roughage was upsetting the already irritated intestines. In retrospect I could recognize some non gastro symptons. After being gluten free, I will now have a definite and sometimes strong reaction to eating a moderate amount of gluten (accidentally) but would probably not notice a small amount of gluten from cross contamination.

So my philosophy is to be pretty strict about making sure the foods which I eat on a regular basis are gluten free either based on ingredients, the label or the manufacturers web site. I avoid food which says it is manufactured on equipment which also processes foods containing wheat. I accept food which is gluten free but is manufactured in a facility which also processes wheat.

If it helps with your peace of mind I would say you need a blood test to verify that you are avoiding gluten in your diet. Eventually I will get a new blood test and can only hope it shows I am doing the right thing. Hope this helps,

rob

[Hummingbird4]

I was essentially asymptomatic, too. I say "essentially" because for about 6 weeks last spring, I had on-again-off-again upper stomach pains that I thought was an ulcer, and that's why I went for my endoscopy (and resulting biopsy). I don't know if those pains correlated with eating gluten, because I ate gluten all the time. After my diagnosis, I went on vacation and continued eating gluten and felt just fine - no stomach pain at all. I've been gluten free for almost 3 weeks now but continue to have intermittent stomach pain, especially in times of stress.

So, I have no answers for you, but I know where you're coming from.

[tkm831]

I do not have the gastro symptoms so I feel the same as you. I do have some other symptoms such as extreme exhaustion, irritability, can't concentrate. I have been gluten free (I think) for a week now but since those symptoms seem to be present still I am not sure. From what I heard it takes a while to feel better and after being gluten free for a while your body will present the obvious symptoms so you will know. Can't wait!

I have to go back to the Dr. in 6 months for f/u bloodwork but in the meantime I will have to assume I am doing it right.

Good luck and you are not alone!