Newly Diagnosed

[cat3883]

I am new to this forum. I have just been diagnosed with Celiac. My TTG level is 59. My gastroenterologist is doing the biopsy although he said with this level I definietly have celiac disease. I am 49 years young and havent really felt too bad although I have depression, migraines and weight gain. I have the biopsy on Oct 15th. My doc says I am really sick but just dont realize it. He says once I go gluten free I am going to feel like a million bucks. Any opinions?

[happygirl]

Just wanted to welcome you to the board!

Celiac can present in a variety of ways - from no symptoms at all ('silent Celiac') to debilitating symptoms....and then everywhere else on the spectrum.

Celiac has been linked to the three symptoms you've listed. With the gluten free diet, you may see those improve. You may see things improve that you didn't know were a problem.

Make sure you keep eating gluten until after you have the biopsy.

Some other good websites for your reading (besides this forum and www.celiac.com)

www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu

www.celiaccentral.org

www.celiac.org

www.celiacdisease.net

www.gluten.net

Let us know what we can do to help. Good luck!

[lizard00]

Welcome to the forum!!

I think your doctor is one of the good ones. He is exactly right, you are pretty sick but just don't feel it. Wait until your migraines and depression improve... I didn't realize how sick I was until I felt better. Now, I look back at myself a year ago, and wonder how I made it through the day, everyday.

Please feel free to ask any questions and look around. This site gave me so much information (in fact, most people here are more knowledgable than many doctors!)

It's a lifestyle change, but for the better.

[hawaiimama]

My TTG was 74. I knew I felt bad but didn't realize how bad. I'm 3.5 months gluten-free and its a HUGE difference. I've had maybe 2 headaches in that time vs almost daily.. There is a clairity that I dind't have before.

The other thing I've noticed, is that OTC pain meds now completely knock me out vs before they had little effect.

[ravenwoodglass]

Welcome, you have a really good doctor there. As the others have said you may just be pleasently surprised at how much of a difference it makes. Sometimes we just don't realize how severely we have been impacted until things get better. It can be hard at first but you have come to the right place for info and support.

[Mtndog]

Also wanted to say Welcome!!!!!!!! You DO have a good doctor. It will be interesting to see what happens with your biopsy. Even if you don't feel sick, once you eliminate gluten, you may be surprised at what goes away- from fatigue to headaches. Gluten can cause some CRAZY symptoms in those of us with celiac.

Also, even if you don't feel its effects right now, if you continued to eat it, your risk of GI cancers (which are deadly) skyrockets.

This is a GREAT board- so many good people and tons of experience and information! Welcome!

[curlyfries]

I am 49 years young

Me too! ....and welcome!

If you want to lose that extra weight, it won't necessarily drop off by going gluten free. Don't automatically replace your bread, crackers, pasta, snacks, and goodies with gluten free alternatives. Actually, in the beginning, it is best to stick to plain meat, chicken, fish, fruits and veggies. This gives your body a better chance at recovering. It also gives you time to sort out what is safe and what isn't, and not worry about "what did I eat that I shouldn't have this time?"

When I started, I decided that since I had to change the way I eat, I might as well do a total overhaul. I have lost 26 pounds so far, and my complexion is so much better......and of course, I am eating much healthier. I never had the willpower to change my eating habits before......this was the kick in the pants I needed!