Wondering If This Is Celiac

Jodylynn · October 7, 2008

Hi! Im a thirty six year old mother of 4 children and live a pretty hectic life. For many years starting after the birth of my first son ( I was 22) I have been coping with progressiveley worsening diahrea and cramping, gas and bloating. Over the last two years it has become very bad and I went to my family doctor and she said it was spastic colon and it was probably from stress. I dont think that this is what it is. I have hypothyroid and am under weight. I feel like my body cant be absorbing anything because it has been so long since I have had a regular bowel movement. I am fatigued all the time even though Im on medication for my thyroid (diagnosed at 18 yrs old). I have been under alot of stress the past two years but I dont think that is why . I can pretty much eat what I want and not put on weight because it seems to Go right through me and as soon as I eat anything my stomach makes awful bear like growling noises almost immediatly. I am afraid that I am damaging my body by not taking it further and getting another opinion. The doctor didnt take blood or do tests or anything. Am I just a worry wart or could this be Celiac disease? I have considered trying a gluten free diet to see if it helps. How long would it take to start seeing results? I appreciate any advise or opinions on this.

leadmeastray88 · October 7, 2008

Hi there!

Your symptoms definitely give you reason to consider Celiac. You should ask your doctor for the bloodwork and biopsy and you must do so BEFORE starting the gluten free diet because it will wreck the validity of the results.

Also, the fact that your symptoms started post pregnancy is common, lots of people experience a 'trigger' (such as pregnancy, stress, surgery) and then their bodies start to react.

Don't you just want to say to your doctor, "I'm stressed because I feel terrible?!" Don't let your doctor disregard your symptoms because of 'stress', atleast not before exploring other possibilities.

I hope that helps! Good luck

-Kim

Lisa · October 7, 2008

Hi Jody and welcome to this forum!

Celiac Disease can have up to 200 symptoms and yours certainly fits. It is important to know that if you should pursue testing, that you must remain on a gluten diet. Celiac can be diagnoses through a blood test, endoscopy exam and biopsy and positive dietary response.

If you elect to try the positive dietary response, it may indicate that you have a gluten intolerance, a gluten allergy or Celiac Disease. The others test are more specific toward Celiac Disease.

Many people here are self diagnosed and feel quite comfortable with that choice. Others feel that they need a more specific diagnosis for themselves and their family since it is genetically linked.

The diet is rather complicated in the beginning, but it can be done. With time and experience, it will become second nature. There are a lot of people here who can help you out with that, should you decide this is the avenue you wish to take.

If you would like to be tested, this is what you should ask you Doctor to order:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

Good luck and feel free to ask away.

ShayFL · October 7, 2008

You and me could be exact twins except I only have 1 child. My pregnancy triggered mine and I was so miserable, I didnt want anymore children. gluten-free has helped me tremendously.

Ask to be tested. And if it is NEG (like mine were) give the gluten-free diet a try. It only took me 2 weeks to see results (no migraines) and about 6 weeks to see changes in my BM's. And I keep getting better everyday.