Nerve Pain - Celiac Disease?

[CTabb44]

Hello,

I would never have found this site if it wasn't for a friend who told me to look into Celiac disease, because he has the condition. I mentioned to him some of my symptoms and he told me to get tested. I am of Irish decent - basically 100%. Over the past 8 years or so i have suffered from very bad heart burn and IBS, off and on. The IBS hasn't been with me for a while now though was really bad when it was and the heart burn has been around very consistently. Recently, past 1.5 years or so, i have begun to develop strange, neurological symptoms. I originally experienced some tingling in my hands and fingertips. This has gone away, only to be replaced by sharp shooting pains in my nerves. The are almost like quick, sharp pin pricks, and can occur anywhere on my body. The symptoms usually come along and progress in intensity as the day goes on. I always notice them after lunch and dinner. Usually, breakfast isn't tooo bad. I am wondering if there is any chance that this could be related to Celiac disease. I have never tried to eat a gluten free diet, and I don't want to - haha. But, if it helps to get rid of the symptoms, I would be all for it.

I appreciate any help and feedback from you guys.

Thanks,

Colin

[GFinDC]

I haven't had those exact symptoms myself. But I do have ringing in the ears, occassional muscle twitches, eye lid twitches or tick, dizzyness, loss of balance, joint pain, that's eough, there's more of course. Anywho, most of my symptoms improved or lessened after going gluten-free. Some of the neuropathy issues are supposed to be caused by vitamin levels being too low. Others may be caused by actual nerve damage. I can't say I know which is which myself. Other people have reported nerve pain on the forum in the past though.

I almost forgot the most important thing! I am of Irish descent also!

[CTabb44]

I appreciate the reply and based on other people's responses on the board, I will look into eating a gluten-free diet for a couple of days. Not east to do though when I look into the cabinets. But, maybe this will give me an idea of whether or not there is any relationship.

[ravenwoodglass]

A couple of days is not likely to produce any results. You really need to give it a month or two. It can take a while for the nerves to heal and one thing that may help speed the healing along is to get some sublingual B12. You really should get a blood test at the least before you go on the diet but even if the test is negative that doesn't mean that gluten isn't an issue. When celiac effects the nerves the damage can be progressive and if it goes on long enough may not be completely reversable. One other thing that should be mentioned is that uncontrolled diabetes can cause the same type of neuropathy that you are experiencing so it would be a good idea to have your doctor check you blood sugar levels as well as a celiac panel. Having one does not exclude the other and in fact celiac disease is often found in folks with diabetes.

[RiceGuy]

The advice given by ravenwoodglass is good. Besides the sublingual B12 (make sure it's methylcobalamin), I'd recommend magnesium. These two are very important for nerve health. A B-complex would probably be a good idea too.

Besides going gluten-free, there are a few other things you can do which can help you heal faster. Nightshades have toxic alkaloids which impede motor nerve function, so if you have intestinal damage from Celiac, those alkaloids may get into the bloodstream more than usual, thus effecting you more. For me, one serving of potatoes would literally render my legs basically useless for almost two weeks. Another thing may be dairy, because intestinal damage often makes it harder to digest until there has been sufficient healing.

We all know how it is to have to avoid favorite foods, but it can make all the difference in the body's ability to heal. Some find that they can add dairy back in once they've healed, and like all of us, you'll find new favorites too.

Though the prospect of dietary changes may seem daunting now, rest assured you'll get through it, and the fine members of this board will always be here to help you along the way.