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Can Anyone Help?


mamabyrd

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mamabyrd Newbie

My mom called me today and said she thinks she has discovered my problem. She thinks I either am allergic to gluten or have Celiac disease. So, I thought I would list my situation and hopefully those of you who have either of these can tell me what you think. O.K. here goes...1) my mom says from the time I was born until I was about 6 months old I had diarreha all of the time and screamed like I was in pain all of the time(i was formula fed). 2) When I was about 6 years old I got sick with sores that covered the inside of my mouth and went down into my stomach and intestines. After many doctors, I was finally diagnosed with Dermatitis Herpetformis(according to my mom). This was the only time this happened. 3) I have had eczema since I was about 7, but mine does not look like other peoples. It starts out as waterblisters then it is almost like they break open and turn into a gooey painful open wound on either my feet or fingers. The normal meds don't work, although a steroid cream helped once. Usually it just goes away on its own after about 3 months. 4) When I was 23 I was diagnosed with IBS. The symptoms of this are diarreha sometimes, constipation sometimes, mucous in the stool, cramping , bloating. 5) A few months back my brother and sister-in-law stayed with us for a couple of moonths and she ground her own wheat. When she would be grinding my chest would tighten and my breathing would be affected. Some other problems I have that may or may not be related are frequent bladder infections, horrible PMS that starts about 2 weeks before I actually start, mood swings, I CAN NOT take fiber, it makes it worse, and I have a pituitary tumor. Oh and my dad has colitis and my brother has Crohn's disease, which my mom now thinks they have one of these problems also. Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks,

LIberty


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maile Newbie
. After many doctors, I was finally diagnosed with Dermatitis Herpetformis(according to my mom). This was the only time this happened.

Hi Liberty,

even with all your other symptoms aside this alone means you have celiac disease. Some of your other symptoms are also rather classic, the canker sores in the mouth, the D, bloating etc combined with the diagnosis of DH you should definitely stop eating gluten.

Of course, if you wish to have another official diagnosis you want to continue to consume gluten and get the full blood work panel done and get your rash biopsied as well, but if you were diagnosed once before then it appears to be pretty official.

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    • Scott Adams
      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
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    • trents
      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
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