Newly Diagnosed...

[Nicole H.]

I am just wondering if Bulimia and celiac are related. I was bulimic for 6 1/2 years. I stopped about I think 2 maybe 3 years ago. Could I have given myself celiac? I always wondered what damage I had done to my body. This is probably something I should ask my doctor I know...but just wondering if anyone knows anything about this? No one in my fam has celiac...so I was thinking about it. Thanks

[RiceGuy]

Although bulimia isn't on the list of diseases and disorders associated with Celiac, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some sort of relation. Especially given all the neurological effects Celiac can have.

As for giving yourself Celiac, no, that doesn't seem likely. Celiac is genetic, and though it is generally recognized that symptoms don't start until a "trigger" occurs, I think it's quite likely that you'd have still developed Celiac symptoms either way.

And, since Celiac is genetic, other members of your family may very well have it, and simply do not know. Doctors typically first diagnose other conditions which Celiac causes. That's how it usually is. Many such family members will resist the idea of having Celiac, remaining in denial even if they have several symptoms.

[bigsislivie]

well, i dont know if they are related but i do know that stress on you/your body can trigger your celiac gene to start making you have symptoms. you see celiacs are born with the gene but most of the time its not active and when something triggers it thats when you start to notice things. for me it was when i had hit my head in the pool and had minor nerve damage. shortly after that incident i was diagnosed with tourettes syndrome which is a nervous system disorder were you uncontrollably twitch all the time and i think that is what triggered my celiac. the bulemia very well of triggered celiac in you. i would do the celiac blood panel and if they find anything suspicious then you could do the cloonoscopy,enoscopy, and biopsy procedure. it is nothing to be afraid of either:) i was extremely nervous and if i can do it so can anyone! ( i am only 13) haha:) its not that bad. that should give you an idea of if you have it or not. hope this helps=]-livie

[Nicole H.]

thanks guys. yea I had the blood work which was really high and they sent me for the endoscopy and a colonoscopy and it confirmed it. Its just so weird! all my life I was fine and then BAM. I guess im in a little denial about it and having the "gene" oh well. thanks!