Identical Twins -- Only One Twin Is Celiac

[remedios]

Hi to you all,

A recent DNA test of my twin and me showed that we are identical, even though we are not exactly identical in height and a few other features. I am a celiac and my twin is not. My twin is more than an inch taller than I am and has better eyesight -- specifically, I have an astigmatism in one eye, and she has perfect vision. My twin has a perfectly normal digestive system, but like me, she has significant reactions to airborne allergens including pet dander, pollen, ragweed, and some perfumes and fabric softener.

I didn't realize that I had celiac disease until I was well into my twenties, despite suffering a range of severe symptoms from childhood. I'm sure that the height and eyesight differences between my twin and me are the result of my undiagnosed celiac disease from my early years to mid 20s.

I'm from a large family of nine children, and at least two of my other five sisters have celiac disease as well. Neither of my two brothers seems to have celiac disease. I would love to talk to someone who is familiar with this topic. Is it likely that my twin has an asymptomatic celiac condition? Are our respiratory allergies related to the celiac condition?

Thanks for any input!

[ravenwoodglass]

For me respiratory allergies were definately connected but I can't say they will be for all.

Celiac requires a trigger to rear it's head, you have apparently had that trigger but your twin has not. Your twin should be on guard and should at least get the blood test periodically. There are folks that are celiac that are asymptomatic, or seem to be. Celiac can be more than just a gut a disease, some will have neuro effects like depression and anxiety, some will have bone and joint issues, some will have skin issues, some will have the gallbladder or thyroid effected and all can show up before the typically recognized gut issues show as much more than what is thought to be an occasional problem.

I hope you heal quickly and welcome.

[Tallforagirl]

Celiac requires a trigger to rear it's head, you have apparently had that trigger but your twin has not. Your twin should be on guard and should at least get the blood test periodically. There are folks that are celiac that are asymptomatic, or seem to be.

The chance for your twin developing celiac disease is around 70 per cent, so I agree with ravenwoodglass, it's a good idea for your twin to get retested periodically.

Conversely, there's also 30 per cent chance your twin won't get it.

[remedios]

Thanks to you both for the replies. I have heard this 70/30 breakdown before, but just by hearsay. What's the source for this statistic? And if you have the answer to that question... can you point me to a blog or periodical that discusses primarily Celiac disease and topics like it with a scientific or medical emphasis?

I'm also interested to see if there's a connection between MS and allergies. My family has a history of MS, and I've seen that trend in some of the other discussions. Since celiac and MS are both auto-immune diseases, maybe they're connected... or maybe it's just a coincidence.

Thanks again!

[lovegrov]

I don't know about the 70/30 breakdown but there are any number of people who have the gene but never develop celiac. No one is real sure exactly why some develop and others don't.

richard

[Nancym]

Ah, you should watch this video, it'll explain why identical twins aren't really identical, and get less identical as they get older. It's because of something called epigenetics.

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