Coeliac Versus Gluten Intolerance

[Midget]

After 10 years of suffering and believing I had IBS, my doctor is sending me for testing for coeliac disease next week.....however if these come back negative I don't know whether it's worth me trying a gluten free diet as it could be gluten intolerance rather than coeliacs???

Here are my symptoms: (Sorry of its graphic)

Diarrhoea which is usually urgent, once I need to go, I HAVE to go, several times a time except when I occasionally become constipated for about two days- (Probably not true constipation but I feel there is stool in my rectum that I cannot push out)

Bloating accompanied by abdominal pain eased by having a bowel movement

Wind- serious offensive wind

Left upper abdominal pain

Gastric reflux

Excruciating pain upon eating (about once per week), this leaves me doubled over in agony for about 20 minutes before I can stand up- then it eases to a dull ache for a few hours but this is at least manageable.

I am pale, and exhausted all the time.

do you think if the test comes back negative for coeliacs, then It could just be gluten intolerance? I'd appreciate any advice or comments you have as I'm getting desperate really. I do eat a lot of gluten in my diet so worry about how i'll adjust to a life without it.

Thanks

Midget

[MySuicidalTurtle]

Well, despite what tests say, if you feel better off gluten then why not stay off. The diet is worth trying and after you get used to it, it is pretty easy!

[happygirl]

Welcome to the board. Wait and see what the results are, have a discussion with your doctor, and consider trying the diet to see if your symptoms improve. If the tests are negative, and you go gluten free for a period with no improvements, then you'll know its not gluten and need to pursue another path.

[Midget]

Thanks guys will have to wait and see now I guess, I have been stuffing myself with gluten though as if i'm gonna have to give up big macs and krispy kreme doughnuts, I may as well have one last one! My bowels are not thanking me for it though I must confess!

Went to have the blood test today but the nurse couldn't draw blood so have to go to hospital Tuesday for the test. I just want to know now though. I think I will cut out gluten if it is negative and then reintroduce different aspects of gluten to see if its possiby just wheat intolerance as bread seems to have the biggest impact on me.

We'll see.