Could I Have Celiac?

[NLUVWITHMIAMI]

Hi. Iam wondering if I possibly have this. I have been in constant hip pain for 4 years-the past year has been bad. I can barely walk. I have been to 5 drs. and they all tell me its something different. I have been told i have ankylosing spondylisis,ddd,bursitis, it band tendonitis, scoliosis,etc. I was tested for allergies 2 months ago(only because I had always wanted to know if I was allergic to anything). Then I come across this website-and I can't believe the same symptoms and experiences with dr.s that I have had. I do have a wheat allergy, and vitamin d deficiency. I must admit that I had never heard of celiac until today. The only reason I think it may not be this-I was rear-ended by 18 wheeler around the same time as symptoms started. But, I cant understand why the drs havent thought of this,nor can any agree on a diagnosis. Iam 36 years old. Is this a disease that can start suddenly or does it start as a baby? I hope someone might have some ideas-thank you

[psawyer]

Welcome to the board.

The susceptibility to celiac disease is genetic, so that much you are born with. But most people who have the genes never develop the disease. It appears to require a trigger to activate it. Something that stresses the body and/or the immune system is usually what does it. Pregnancy, infectious disease or physical injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, are common triggers.

Once triggered, onset of symptoms can be rapid, or they can develop over a period of time. In any case, there will be slow deterioration.

I developed overt symptoms around my 41st birthday, and things went downhill over the next five years. I was diagnosed after I specifically asked to be tested for celiac disease.

[NLUVWITHMIAMI]

Thank you. This is very interesting. Maybe it was the car accident that set it in motion. Can't believe I have been to so many drs. and they didn't even mention this. Is it difficult to adjust to a gluten-free diet?

[psawyer]

Is it difficult to adjust to a gluten-free diet?

At first, it will seem difficult. There is a steep learning curve. But it gets easier over time. You learn to stop and think before putting anything in your mouth. You learn to read labels obsessively. And, you learn that there are so many things that you can enjoy safely.

[NLUVWITHMIAMI]

thank you again. I will have to update when I find out for sure what it is.