Could It Be Celiac?

[klmitchell]

I've had some weird symptoms for a long time, but lately have gotten worse. Ever since I was young, I had a sour stomach (usually after lunch). I've been a vegetarian for years, so have relied on pastas, breads etc. to fill me up. When I was in college, I started getting sharp abdominal pains followed by awful diarrhea. This symptom has continued, but over the years I have gotten more symptoms. These include hearburn, joint pain, fatigue, headaches, repeated sinus infections and UTIs and more. About 4 months ago, I got a horrible pain in my left side followed by diarrhea and the pain hasn't really stopped since. The stomach/intestinal symptoms have gotten worse and more frequent. Can anyone tell me if they've experienced similar symptoms? Do you think it could be Celiacs? Thanks so much for your help!

[celiac3270]

I've experienced the sharp stomach pains, diarrhea, bloating, gas, low weight...all symptosm of celiac disease. Fatigue is the most common symptom associated w/ celiac disease and diarrhea is thought of as the most classic symptom. Joint pain is another symptom. You could definitely have celiac disease--after all, 1 in 133 Americans do and your symptoms match up. Definitely get tested.

Oh, and welcome to the boards !

-celiac3270

[ianm]

If after eating breads and pastas you start experiencing these symptoms it is a good sign that somethings not right. All of your symptoms are the most common ones for celiac.

[KaitiUSA]

There are over 200 symptoms with celiac and everyone can experience different ones or none at all. The symptoms you are describing do sound like celiac. I experienced nausea, anxiety, and weight loss.

[anewsprue]

I would get checked .... sounds like most of the symptoms expressed here. Welcome and good luck.

[klmitchell]

Thanks everyone! I am going to see a specialist on Friday and we'll see how it goes. Is there anything specific I should be asking him? This is my first trip to a gastroenterologist and I'm not quite sure what to expect.

I'll let you know what he says!

[celiac3270]

Umm...if you want to ask about the results on here, it would be good to know which tests he is running...there should be five if he's doing all of them, but he may not.

You don't really need to ask anything--just explain your symptoms, suggest celiac, and maybe have an article or two or a symptom list to...educate him about it if he doesn't really know about celiac disease. Oh, the tests...Anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA, the total serum IgA, the anti-endomysial (EMA) IgA, Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA and the anti-gliadin (once again, AGA) IgG. I guess you could also ask what tests were run when you get your results back.

There's nothing you really need to ask. Your doctor will probably be doing most of the asking, at least on the first visit

[Lesliean]

You have to be on gluten for any testing unless it is through Enterolab.

She should be tested for the following:

-Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

-Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

-Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

-Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

-Total Serum IgA

You would benefit from a gene test too.

Some of your symptoms also sound a lot like lactose intolerance which can be independent or along with Celiac/gluten sensitivity because of temporary intestinal damage.

Does gluten sensitivity run in your family. Do family members have diabetes, thyroid disorder, neuropathy, IBS, migraines to name a few of the immunodiseases that go along with Celiacs often?

Good luck on Friday and keep us posted. I think internet sources are a great way to help guide doctors.

Leslie

[klmitchell]

Thanks! I'm going to print this and take it with me to be sure I get tested for everything. Bowel trouble does run in my family, I think much of it has gone undiagnosed. My aunt has ulcerative colitis, which I understand may result from a gluten intolerance.

I'll let you all know what happens Friday. It's great to have the support offered in this group! Thanks to all!