Need Advice With Regards To Symptoms,Diet And Blood Test Results

[smile]

Hi there, I wonder if you can help me?

Ive had a problem for maybe the last 8/99 months.

I was feeling sick daily for almost 8/9 months. It usualy happened in the evenings, generally about 1hr 30 mins after eating. It would last for a few hours.

I went to my doctor many times who diagnosed IBS and gave me medication. I saw no improvement with it.I still felt sick. There were also times when I would have very loose motions with an urge to go very quickly.

My doctor did some blood tests and said I did not suffer with celiac disease, but my IgA levels were raised. I was then asked to wait a few months and have the test repeated. I did this and my levels were still raised (if I remember it was only slightly raised. My doctor said they didnt know what was making me sick and I should keep a food diary and see another doctor. In the last 3 weeks Ive been eating really healthy eg fruit/veg/nuts/seeds/meat/oily fish/rice/potatoes. The only food with gluten in that Ive eaten is bread. 2 slices in the morning.

Then last week on one day I had food with gluten in it, pasta bake, a muffin and a sandwich. That evening I felt sick again. I felt much better eating foods with no gluten, although I craved bread quite a lot.

Today I ate bread and some cake/biscuit and felt slightly sick afterwards. I also needed the toilet a few times. I also have suffered with bad wind after consuming such foods as I did today.

I dont know whats going on, but feel my feeling sick is something to do with what Im eating. I dont know whether to see another doctor or just cut out gluten from my diet.

Also what would be a reason for my raised IgA levels for the two times I had the blood test taken?

Many thanks

[Wolicki]

Hi there, I wonder if you can help me?

Ive had a problem for maybe the last 8/99 months.

I was feeling sick daily for almost 8/9 months. It usualy happened in the evenings, generally about 1hr 30 mins after eating. It would last for a few hours.

I went to my doctor many times who diagnosed IBS and gave me medication. I saw no improvement with it.I still felt sick. There were also times when I would have very loose motions with an urge to go very quickly.

My doctor did some blood tests and said I did not suffer with celiac disease, but my IgA levels were raised. I was then asked to wait a few months and have the test repeated. I did this and my levels were still raised (if I remember it was only slightly raised. My doctor said they didnt know what was making me sick and I should keep a food diary and see another doctor. In the last 3 weeks Ive been eating really healthy eg fruit/veg/nuts/seeds/meat/oily fish/rice/potatoes. The only food with gluten in that Ive eaten is bread. 2 slices in the morning.

Then last week on one day I had food with gluten in it, pasta bake, a muffin and a sandwich. That evening I felt sick again. I felt much better eating foods with no gluten, although I craved bread quite a lot.

Today I ate bread and some cake/biscuit and felt slightly sick afterwards. I also needed the toilet a few times. I also have suffered with bad wind after consuming such foods as I did today.

I dont know whats going on, but feel my feeling sick is something to do with what Im eating. I dont know whether to see another doctor or just cut out gluten from my diet.

Also what would be a reason for my raised IgA levels for the two times I had the blood test taken?

Many thanks

My only abnormal lab was positive IGa, and it was confirmed Celiac. You need to try a 100% gluten free trial. I bet that's what it is, based on your symptoms.

[sandsurfgirl]

You really have a good handle on what is causing your trouble because you have cut gluten down so much in your diet and then as soon as you eat it you get sick. Your IgA is abnormal for a reason.

I would go gluten free for 3 weeks or a month and see how you feel. Make sure you go totally gluten free or you will be wasting your time. Be meticulous.

[smile]

Thanks for the replies they have been helpful. There was something else I wanted to mention or ask about. Ive been experiencing pain in my knees when I crouch/bend down. The pain is in both knee caps and it is quite painful. Meaning I can't stay down for too long. I also experience of a regular basis a pain in the top of my shin on the bone. Sometimes it feels like it is bruised, when there is no bruise. It hurts to touch like a bruise and I haven't banged my shin. Just wondered if this could have anything to do with what Im eating. It does concern me because Im quite small(weight wise) for my height and I am worried I could have bone loss or something like that.

[ravenwoodglass]

Thanks for the replies they have been helpful. There was something else I wanted to mention or ask about. Ive been experiencing pain in my knees when I crouch/bend down. The pain is in both knee caps and it is quite painful. Meaning I can't stay down for too long. I also experience of a regular basis a pain in the top of my shin on the bone. Sometimes it feels like it is bruised, when there is no bruise. It hurts to touch like a bruise and I haven't banged my shin. Just wondered if this could have anything to do with what Im eating. It does concern me because Im quite small(weight wise) for my height and I am worried I could have bone loss or something like that.

Celiac does have an inflammatory component for many of us that goes beyond the gut. Those antibodies seem to be able to attack any organ or system. That inflammation can cause issues like what you describe. Do mention it to your doctor if it is severe though. That type of pain could be caused by any number of things.

Celiac can of course cause osteoporosis but I don't think that would cause that type of pain. However it wouldn't hurt to get a bone density screening if you can. Women can find it easier to get their OB/GYNs to order the test than their regular doctors.

My arthritis and fibro both went into remission within a few months on the diet. I did have to eliminate soy also but not everyone does. When I get glutened they both 'flare' and I find a hot soak or shower and some asprin helps.

[nora-n]

Yes, several people here and on other forums have posted about pains in their limbs, that went away after going gluten free.

Which blood test was slightly raised?

There are:

tissue transglutaminase IgA

tissue transglutaminase IgG

antigliadin IgA

antigliadin IgG

endomusium antibodies

total IgA , which is not a celiac test but just to check if any kind of IgA type test is valid. Otherwise they go by IgG type tests.

[smile]

Hi,

My doctor didn't given me any information on what test is was apart from the IgA being raised. Another doctor said something about it not being a problem because my IgE level was normal and that the raised IgA was nothing to worry about.

Ive also read that some people can suffer with missed periods due to celiac/gluten intolerance. In the last say 26 months Ive only had 9 periods max. Ive had my hormone levels checked more than once and they have been normal. Ive also been told that this is nothing to worry about. Im sorry if I seem to be listing so many things. I guess I have a lot of things that I dont get sorted or know why its happening. For example on my chest, both sides near the arm pits I have a red/orange colour rash, sometimes its worse than others, it can get very dry/sore and start flaking. Its been there for almost a year. I was given some cream that made the skin smoother, but the rash soon reappeared and has stayed there ever since. Any ideas?

[nora-n]

You mean jsut the total IgA?

That one is not a celiac test.

And, IgE has nothing to do with celiac, IgE is common allergies.

Celiac has nothing to do with allergies.

Celiac is an autoimmun disease.

Which celiac tests were done?