Gluten Intolerance / Celiac And Liver Problems

[jarsmith]

Hi,

I've been off gluten since last October. My blood tests were inconclusive and my biopsies negative (I've had three over the last 9 years). After years and years of unexplained flair ups of joint pain, chronic fatigue, diahrea, mouth sores, and severe abdominal pain my GI doc told me to try a gluten free diet. The difference is super - no more joint pain, chronic fatigue, unexplained fever, or severe abdominal pain. However, my liver enzymes are still elevated, I have tenderness under the right ribs, and diahrea. I was just wondering if anyone else knew much about the interactions between celiac's and autoimmune hepetitis or other liver conditions. I'd be greful for any input!

Thanks!

[trents]

I was one of those whose liver enzymes were mildly elevated for years before discovering I had celiac disease. The enzymes normalized within 3 or 4 months after going gluten free however. One expert estimates that the incidence of elevated liver enzymes among Celiacs is 18-40%. You may need more time for your liver to heal. If your enzymes continue to be elevated much longer, however, I would have some in depth testing done as there are other liver diseases that could cause this that may or may not be related to celiac disease. Your liver is important, don't ignore this ongoing problem. What are the numbers for your enzymens, anyway?

The other thing I would look at is gluten free compliance. A lot of Celiacs think they are gluten free but are getting contamination through unexpected sources such as oral hygiene products or medications or they simply are disciplined. It's all about totally eliminating gluten, not just cutting back.

[mopsiecat]

Hi,

I've been off gluten since last October. My blood tests were inconclusive and my biopsies negative (I've had three over the last 9 years). After years and years of unexplained flair ups of joint pain, chronic fatigue, diahrea, mouth sores, and severe abdominal pain my GI doc told me to try a gluten free diet. The difference is super - no more joint pain, chronic fatigue, unexplained fever, or severe abdominal pain. However, my liver enzymes are still elevated, I have tenderness under the right ribs, and diahrea. I was just wondering if anyone else knew much about the interactions between celiac's and autoimmune hepetitis or other liver conditions. I'd be greful for any input!

Thanks!

My sister who was often sloppy with her gluten free diet was diagnosed with autoimmune hepetitis several years ago. She's doing OK now, but has to be very careful with most medications; for instance, Tylenol and other pain medications which she would like to take for arthritis will cause liver pain.