Celiac? Lupus? Something Else?

[uma]

Hi,

I'm 26 and completely healthy, or so I thought! I had a routine blood test last August that showed abnormal liver function. Numrous additional blood tests, an ultrasound & cat scan showing nothing. And all the while I present as asymptomatic. In November I saw a specialist who did further blood tests, including one for Celiac.

My Tissue Transflutaminase Iga Abs was >100 U/ml , I'm now waiting to have an endoscopy through the public system.

I've since also had further blood tests with my GP that showed positive ANA, ENA, Anti-Ro 52 Antibody & ds DNA, which apparently is an indicator for lupus? (I've been referred to a rheumatologist for this, although appointment is not until April).

To date, I'm still asymptomatic, although I have been more aware of a few random stomach cramps, but they're generally more annoying than really painful, and I also wonder whether this is just me being a bit of a hypocondriac now that I know something is potentially wrong with me? In terms of other symptoms, I do experience joint pain, primarily in my fingers and hands, and sometimes in my elbows. The joint pain has flared up on and off over the past five years, but I've always dismissed it as something more RSI related due to retail work, and now work that requires me to spend alot of time at a computer.

Has anyone had any similar experiences, or been diagnosed whilst asymptomatic? I'm trying to prepare myself for the possibility of going gluten free but it's hard to convice myself when it doesn't seem to have an adverse effect on me, at least overtley anyway.

[Wolicki]

I was symptomatic, but I wanted to answer your post. I had terrible joint pain, tissue pain and a whole lot more for over 10 years. I was diagnosed with LUPUS 10 years ago because of blood work. I took many drugs for Lupus, including methotrexate, plaquenil and prednisone, and I was still sick. Fast forward to last June and I had positive blood work for Celiac. Presto, 3 days later no joint pain, and most other symptoms went away. I went from 10 presciption drugs/day to ZERO and I feel great. No Lupus, just Celiac. I didnt realize how much everything hurt every day until it stopped.

Good luck and good health!

Janie

[uma]

Thanks for that.

I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see, finally got my referral for an endoscopy this week. So at least I'll know the outcome of that before seeing the rhumatologist.

This may be a stupid question, (I haven't done much research on what positive ANA, ENA etc actually means and if they can change!) but have those blood work results improved, or stayed the same since going gluten free? Just wondering whether I should have more blood tests done after going gluten free, but before seeing the rhumatologist?

[mslee]

Thanks for that.

I'll guess I'll just have to wait and see, finally got my referral for an endoscopy this week. So at least I'll know the outcome of that before seeing the rhumatologist.

This may be a stupid question, (I haven't done much research on what positive ANA, ENA etc actually means and if they can change!) but have those blood work results improved, or stayed the same since going gluten free? Just wondering whether I should have more blood tests done after going gluten free, but before seeing the rhumatologist?

Hello,

I was dxed with lupus & then with celiac 8 years later. Many symptoms have gone away, but some have also changed... Like I feel more muscle pain now than before going gluten-free, also a bunch of new food sensitivities. I have been strictly gluten-free/soy free for almost 2 years & mostly dairy free as well. My ANA has stayed the same.

My liver enzymes were high & they thought for sure I had autoimmune hep right before they found the celiac. They even did a liver biopsy which confused them because it came back very healthy despite what my blood labs showed. My enzymes quickly normalized after going gluten free.

Anyways, I saw your post & wanted to say HI!

Curious how your apts have gone. I get to see my new Rheumy in a little over a week to get another opinion on the whole issue. Will post what I find out.

I had posted about Lupus there were a few others with input if you are able to find that thread it may be helpful too you.

Good luck! Hope you feel better!