Celiac Symptoms Or Something Else?

[missj]

Hi there! I am 27 years old and have been tested (blood test) for Celiacs before. My doc said it was negative and told me I "probably just had IBS". Nearly 6 months later my symptoms have gotten worse and I am getting ready to see a gastro. I am slightly worried because I don't really know if this is even the right path! Any guidance would be great.

My syptoms are:

-constipation

-heartburn

-extreme hunger

-more tired than normal

-some gut pain but not much

-bloating (to the point I look pregnant and I'm physically uncomfortable and in pain)

-retaining water

-nausea (but no vomiting)

-get full quickly

-joint pain

-always thirsty

-headaches

-urge to go but can't (this is very new.)

When I was tested before I was not even close to being convinced this was an issue. I was convinced it was a blood sugar thing because I have PCOS and insulin resistance goes with it (which I have been told I don't have the IR part because I'm not fat). So in trying to lose some extra weight before a wedding I was in, I cut out the majority of processed carbs and other foods. I snuck handfuls of things here and there but I never ate them in a substantial amount. Would that have affected the results of the first blood test? I had been doing this for months before the test.

My PCP thinks it could be Ulcerative Colitis, as my mother has lived with it for years. However, I remember her pain and other symptoms and I have not had them. My pain is minimal at best and until the past week or so very sparradic.

One other thing, and it sounds a little nutty, but over the past 3 years I have lost 25lbs. One of the things I noticed about my diet is that I can eat nearly whatever I want as long as I stay away from breads, high protein anything and refined sugar. I know bread is connected to celiac disease but what about the other 2?

I am very hopeful that this will all be figured out soon. Any advice you have could be helpful. I'm tired of being misrable!

[starrytrekchic]

Yes, it certainly sounds like you could be. And the carb lite could have affected your bloodwork before.

IBS isn't a diagnosis--it's a set of symptoms! Saying you have IBS is like the doctor saying you have a headache when you tell him your head hurts...well duh! You need to find out what's behind the symptoms, so I'd go ahead and see a gastroenterologist.

[missj]

Thanks! The more I go over the things people have said about their symptoms the more I go "that's me!"

Since the wedding I was in (October), I went back to a typical diet and that's when things really got bad. But man, has it been tasty! lol. If I do infact have Celiacs, it's going to be a tough road for my taste buds.

[Mari]

I agree with starrytrekchick, it's good to be tested. Remember that the usual tests can miss up to 30% of people who have celiac disease. I had confusing blood tests - elevated anti gliadin but normal anti tissue transglutaminase. I ordered the genetic marker (DNA) test which showed a main celiac gene and a gene for Leaky Gut Syndrome. I was at high risk for developing gluten problems and had the symptoms. Be sure the gastro also tests you for Lyme Disease.