Does This Sound Like Celiacs?

[C-lav]

Hey all, I have some questions for you experts about some symptoms that I have that are making me worried that I have celiacs. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow but I'm really anxious for somebody's opinion.

I've always gotten really bloated after I ate, but I didn't realize how severe was until the other day. My friend and I were discussing the fact that we both think we may be lactose intolerant and so I showed her a picture I took of my stomach a few days before that showed my bloating. When she saw it she was very concerned and told me it was not normal at all. It really does look like I'm 8 months pregnant by the end of the day sometimes and I really don't eat all that much food. I typically take in about 1700 calories a day and burn off about 400 of them. I work out a lot and have been dieting to lose weight but nothing severe. I'm 19 years old, about 128 pounds and 5'4". As I've lost weight I'm realizing more and more how it's bloating thats making my stomach big, not fat.

I also have been having gray poop that alternates between near constipation and diarrhea. I haven't gotten my period in about 4 months. I have a history of fatigue, it was so bad that I was tested for narcolepsy two year ago, partly because I have a family history of it. They said I didn't have narcolepsy but that my iron was low. I recently heard of another symptom, week tooth enamel. I constantly get cavities despite brushing, flossing, everything, while my siblings do not take the same care of their teeth and hardly ever get them.

So I know a doctor is the only person who can tell me anything with any certainty, but I was just curious what you all thought.

Thanks very much

[adab8ca]

Hey all, I have some questions for you experts about some symptoms that I have that are making me worried that I have celiacs. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow but I'm really anxious for somebody's opinion.

I've always gotten really bloated after I ate, but I didn't realize how severe was until the other day. My friend and I were discussing the fact that we both think we may be lactose intolerant and so I showed her a picture I took of my stomach a few days before that showed my bloating. When she saw it she was very concerned and told me it was not normal at all. It really does look like I'm 8 months pregnant by the end of the day sometimes and I really don't eat all that much food. I typically take in about 1700 calories a day and burn off about 400 of them. I work out a lot and have been dieting to lose weight but nothing severe. I'm 19 years old, about 128 pounds and 5'4". As I've lost weight I'm realizing more and more how it's bloating thats making my stomach big, not fat.

I also have been having gray poop that alternates between near constipation and diarrhea. I haven't gotten my period in about 4 months. I have a history of fatigue, it was so bad that I was tested for narcolepsy two year ago, partly because I have a family history of it. They said I didn't have narcolepsy but that my iron was low. I recently heard of another symptom, week tooth enamel. I constantly get cavities despite brushing, flossing, everything, while my siblings do not take the same care of their teeth and hardly ever get them.

So I know a doctor is the only person who can tell me anything with any certainty, but I was just curious what you all thought.

Thanks very much

Oh it sure sounds like it could be!

[AzizaRivers]

Your problems are pretty suggestive of celiac symptoms. So the nest step is to get tested. Keep eating gluten. Don't stop until you're finished testing because if you do, you may get a false negative. Visit your doctor, explain all your symptoms and insist on getting a full celiac panel done. If they won't, get a new doctor. Be aware than many doctors don't know as much as they should about celiac, hence the whole section of the foum dedicated to frustrations and celebrations about good and bad doctors.

[IrishHeart]

It sure sounds like some classic celiac symptoms.

A bloated belly on your small frame is not "normal". I know; I had one too.

You are wise to see a doctor, especially if you are so fatigued. It could be anemia--common in celiacs.

And yes, lactose intolerance often accompanies gluten intolerance. Many of us have to give up dairy until our guts heal. Some are unable to have it again.

Here is a link to over 300 symptoms and other disorders associated with celiac disease. Print it off, check off your symptoms and bring it with you to your appointment.

Being your own best advocate is key to getting a proper diagnosis. Good luck!

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[wheeleezdryver]

i agree with what everypne else has said! I just wanted to add, that after you do the test, even if the restults are negative, you should still give the gluten- free diet a good try. Many times people get false negatives on the tests. (and of course, go lactose free as well)

Let us know how things go!!

[C-lav]

Thanks everyone, I got tests done, they said my iron is a bit low. I don't think I get much iron in my diet, but I think its odd that it would still be low if I'm not getting my period, maybe I'm wrong? I have yet to hear the results of my celiac test, hoping to hear back tomorrow at the earliest.

[IrishHeart]

Thanks everyone, I got tests done, they said my iron is a bit low. I don't think I get much iron in my diet, but I think its odd that it would still be low if I'm not getting my period, maybe I'm wrong? I have yet to hear the results of my celiac test, hoping to hear back tomorrow at the earliest.

I thought anemia might be a factor! My Dad had low iron ---and he had no periods either (I am just trying to make you giggle ) He suffered anemia for years. Many celiacs have low iron, or B-12 or folate levels. These are 3 types of anemia.

Not because you are losing blood, but because this is a disease of malabsorption in the intestines.

here's an article for you to read that explains why anemia develops in celiacs.

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Have they tested your B-12 and folate levels, D-3? Makes sure they do, okay??--these are often low as well.

Cessation or skipped periods may also be a symptom. ...let us know what happens!