Celiac Symptoms In Brother

[kyga2]

I had to give up gluten (and casein) a couple years ago, and my daughter, who is 2, has never been able to tolerate gluten or dairy herself. Because I have been living it, and because I have learned a lot from different sources, including these message boards, I am convinced my older brother has celiac disease, or at the very least a severe intolerance. He has been intolerant of milk his whole life, and when he was a child he had dark stains on his teeth. No one could figure out why, so my parents just had them capped. My brother has been diagnosed with IBS, and has had 'bathroom troubles' as long as I've known him. He has always been rail thin, and cannot gain weight. Recently, he has told me that he is tired all the time, and he gets frequent, painful mouth sores. Yes, alarm bells all over the place.

However, I have talked with him about this in the past and he kinda blew me off. Now that I know about the mouth sores and fatigue, I feel duty bound to say something once again. I think he is afraid of eating 'weird' food and also of being different. He is 41, but I guess we never get over not wanting to be different.

I need words of wisdom or encouragement for talking to him. Thanks!

[Roda]

Maybe he will listen. It sounds like he is getting to a point that he is either wanting or having to deal with the issues. I really don't have any words of wisdom as for talking to him. I do feel your concern, however, since I too believe my brother suffers from celiac. He also has been complaining of more issues lately. He too is lactose intolerent, has sarcoidosis, rash that never resolves, etc. I've tried to talk to him in the past but he just doesn't want to hear it. He said he would rather die than to give up his beloved bread and beer. Well, that indeed will probably be what does him in eventually. Sad as it is I have had to let go and not let it bother me. I hope it is different with your brother. Good luck with it!

[Bubba's Mom]

I have 2 sons that are in their 30's and have symptoms. When I told them they should be tested they both said no. The older one even agrees that he *probably* has it!

I see signs in my hubby too and he refuses to be tested. He has other auto-immune diseases too, so it's not out of the question.

I guess the best we can do is to tell them and point out some of their symptoms that fit? It may not do any good right now, but as their health fails more at least they know what they should be tested for.

As they say.."you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink".

I have to say I find it rediculous for someone to suffere from symptoms when they have the means to make themselves better. I dunno if it's a "guy thing"? I know I'm making a wide sweeping statement when I say as a rule men are not nurturers, and that includes nurturing themselves. Some are much better than others in that area.

Hopefully, your brother will listen.