My Grandfather Has Celiac's Disease, And I Dunno If I Might Have It.

[Tazjay10]

As the title says, my grandfather has celiac's disease and has for a few years now. He was diagnosed when I was 14/15 and I was tested also. The problem is, the blood test came back negative and the last few months I've been in agony with a mixture of constipation, diarrhea, gas bubbles and stomach cramps and pains, mostly when I eat a large amount of dairy containing foods (like my homemade alfredo sauce which I love). I have been under a lot of stress the last two years, between my husband abusing me, in the sexual manner and emotional and mental, and him then dumping me in Colorado last year. I've been struggling to live with everything and have been treated via therapy for depression. I'm just wondering, if its possible for me to have celiac disease after everything that's happened?

[Lisa]

  On 3/23/2012 at 2:17 AM, Tazjay10 said:

As the title says, my grandfather has celiac's disease and has for a few years now. He was diagnosed when I was 14/15 and I was tested also. The problem is, the blood test came back negative and the last few months I've been in agony with a mixture of constipation, diarrhea, gas bubbles and stomach cramps and pains, mostly when I eat a large amount of dairy containing foods (like my homemade alfredo sauce which I love). I have been under a lot of stress the last two years, between my husband abusing me, in the sexual manner and emotional and mental, and him then dumping me in Colorado last year. I've been struggling to live with everything and have been treated via therapy for depression. I'm just wondering, if its possible for me to have celiac disease after everything that's happened?

Yes, although your history my be tragic, often times stress can be a trigger for Celiac to kick in. Are you able to be tested? Mention this to your therapist and with hopes she/he can arrange for appropriate testing.

[Roda]

Yes stress and stressful events can be a trigger for celiac. It can develop at any time in your life. Just because you were tested and negative when you were 15 just means you were negative then. You could have developed it since. If you can while you are still on a regular diet, ask your physician/therapist to see if you can be tested.

Testing even in adults can give false negative results. If you decide on testing and when you are done with the testing you want, give the diet a try for a good three months. Often times this is the best test you can do. Given your family history, it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to request testing.

[mushroom]

I am truly sorry you have been having such a stressful time in your life. Yes, definitely emotional and/or physical stress can be a celiac trigger. While the gene is a hereditary thing, the actual development of the disease requires a trigger to set it in motion, That is like saying that a gun is not a deadly weapon unless the trigger is pulled. Many people have the genes predisposing them to celiac disease, but not everyone with the genes goes on to develop it. So while at 14/15 you may well not have had it, it is perfectly possible that you could have developed it due to the traumas you have suffered recently. An intolerance to dairy often goes along with celiac disease because the lactase enzyme is produced in the area of the small intestine that is damaged in celiac disease. So if you truly are celiac, fettucine alfredo is probably the worst dish you could posibly eat at this point Also keep in mind that celiac disease can often be the cause of anxiety and depression in and of itself. The sooner you can get testing for celiac disease, the better.

I wish you health and recovery from your traumas.

[Bubba's Mom]

I couldn't say anything more clearly than Mushroom. She is right on every point.

Just wanted to say it would be a good idea for you to be retested.

I hope all of your bad days are behind you!