So Many Symptoms, Unsure About Testing

[Vintage River]

Please be patient, as this is my first post. I have been reading through these forums for several months, but have only just joined!

After spending hours researching Celiacs Disease online, I feel quite sure that I am sensitive to Gluten. Here are a list of my symptoms:

*On prescription stomach medication in elementary school for what the doctors referred to as "a nervous stomach"

*Childhood asthma

*Diagnosed with IBS as a teenager

*Developed joint pain and cracking in college, which has continued to worsen.

*Developed Rosacea in my mid-20s

*I have an upset stomach on a daily basis and have lost over 20 pounds in two years without a change in diet.

*The enamel on my teeth is inexplicably weak. After a few years away from the dentist, I returned to find 13 cavities, which required 4 crowns and 2 root canals, despite what the dentist called excellent oral hygiene.

*I am hypoglycemic, and tend to have ringing ears and black out if I don't eat frequently, especially in the hot summer months.

*For the last four months, I've had a numb, tingling, burning sensation in my legs, especially at night. It's DRIVING ME CRAZY! (The doctor said there was no obvious cause, and decided that it was due to anxiety--but I don't feel anxious, aside from worrying about the burning sensation in my leg!)

*During a recent physical, my blood test showed a low Ferritin Serum Iron level of 7, a very low Vitamin D level, and a normal-low B-12 level (though I take sublingual B-12 that's 150x the daily value) The doctor recommended that I take an over-the-counter multi-vitamin. (My vitamin levels have been in this range for the last 3 physicals, despite taking vitamins)

*My mother has been treated for Rheumatoid for the last 15 years and has also had Stage 4 Colon Cancer, my Grandmother is diagnosed with Lupus and horrendous Osteoporosis, and my sister's doctors are currently treating her for Polysystic Ovarian Syndrome, because they cannot determine what is causing her vitamin deficiencies among a host of other issues.

Based on my symptoms, I felt that Celiacs might be the answer for me and my immediate family members. The only doctor in my area who has a history of treating for Celiacs is a natural doctor, and he charges absurdly high rates for 15 minutes sessions which cannot be billed through insurance. I decided to take matters into my own hands and went to a walk-in lab and requested a celiac panel. I received the results today, but I'm wondering if they are useful, as they did not not run a total IGA serum count. The results are below:

Reticulin IgA Autoabs: Negative

Endomysial IgA Autoabs: Negative

Gliadin IgG Abs: <3

Gliadin IgA Abs: <3

I'm not sure if these results are helpful if there is no total serum IgA, or if I should consider them proof positive that I do not have Celiacs? I am nearing 30 and have just married. My husband and I want to start a family, but I worry that I should raise my Iron and other vitamin levels before pregnancy. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any advice you might have!

[Bubba's Mom]

Your low vitamin levels are ones that are typical for a Celiac. It comes from malabsortion.

The blood tests have a 20-30% false negative rate. If they didn't do an IGA count your results may be "off"?

You don't need a Dr.s permission to go gluten-free as a test. Try it for 3 months..and be strict about it.. and see how you feel?

[Vintage River]

Thank you so much for your reply! I think that trying a Gluten free diet will be the ultimate test. I was hoping for some type of concrete evidence, mainly because so many other members of my family are suffering with similar symptoms and are treating their conditions with prescription medication. Perhaps if I go Gluten-free and see real results, they will follow in my footsteps!

[Bubba's Mom]

Thank you so much for your reply! I think that trying a Gluten free diet will be the ultimate test. I was hoping for some type of concrete evidence, mainly because so many other members of my family are suffering with similar symptoms and are treating their conditions with prescription medication. Perhaps if I go Gluten-free and see real results, they will follow in my footsteps!

A lot of us think that if we're DXed, we can get help for family members that seem to have Celiac symptoms. Many of us find that our family members don't want to be tested. They'd rather go on with their symptoms..and eat whatever they want! ( I have a sister with Crohn's who got mad when I suggested she try gluten-free to see if it would help) Do what's best for you. Maybe others will learn from your example?