Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Is This Common?

Mnicole1981

Recommended Posts

Mnicole1981 Enthusiast
Mnicole1981
Posted

Is it common to start suggesting to family members who suffer the same digestive issues that you have get tested?

I have probably been driving my family nuts with all of this because I have no diagnosis of anything. Everything points to Celiac disease, but if I could just get one person in my life to care, it would be appreciated. I feel like I have been dealing with this on my own.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Adalaide Mentor
Adalaide
Posted

Everyone I'm related to by blood lives 1000 or 2000 miles away. I haven't let that stop me! My husband has had the blood tests which like mine came back negative, fortunately his doctor knows that means nothing. I was diagnosed by biopsy, but our insurance won't pay for an endoscopy and we just don't have the money for it. So instead I have finally after almost 6 months nagged my husband into trying gluten free. It's so painfully obvious to me and he is finally willing to admit that gluten may be his problem. I call it my sixth sense (like the movie), I see celiac people.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Yup, I always say I am like that little boy in the movie Adalaide mentioned.

I SEE CELIACS....everywhere. :ph34r:

I have educated my large extended family ---full of AI diseases and GI troubles ---and not one (except my Mom) has done a thing about it.

And yet, perfect strangers listen to me. My cat's vet, the dental tech, the phlebotomoist who draws my blood, the UPS guy---all went to be tested.

Are any of them celiacs? yup!

Are any of my family celiacs? Oh, you betcha.

I can talk about it until I'm blue in the face, but until someone gets as sick as I was, they will not believe it. They think I am the only one. (no, I am just the FIRST)

I gave up. They know where to find me if they want help. I lost enough sleep over it.

Don't make yourself crazy over it.

Mnicole1981 Enthusiast
Mnicole1981
Posted
  • Author

Thank you. I will definitely try. I would like to be okay with my self-diagnosis, but while I feel a little bit better, there are still new things happening that worry me.

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

I just came here to write the same thing about my mother. She says she is healthy and just has stomach issues and joint pain and heat rash and fatigue... UGH! I am almost sure she has it but she's talking about how she can eat gluten moderately and she will be fine. I argue with her but...

I told her that I'll call to nag her everyday until she gets tested. lol :rolleyes:

psawyer Proficient
psawyer
Posted

You can mention it to family members. All first degree relatives of a diagnosed celiac should be screened for it.

It is common for them to refuse the idea, and there is no point in nagging them--it will only hurt your relationship with them in the long run. Mention it once--then move on.

Many claim that they are fine; many have overt symptoms, but deny that gluten has anything to do with it; many are scared of the idea of having to eat gluten-free--they would rather keep suffering.

For those who have not actually done the gluten-free diet, it sounds impossible. Even for those of us starting out, it is a major challenge. After 12 years, for me it is not a big deal. But my first year was a steep learning curve, and I did not have the benefit you do of this online support group.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I told her that I'll call to nag her everyday until she gets tested. lol :rolleyes:

Don't bother. I pressed my sister (diabetes, hypothyroid, high BP, etc. etc.) because I know siblings should be tested and her symptoms are obvious, but it just irritated her and I backed off.

I worry about her, but as my doctor (and Peter)both have pointed out, she does not want the hassle of dealing with a gluten-free diet and prefers to manage her symptoms with medications and remain status quo.

She an intelligent woman. I know she reads all the info I send her and so, I have to respect that decision.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Mateto Enthusiast
Mateto
Posted

I've been noticing lately a lot of my family members (and I mean a lot) are having gastric, arthritic, mood, and thinking problems....so I'm positive that coeliacs is in my family.

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

Ahhh, yes. But my mother understands nagging, I think she sees it as a way of expressing her love. Maybe it is our Ukrainian Polish background.... Lol

I hear what you are saying though. For my brother, I told him, gave him info to look into and advice on how to get an accurate test and he'll decide whether to test based on that.

My mom on the other hand won't do any research and comes up with her own ideas based on.... I don't know what. She obviously ddin't believe me when I told her that her niece's celiac was not caused by an eating disorder as a teen. I only say I'll nag her becAuse it will work and she understands it.

Thanks for your advice.

Mnicole1981 Enthusiast
Mnicole1981
Posted
  • Author

I've been noticing lately a lot of my family members (and I mean a lot) are having gastric, arthritic, mood, and thinking problems....so I'm positive that coeliacs is in my family.

Me too. My sister had pasta last night and just kept burping and passing gas all night. I notice everybody's problems now.

veruca Newbie
veruca
Posted

My parents and sister were tested and no one has it. I really thought my Mom had it. She has so many health problems that I almost wanted her to have it so she could start to feel better. No dice though. Blood tests were normal and so was her endo.

I have a cousin with fibromyalgia who I've urged sooo many times to be tested. Some people are just too overwhelmed with the idea of going gluten-free. Maybe I wouldn't have sought out a GI to figure out my issues if I had thought for a second that I could have celiacs.

~**caselynn**~ Enthusiast
~**caselynn**~
Posted

Is it common to start suggesting to family members who suffer the same digestive issues that you have get tested?

I have probably been driving my family nuts with all of this because I have no diagnosis of anything. Everything points to Celiac disease, but if I could just get one person in my life to care, it would be appreciated. I feel like I have been dealing with this on my own.

When I was diagnosed my GI doc suggested I tell other family members about it so they could get tested if necessary. I have mentioned it a few times, but I figure it's ultimately their decision. Although, I don't refrain from bringing it up when I hear them complain of their gut issues! Haha no better time to have that discussion! :)

Raven815 Rookie
Raven815
Posted

Hi there,

I have an opposite story. My Mom has had celiac for about 30 years and for a long time she has nagged me that I had it. I never had any symptoms and have always had a weight problem. I have had many auto immune diseases, but thought because I didn't have gut issues and was heavy, there was no way I could have it. Lo and behold, at 49 years old, I became very sick w/ DH. I ahve now had two tests come back positive for celiac (biopsy & celiac blood panel). I am dumbfounded. My Mother is gloating (not really). Now it's my turn to convince my sisters and extended family to be aware. I'm sure none of them will listen to me, either. All I can do is try.

Laura :rolleyes:

  • 1 month later...
Gemme Rookie
Gemme
Posted

I think we should have a discussionamong family members. All first degree relatives of a diagnosed celiac should takeit seriously. I have tried to explain my family but no one has done anythingabout it. But there are visitors who listen to me and are living a better life,until they get as sick as I was, they will not believe it. They think it

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. tiffanygosci
      - tiffanygosci posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      Hello all! My life in the last five years has been crazy. I got married in 2020 at the age of 27, pregnant with our first child almost two months later, gave birth in 2021. We had another baby in April of 2023 and our last baby this March of 2025. I had some issues after my second but nothing ever made me think, "I should see a doctor about this." After...
    2. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      On the AIP diet, all processed foods are eliminated. This includes gluten-free bread. You'll be eating meats and vegetables, mostly. Meats that are processed, like sausages, sandwich meats, bacons, chicken nuggets, etc., are eliminated as well. Veggies should be fresh, or frozen without other ingredients like sauces or seasonings. Nightshade vegetables...
    3. Yaya
      - Yaya replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

      Thank you for responding and for prayers. So sorry for your struggles, I will keep you in mine. You are so young to have so many struggles, mine are mild by comparison. I didn't have Celiac Disease (celiac disease) until I had my gallbladder removed 13 years ago; at least nothing I was aware of. Following surgery: multiple symptoms/oddities appeared including...
    4. larc
      - larc replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

      When I accidentally consume gluten it compromises the well-being of my heart and arteries. Last time I had a significant exposure, about six months ago, I had AFib for about ten days. It came on every day around dinner time. After the ten days or so it went away and hasn't come back. My cardiologist offered me a collection of pharmaceuticals at the time...
    5. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      So I should not eat my gluten free bread? I will try the vitamins. Thank you all so very much for your ideas and understanding. I'm feeling better today and have gathered back my composure! Thank you kitty kitty I am going to look this diet up right away. And read the paleo diet and really see if I can make this a better situation then it currently...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,921
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Serena Rodriguez
    Newest Member
    Serena Rodriguez
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • tiffanygosci
      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

      By tiffanygosci · Posted

      Hello all! My life in the last five years has been crazy. I got married in 2020 at the age of 27, pregnant with our first child almost two months later, gave birth in 2021. We had another baby in April of 2023 and our last baby this March of 2025. I had some issues after my second but nothing ever made me think, "I should see a doctor about this." After having my last baby this year, my body has finally started to find its new rhythm and balance...but things started to feel out of sorts. A lot of symptoms were convoluted with postpartum symptoms, and, to top it all off, my cycle came back about 4m postpartum. I was having reoccurring migraines, nausea, joint pain, numbness in my right arm, hand and fingers, tummy problems, hives. I finally went to my PCP in August just for a wellness check and I brought up my ailments. I'm so thankful for a doctor that listens and is thorough. He ended up running a food allergy panel, an environmental respiratory panel, and a celiac panel. I found out I was allergic to wheat, allergic to about every plant and dust mites, and I did have celiac. I had an endoscopy done on October 3 and my results confirmed celiac in the early stages! I am truly blessed to have an answer to my issues. When I eat gluten, my brain feels like it's on fire and like someone is squeezing it. I can't think straight and I zone out easily. My eyes can't focus. I get a super bad migraine and nausea. I get so tired and irritable and anxious. My body hurts sometimes and my gut gets bloated, gassy, constipated, and ends with bowel movements. All this time I thought I was just having mom brain or feeling the effects of postpartum, sleep deprivation, and the like (which I probably was having and the celiac disease just ramped it up!) I have yet to see a dietician but I've already been eating and shopping gluten-free. My husband and I have been working on turning our kitchen 100% gluten-free (we didn't think this would be so expensive but he assured me that my health is worth all the money in the world). There are still a few things to replace and clean. I'm already getting tired of reading labels. I even replaced some of my personal hygiene care for myself and the kids because they were either made with oats or not labeled gluten-free. I have already started feeling better but have made some mistakes along the way or have gotten contamination thrown into the mix. It's been hard! Today I joked that I got diagnosed at the worst time of the year with all the holidays coming up. I will just need to bring my own food to have and to share. It will be okay but different after years of eating "normally". Today I ordered in person at Chipotle and was trying not to feel self-conscious as the line got long because they were following food-allergy protocols. It's all worth it to be the healthiest version of myself for me and my family. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little overwhelmed and a little overloaded!  I am thankful for this community and I look forward to learning more from you all. I need the help, that's for sure!
    • knitty kitty
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      On the AIP diet, all processed foods are eliminated.  This includes gluten-free bread.  You'll be eating meats and vegetables, mostly.  Meats that are processed, like sausages, sandwich meats, bacons, chicken nuggets, etc., are eliminated as well.  Veggies should be fresh, or frozen without other ingredients like sauces or seasonings.  Nightshade vegetables (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers) are excluded.  They contain alkaloids that promote a leaky gut and inflammation.  Dairy and eggs are also eliminated.   I know it sounds really stark, but eating this way really improved my health.  The AIP diet can be low in nutrients, and, with malabsorption, it's important to supplement vitamins and minerals.  
    • Yaya
      Does anyone here also have Afib

      By Yaya · Posted

      Thank you for responding and for prayers.  So sorry for your struggles, I will keep you in mine.  You are so young to have so many struggles, mine are mild by comparison.  I didn't have Celiac Disease (celiac disease) until I had my gallbladder removed 13 years ago; at least nothing I was aware of.  Following surgery: multiple symptoms/oddities appeared including ridges on fingernails, eczema, hair falling out in patches, dry eyes, upset stomach constantly and other weird symptoms that I don't really remember.  Gastro did tests and endoscopy and verified celiac disease. Re heart: I was born with Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and an irregular heartbeat, yet heart was extremely strong.  It was difficult to pick up the irregular heartbeat on the EKG per cardiologist.  I had Covid at 77, recovered in 10 days and 2 weeks later developed long Covid. What the doctors and nurses called the "kickoff to long Covid, was A-fib.  I didn't know what was going on with my heart and had ignored early symptoms as some kind of passing aftereffect stemming from Covid.  I was right about where it came from, but wrong on it being "passing".  I have A-fib as my permanent reminder of Covid and take Flecainide every morning and night and will for the rest of my life to stabilize my heartbeat.   
    • larc
      Does anyone here also have Afib

      By larc · Posted

      When I accidentally consume gluten it compromises the well-being of my heart and arteries. Last time I had a significant exposure, about six months ago, I had AFib for about ten days. It came on every day around dinner time. After the ten days or so it went away and hasn't come back.  My cardiologist offered me a collection of pharmaceuticals at the time.  But I passed on them. 
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      So I should not eat my gluten free bread?  I will try the vitamins.  Thank you all so very much for your ideas and understanding.  I'm feeling better today and have gathered back my composure! Thank you kitty kitty   I am going to look this diet up right away.  And read the paleo diet and really see if I can make this a better situation then it currently is.  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.