Autoimmune Disease & Celiac Help!

[altairishgirl]

Hello Fellow Celiac Friends!

I've been struggling with Lupus (or a similiar autoimmune disease- they can't decide which one) for the last decade. About 18 months ago, also diagnosed with Celiac disease from a positive endoscopy and blood work. My main symptoms are extreme joint pain, muscle weakness, and a rash that extends to everywhere my joints are sore (legs, arms, neck). I take 10 mg prednisone daily, as no other rheumatologic drugs help, and I've tried every one. After eating gluten-free for 18 months, my symptoms have not eased but I may have cross contaminated as I live/eat in a hotel with a communal kitchen (that sounds so weird, sorry).

My rash, IMHO, looks like DH but without any blisters. Does anyone know what to look for in regards to 10 years of medical testing that could possibly rule out an AI disease? I know that AI and Celiac goes hand in hand but after a decade of no response to typical AI medication and getting worse, I'm at my wits end of trusting my doctors. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!

[beachbirdie]

Hello Fellow Celiac Friends!

I've been struggling with Lupus (or a similiar autoimmune disease- they can't decide which one) for the last decade. About 18 months ago, also diagnosed with Celiac disease from a positive endoscopy and blood work. My main symptoms are extreme joint pain, muscle weakness, and a rash that extends to everywhere my joints are sore (legs, arms, neck). I take 10 mg prednisone daily, as no other rheumatologic drugs help, and I've tried every one. After eating gluten-free for 18 months, my symptoms have not eased but I may have cross contaminated as I live/eat in a hotel with a communal kitchen (that sounds so weird, sorry).

My rash, IMHO, looks like DH but without any blisters. Does anyone know what to look for in regards to 10 years of medical testing that could possibly rule out an AI disease? I know that AI and Celiac goes hand in hand but after a decade of no response to typical AI medication and getting worse, I'm at my wits end of trusting my doctors. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks!

It's not autoimmune, but is there any chance you might have Lyme disease? Lyme and post-Lyme complications ("Late-Stage" or "Chronic" Lyme) can cause symptoms like yours.

Have you investigated other food sensitivities?

And, to end the interrogation, , how is your thyroid? Autoimmune thyroid can also cause some of your symptoms. You would need thyroid antibodies tested (thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin for starters) and ALL your levels...TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.