Am I Seeing Celiac Where It Doesn't Exist?

[CeliacShack]

I feel like the kid from the Sixth Sense, "I see celiac people".

But seriously... I was just diagnosed through biopsy in June, and have been gluten-free ever since. My symptoms are improving, and I'm doing okay.

However, I now have concerns that my husband could also be celiac. He's having quite a few health problems. I really just wanted to see if other people had these particular illnesses, and were diagnosed w/ celiac.

So, he had multiple, large blood clots in both his lungs (pulmonary embolisms) late last year. The doctors said many looked "old", and that new ones had been building on top. We were very lucky to have discovered it in time. We never found an answer, why he got these, he had not traveled, he had not had a physical trauma, nor genetic issues.

We've been to the ER with him about 7 times in the past year, with odd symptoms, arm and leg numbness, chest pain, shortness of breath. CAT scans show that his clots have not returned, thank goodness. After many, many tests, they discovered he has some stenosis, degeneration and bone spurs in his spine, in at least two seperate pairs of vertabrae. It helps explain many of his symptoms... but I have to wonder why all the illnesses are suddenly popping up. He just turned 40 years old.

He also is often tired, naps a lot, joint pain... but he works a lot and is a tall big man...

I have seen people discussing bone degeneration and blood clots, are these somewhat common celiac issues... or am I just putting together puzzle pieces that don't belong?

He's been very supportive to me as I have been learning, and changing my life due to celiac. When I have bought up the possibility that he could have it as well, he shrugs it off. I am also about 99% sure my father is celiac, with good reason, he has fibromyalgia and is a textbook celiac case. I think my husband just believes I am seeing it everywhere now.

Thanks for any insight.

[nvsmom]

It is entirely possible your husband has it, but many many other autoimmune diseases can cause blood clotting problems and blood circulation problems. I know Lupus patients can get blood clots and I believe that Raynauds affects circulation too. Diabetes can cause clots... I would look through some of the other AI disorders and see if any fit better.

In the case of your father, I would say that is probably more likely because AI disorders tend to run in families. Would he be open to testing for celiac and other AI disorders?

[CeliacShack]

It is entirely possible your husband has it, but many many other autoimmune diseases can cause blood clotting problems and blood circulation problems. I know Lupus patients can get blood clots and I believe that Raynauds affects circulation too. Diabetes can cause clots... I would look through some of the other AI disorders and see if any fit better.

In the case of your father, I would say that is probably more likely because AI disorders tend to run in families. Would he be open to testing for celiac and other AI disorders?

Hmm, that's true, his uncle just had a clot recently, and he was getting tested for lupus, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the advice, I will check out different AI disorders.

My father had the blood celiac test done, and it came back negative, apparently. He also has bone spurs and degeneration in his spine. He has a huge amount of crazy symptoms and decades of serious health problems. I've discussed it quite a bit with my parents, and I do think he suspects he could have it, but I can;t see him being very willing to make the lifestyle and diet changes to get better. I will bring up the idea of looking into other AI diseases with him as well. Thanks again!