Brass

How many  times have you been asked that question?

Hello - I'm an english woman (54 years old), living in France and I know I need to seek medical advice but I am trying to gather as much information as possible before I do so... which hopefully you can help me with?

I suffered from autoimmune hypothyroidism, but had my thyroid removed due to thyroid cancer.  My mother suffered the same and also MS so we have a history of autoimmune disease.

I have had a history of stomach issues for decades.  I have been told it was IBS?  I also suffered from a burst appendix as a child and am told my stomach pain is a result of adhesions?  I had my gall bladder removed 2 years ago and I do suffer with a lot of and lots colds and coughs... much more so that my family.

When I eat pasta and pastry in particular I suffer with hang-over symptoms the following day along with sinus pain.  If I avoid bread for a period and then eat some I have the same symptoms.  I get a lot of headaches and reflux.

I am very often tired - not sleepy but achingly tired.  More recently I have noticed my joints ache and my joints feel tender all the time.  I have a dull ache between my shoulder blades and my tongue feels like it's been scolded.  I also suffer from bloating and wind. 

I have trouble sleeping and when I do sleep well I often wake feeling unrefreshed.

I dont suffer from diarrhea... I can get constipated even though I eat a healthy and balanced diet.  

I am a little overweight - I have struggled with my weight for most of my adult life.  As a result I try to eat as healthy as possible as I am always aware of my weight.  I walk a lot, I walk long distance walks (200km to 1000km) so I am reasonably fit.  I am a singer and so my job is also active.

My symptoms recently have been worse and I wondered if this was due to my thyroid medication so I had a blood test.  My Vit D2/D3 is below the lower range, my iron and B12 levels are in the bottom end of the range and my potassium levels are slightly raised.  

Is it possible that I am celiac?  I have thought for a long time that I am really sensitive to wheat.  But I've kind of refused to consider the celiac option because I dont want it!  But... has the time come for me to face up to this?  

I'm 54 and an active woman but recently I feel like I've aged 20 years?

Any and all guidance is very welcome

Thank you