Does anyone have any information on Celiac Disease?

Question

Hi,

I recently went to see my physician because of stomach problems I've been having. He thinks I may have Celiac and did a blood test. I will see him next week to get the results. I have always had stomach problems since I can remember. For the past month or so I have been waking up every morning with stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. I feel really tired even though I get enough sleep. I also have muscle/joint pain. My doctor told me it was a possibility that I may have IBS. If I had that though, wouldn't I have the urge to go to the bathroom right after I eat? I don't ever have that. It usually occurs once a day, in the morning. Does anyone have any infromation on this?

Answer 1

Hi, it certainly sounds like your doctor may be on the right track. You probably had the blood work that tests for the antibodies to gluten.

I am a celiac, as well. It is quite common, 1 out of every 130 people (maybe more) have celiac. It is a genetic autoimmune disease, which means that if you come back positive, ALL first degree family members must be tested as well.

There is just too much to write out about the symptoms, so I am sending you to 2 websites that I think would be very helpful. Go here:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases...

and here for IBS:

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases...

p.s. Please also look into lactose intolerance, it usually goes hand in hand with celiac, especially before you are diagnosed. The reason for this is that lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose) is produced in the tips of your villi, which are not present in large numbers in non-treated celiacs.

Answer 2

Have you been eating gluten? If not, it's not Celiac.