Coeliac Disease - how do you know if you've got it

[AJC]

There seem to be so many people these days with coeliac disease. Is it something that is really obvious before it's diagnosed or can you have it and not realise? I've read about the symptoms and I don't really have any strong symptoms listed but I am particularly interested if anyone has changed to gluten free diet after unexplained infertility or m/c. I'm not sure whether to request that my ob send me for this test or not (he possibly already has, I've done loads over the last few months.

Any feedback will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Katiegirl]

AJC - Coeliac runs in my family and I have always had problems with wheat (bloating, cramping etc) but have not been properly diagnosed as Coeliac. Do you have any symptoms like bloating, cramps, fatigue etc - there are lot of symptoms related to Coeliac. You can have a blood test or endoscopy done to check - but for the endo you need to be on wheat fully for at least 3 months (and as I wanted to TTC straight away I have put off doing this until after this pregnancy). There is evidence to suggest Coeliac can be related to mcs which is why I am now on a strict gluten free diet.

Ask your dr and maybe try out a gluten free diet to see if you feel any better.

[MrsB26]

AJC I have had tests done for this. It turns out that i have IBS and not coeliacbut there are simiarities. My symptoms were - gasiness, bloated, no warning gastro (not the best thing), constipation, anxiety was a trigger also. I had 2 procedures done after being referred to a gastroenterologist, one was a Barium Enema and YES it is BAD!!

Basically they take x-rays of your bowels to make sure there is no blockages or twists - thats the short story - i wont go into the gross detail lol - I also had an endoscopy under GA (day surgery) and they take biopies of your stomache, intestines and bowel.

I also had bt's done when i ate normally then went gluten free for about a month and had another one - measures something that i cant remember cause it was sooo long ago.

Wont forget that Barium enema though :crylaugh:

Good Luck - its worth getting it checked out, if you want the name of my specialist i am happy to give it to you - just pm me

[Pandora]

it can often be diagnosed just from the blood test, and it is inherited, but thats not to say you cant have a mutated genetic sequence cuase it either, or that its been diagnosed in the relatives/ancestors who have/had it.
There are also wheat allergies and intolerances that arent coeliac but can cause issues for those who have them.

[AJC]

Kategirl, MrsB26 & rayray. Thank you for your replies, sounds like I would probably have more symptoms if I had it but I am going to see my ob tomorrow so i will speak to him about this & go from there. If I can rule it out to give me piece of mind then I don't care how much the tests cost, I'll do them (although Mrs B26 that enema doesn't sound pleasant).

Thanks again!

[caddie]

How did you go ajc? Ive had coeliacs for a year now. I was diagnosed after sufferig from acute stomach pain which required hospitalisation.A specialist sent me off for gastro/colonoscopy,numerous catscsans,bariums,blood tests. I d had enough by the end but it explained why i was feeling extreme tiredness,depression,low iron,my hair was even falling out. Dont go gluten free until the required tests are done other wise a you will get a false reading. I have heard coeliacs causes fertility issues. Ive also never been able to breastfeed.Another sign of coeliacs!
Someone has told me giadia can cause coleiacs but its temp until that is cleared.

[AJC]

Hi Caddie

Thanks for asking - I've had the BT to test for it but don't have the results yet. My ob didn't seem too concerned about it especially as I don't have any symptoms. I'll just have to wait & see for the moment. Will let you know.

[caddie]

Most people done have symptoms.If you think of a triangle divided in to 3. The top section is for those who have symptoms.The widest part of the triangle dont. Most people get accidently diagnosed.It is great that you are trying to find out!

[Katiegirl]

AJC - just wanted to add that in my family 1) my brother had the blood tests which always came back negative but after years of problems had the endoscopy and it showed he was a coeliac - so the blood tests do not show coeliac for everyone. 2) my niece at the age of 3 had no symptoms other than a very bloated stomach but was diagnosed coeliac - whereas my other niece who is a coeliac had very obvious symptoms. So it is a tricky one to diagnose. Definitely worth getting it checked just for peace of mind and to help with your TTCing.

Good luck!

[AJC]

When I spoke to ob about it he did say that it is very hard to diagnose and although he is very supportive he didn't seem too concerned. I really trust him and believe he will give me the best advice so I am not too worried atm. There is no family history and I have a very large family so that kinds of puts my mind at ease too. I started eating a low gi gluten free bread when I first posted this thread but I found it actually made me feel bloated (where as normal low gi doesn't). That brings me to my next difficulty - low gi and gluten free. Hard to find foods that are both low gi and gluten free. Seeing as though the low gi diet has had such a positive and large impact on me over the last 6 months I decided to stick to that until I got the celiac test results back. And well, now I'm pg again so hopefully this bubba sticks and after he/she is born I will look into celiac further then. Thanks again everyone for all of your advice.

[jackisback]

MrsB26, can I ask if anxiety was a "trigger" or a symptom? I have anxiety and suspect I may have ceiliacs too.. bloated, pains, gas etc

[caddie]

Its funny you should ask that. I got mine when ruby was 6months,and i was without no family support,hubby was always working and i had just been on a diet for 12 weeks. I know i am a stressful person. My body had a complete melt down and i got such bad stomach pains was in hospital for for days in ER on and off having morpine.A follow up specialist appointment and biopsies and now a coeliac!

[jackisback]

Caddie, thanks for sharing. I have good weeks and bad weeks where I can get pains and then nothing.. but still eating the same.. so I am unsure if it is ceilacs. But I have also been trying for pregnancy for 2 years (with one miscarriage) so anything could be possible?? I have heard that ceilacs have fertility problems?? Maybe anxiety, infertility, ceilacs etc is all related??