Is it really celiac?

[Linea]

Greetings, all, and happy holidays! I haven't posted for a while, and could use some input. I realized about a year ago that wheat was making me sick, so I got 2 of the more sensitive of the blood tests, which came up negative. Regardless, I knew I felt much better without the wheat, so have kept gluten-free.

Since then, I've done some more research. I was diagnosed with IBS about 20 years ago. When I gave up wheat, thinking I had celiac disease (not IBS), I realized over time that I still had the same sensitivity to alcohol, caffeine and chocolate that I've always had. It turns out that some folks with IBS have problems eating wheat, which causes the same cramping and diarrhea of IBS.

But the joint aches? The irritability?

I'm stymied. Do I have something that is merely a nuisance (IBS) or something far more serious?

Thanks!

[aklap]

Hi Linea,

Great to hear from you again!!!

Do you know what tests were done? The tTG test is the most likely one you had done. This looks specifically at celiac disease - particularly villi damage. IgA and IgG would be the ones to run to check for antibodies. Of course if you've been GF - these tests (as well as others) will be negative. You must be consuming gluten to do it. Now if you feel better of gluten...why go back on?? That is something only you can answer.

If you don't have villi damage it's very possible this test would be negative.

I would venture to guess it more of a Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity issue. You don't have celiac, but gluten does cause problems. I am in this boat...as well as many others. GS is not widely accepted yet. Many docs will only say gluten is a problem when you can see damage to the villi...hmmmm seems kinda late to deal with it then.

Maybe dairy is an issue...that can also cause joint & bone pain.

Here's some info for you to look at. I hope it helps!

GIG's PDF: Gluten Intolerance vs CD

Diagnostic Testing

Celiac vs Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten Sensitivity - Before the Villi are gone
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Jeannine]

xx