New Victim?

[Cudos]

Hello all, this is my first post and I'm looking for some answers.

First a little background on me. Forty nine y/o male. Started having gastro issues about 24 months ago, bloating, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, off and on runs and constant gas!!!, basically feeling like crap most of the time.

It seems to have become much worse after my 1st knee surgery 2 years ago. I got really sick after the knee surgery (general anesthetic) and it took some time to get over it, unfortunately it was only six months later that I had another knee surgery to clean out the knee (arthrofibrosis developed) and I was sick again.

I started losing weight. I was at perfect 165 lbs at 5'11'' before any surgeries. Now 2 years later and 3 surgeries later I find myself visiting my doctor more often trying to find out why I now weigh 149-150 lbs and can't gain weight to save my life. People always come to me and say are you feeling alright? you're soooo skinny, man have you lost weight, awwwe I hope you're feeling better soon. Man I am so sick and tired of looking sick and feeling tired and people constantly pointing it out!!

Sorry for the rant.

Two separate blood tests have shown low iron and low ferritin stores which would explain my constant fatigue. I have no blood in stool. I had asked my doctor about CD but he just kind of brushed it off. I asked again on the 2nd blood test and he tested me for a certain marker.

Well, the results came back with a reading of 12.0 U/ml,
IGA.

The chart says that <7 negative
7-10 weak positive
>10 positve.

He says mine shows positive but is not really that high so he's still not concerned about CD. I have requested some more testing (biopsy) and he agreed. So now I wait.

My report also said the Anti-endomysial antibody result was too follow, not sure why it comes later so I don't about that result. Does it sound like I could have CD? even just being over the "positive" mark by 2 points.

I can't imaging living on a CD diet from what I've seen so far, it looks overwhelming, I mean separate cutting utensils, arrg, and gluten in toothpaste? good lord what a bum deal.

I don't know of any relatives that have CD although my Dad seem to battle gastro issues most of his life.

Sorry for babbling just looking for some answers

Thanks

[teacherpat]

Its far from overwhelming, it just has a bit of a learning curve. Its second nature to me now. And feeling so much better gives you the energy to read labels
On a difficulty scale, I'd put it up there with learning to drive a straight shift.
Did you check out the sticky on testing? That may be helpful.
_________________
Pat

[Malcolm]

From my experience, you can have a gluten intolerance, causing similar symptoms, without having celiac disease (I have been tested). It may be a good idea for you to attempt a gluten free diet to see if that helps even if the biopsy comes up negative. However, do not convert to the gluten free diet before having the biopsy, that can mess up the results of the test.

Once you get used to looking out for gluten, it's not too hard to avoid it at home. A little bit more difficult when eating out though.

I know how you feel about getting asked about looking thin. I used to get asked that a lot. My best friend once asked me if I was anorexic.

Good luck.