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celiac, too?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/17/2008 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm reeling. Just got back blood test results from internist and I'm positive for celiac. I am currently stable with my uc and feeling terrific. The only reason I'd did the test was that my mother had been diagnosed and because it's a genetic disease my internist thought it prudent. I was completely surprised with the positive result, and I'm full of questions. I guess I really want to "get a clue" where to go from here. If anyone out there can speak any wisdom in this regard, I'd appreciate it. My GI will be getting back with me as soon as he gets the blood work from the internist. His nurse did mention that they never diagnosis based on labs alone but a small bowel biopsy...what is this? I can just imagine a colonoscopy type procedure through the mouth. Good grief! Help! I'll be researching this later when I've got the kids to bed.
Posted 10/18/2008 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
This is the quietest post I've ever started. My initial response to the positive celiac was that it was somehow associated with my UC. I am understanding more as I research on it but would like to know if anyone out there has dealt with this as well as UC and could offer any advice. Thanks
Posted 10/18/2008 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Seems it's not that common (around here for sure) for one to have both UC and Celiacs...when I was being tested for my CD they routinely check first time patients for celiacs as well, I tested negative, no celiacs thank goodness because the crohn's (and now IBS too) have been more than enough to deal with.

Sorry for your DX of Celiacs as well, from my little knowledge of Celiacs it's an intolerance to wheat and gluten and can be controlled if those 2 things are completely avoided, the only other thing I've heard about celiacs is that the symptoms can be similar to IBD which is why I was tested for celiacs, even though they knew I was a clear cut case of crohn's, they test for it anyways as part of the routine blood work for IBD, at least that's what my GI did.

I'm glad you're feeling great and that the UC is behaving.

:)
Posted 10/18/2008 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I've got it, there is a thread on this every month or so and just recently, look for reference to gluten.

I read somewhere that it can be confirmed through biopsy, but when I had my c-scope recently they said they wouldn't go up far enough. So I'm curious what you find out about that. I'm satisfied with the blood work result since it definitely has calmed my system and made me feel better than I have in years now that I eat nothing with gluten.

Look for those other threads, but basically you'll have to read labels!! And Google "gluten" plus whatever or where you want to eat, and you'll get some information. Soy sauce has wheat/gluten, that was a surprise. Restaurant eating is not as fun, there is usually little to choose from. There is gluten-free beer, yay. I find potato flour is much like regular flour, but I'm not much of a cook. Simple meat and veggie meals are the easy way to comply.
Posted 10/18/2008 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have a celiac dx, but I am sensitive to gluten and avoid it except for the occasional treat.

Although it's tough to come to terms with, you may find that once you're on a completely gluten free diet, your UC symptoms are greatly improved if not completely relieved.

There's a wonderful, supportive celiac forum and GF marketplace here:

http://www.celiac.com/

There are also many good books on celiac disease and the GF lifestyle. It's also much easier to find GF foods than years past. We have a Whole Foods and a large drugstore here that both carry an extensive selection of GF prepared foods.

Posted 10/18/2008 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Celiac disease damages the villi in the small intestine. The prep for them to look at your small bowel is MUCH easier than the prep for a colonoscopy. You just don't eat for something like 12 hours. No nasty stuff to drink! They put you OUT the same way.

Please check the forum for other posts on celiac and gluten free. Lots of good information has come up in posts in the last few weeks.

Going GF is a huge change, but can be totally worth it when you start to feel better. Best of luck!
Posted 10/19/2008 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
thanks for the encouragement everyone!
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