Celiac Disease – No Symptoms or Many Symptoms

Most people with Celiac Disease do not know they have it. A simple blood test can change your life or the life of a family member, friend, or coworker. It changed mine when I was diagnosed two years ago, after five years of symptoms. Some people with Celiac Disease have no symptoms. Others have mild symptoms and may simply accept them as normal. Celiac symptoms vary greatly and may include any of 300 different symptoms. For me, symptoms were joint pain (knees), headaches, insomnia, numbness and tingling, and irritability. I was finally diagnosed by an allergist after developing digestive problems and unexplained weight loss.

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten (wheat, rye, and barley) causes damage to the villi of the small intestines. It is not an allergy. The only treatment is a lifelong 100% gluten free diet. In order for test results to be accurate, it is important that you do not start a gluten free diet until you have completed all testing for Celiac Disease. Many doctors are not knowledgeable about Celiac Disease, so I urge you to request this test. If your blood test is positive, please consult with a specialist. Celiac Disease is confirmed by an endoscopy. If one person in your family has Celiac Disease, it is important that all members be tested.

While a gluten free diet is a big adjustment, I am confident you will find many gluten free foods that you love, including baked goods! If you would like to help increase Celiac Disease Awareness, please join my new group here on TwitterMoms. For Celiac Disease links and resources, please visit my blog – Gluten Free Optimist.