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What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease (aka coeliac disease) is a genetic autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's lining. This damage leads to inflammation and atrophy of the villi, tiny finger-like projections in the intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. As a result, individuals with celiac disease may experience symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and malnutrition. Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to more severe health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis, weight loss, and increased risk of certain cancers. A strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not a wheat allergy. It's also different from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or sensitivity to gluten.
My Long Journey to Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Like many people, I spent a lot of years, a lot of dollars, and endured many tests and misdiagnoses, before doctors finally discovered that I had celiac disease (also known as coeliac disease or celiac sprue), and needed to eliminate gluten and all gluten-containing ingredients from my diet. Gluten is a protein found in the three main gluten-containing grains: wheat, rye, and barley; and is often hidden in processed foods, and things like soy sauce and beer...[READ MORE about my long and winding road to a celiac disease diagnosis and recovery.]
Gluten-Free Diet
To treat my celiac disease I had to go on a gluten-free diet for life. That meant learning to read food labels to avoid gluten ingredients, and eating a diet of mostly naturally gluten-free foods like meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and packaged foods only if they are certified gluten-free or labeled gluten-free, for example gluten-free breads made using gluten-free grains.
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Recent Activity
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- CeeBee1807 replied to CeeBee1807's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms13
Could it be? Next steps?
Thank you Wheatwacked, this is very helpful. I wasn't sure if it was something that would routinely be done with a gastroscopy or if it was something they would be able to tell by looking, if you know what I mean. I will definitely ensure that this will be included. -
- CeeBee1807 replied to CeeBee1807's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms13
Could it be? Next steps?
Hi AnnaNZ. AST and ALT I believe. I have only had one blood test which included liver function at this point, i'm currently waiting to be retested to see whether they are still elevated - this is due to be done in November. -
- CeeBee1807 replied to CeeBee1807's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms13
Could it be? Next steps?
Thank you cristiana, I will certainly mention it. I will check out Coeliac Uk also, seems like I have a weekend of reading ahead but I want to make sure I go armed with all the correct information. -
- trents replied to CeeBee1807's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms13
Could it be? Next steps?
ALT and AST and they steadily increased over a period of seven years until I was diagnosed with celiac disease and went gluten free. Within three months of adopting a gluten free diet they were both back within normal range. They were never super high but, if I recall correctly, like you would see in someone with advanced cirrhosis but were chronically mildly... -
- AnnaNZ replied to CeeBee1807's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms13
Could it be? Next steps?
Trents and ceebee1807, which of your liver enzymes were elevated? Did they stay elevated long-term or did they fluctuate?
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