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February 10, 2012

Patient Discussions: Celiac Disease - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

Question:The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

Published: June 26

I have been taking Percocet for about two years as a pain killer for recovery from surgeries on my spine (spinal stenosis) and a rotator cuff surgery. It is common knowledge that this drug causes constipation and I have even noticed until recently that when I take my first dose in the morning it actually triggers my need to evacuate. Now I am having trouble going and Senokot and Metamucil have not helped as they have before. I have considered citrate of magnesium.

Related Reading: constipation

Published: June 10

I had severe fatigue, eye problems, and tingling in my hands and feet for several months. It made no sense as I am a fairly active, generally healthy woman. Then I developed pain and constant bloating in my upper abdomen and started becoming nauseated after eating. After I spent two days not eating due to nausea, I went to see a gastroenterologist. I had an endoscopy which found blunted villi and chronic inflammatory cells. Blood and genetic tests confirmed the diagnosis. I've been on the gluten-free diet for three months now. I'm back to my usual, active self. All the extra-intestinal symptoms have disappeared.

Published: June 09

My period stopped, I've had 3 in 6 years. I developed an unscratchable itch on my buttocks and outer vagina. My stomach started becoming distended at the top under my rib cage .It gets hard and there is discomfort. I feel nauseous and develop lower back pain at the onset of these symptoms. My eyes also become red or discolored. I alternate between diarrhea and constipation. Sometimes the symptoms stop for a week or two, then come back. During more serious outbreaks, I feel like I have the flu. Feverish, headachy, nauseous, tired, hollow feeling. I have a lot more gas than I used to. It's an awful thing to live with and I'm trying to modify my diet, which helps.

Related Reading: lower back pain | flu

Comment from: booboo, 55-64 Female Published: September 05

I have two of the symptoms of celiac disease. I am a junk food junky. Weight loss is not one of my symptoms. I will pass on any celiac test. I am 55 years old. I refuse to follow a gluten-free diet.

Comment from: Cathy, 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: September 05

I was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years ago, after being rushed to the ER when my stomach nearly perforated. My dad also has the disease.

Comment from: jyoti, 65-74 Female (Patient) Published: August 28

I have just been diagnosed celiac disease. I suffer greatly from indigestion, lack of gas release, burning in chest, loose motion, heaviness in the abdominal area, nausea, etc.

Related Reading: indigestion

Comment from: Stuffed UP, 65-74 Female (Patient) Published: August 14

I have not been diagnosed but have allergic responses when I consume wheat or foods containing gluten. My nasal passages swell as well as my wind pipe making it almost impossible to breathe. I also get dizzy, have poor balance, muscle weakness and leg cramps. I also feel bloated in my stomach often after eating even when I carefully avoid gluten. I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine but often have to remove the mask due to my nasal passages swelling making it very difficult to breathe. I lack energy and my memory has been affected. I have had this problem for many years and I am now 70.

Related Reading: sleep apnea

Comment from: Em, 25-34 Female (Patient) Published: August 05

I visited the doctor because I was simply feeling very tired all the time. I was very shocked to discover that I had celiac disease, as I had no other symptoms.

Published: July 01

My symptoms were severe pain or sensitivity in my stomach and uncomfortable gas and loose stools. I was also tired all the time.


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Celiac Disease - Diagnosis Question: How was your celiac disease diagnosed?

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