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Could this be Celiac?

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Celiac Disease
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Purgatory
Elite Member
Joined : Oct 2008
Posts : 25448
Posted 10/12/2012 6:25 PM (GMT -8)
Decided to stop lurking here, and introduce myself.  I have been at HW for 4 years.  Most of the time in the Prostate Cancer group, more recently with the fine people at Chronic Pain.  You can get an idea of what I have been going through on my signature.

The short version, since 1998, I have dealt with 4 serious bouts of cancer, involving a total of 15 operations, 2 bouts of major radiation, and a lot of terrible side effects and damage, mostly from the last radiaton being delivered wrong.

I still have advanced prostate cancer, chronic pain, and chronic fatigue.

about 2 months ago, I started losing weight fast, without any attempt at dieting or exercise.  Then almost like someone turned off a switch, I lost any sense of a natural appitite.  Even now, I never ever feel hungry.

When I do eat, I get immediate and terrible cramping in my lower abdomen, which then puts pressure on my lower back.  Its pain level 8-10 at times.  It started out with the cramps starting 15-30 mins after eating, but now, it can begin as I am eating.  Also, if I need to go to the toilet, the cramping is even worse until I go.  No, I do not have any constipation issues.

My oncologist recently sent me to a gastro doc.  He did the endoscopy and had my first colonosopy.  He found and removed 4 large pre-cancerous polyps.  But doesnt know what is going on with the other symptons.

I have lost 45 lbs from the start of the year, over half of it in about the past 7 weeks.  I sometimes lose 1/2 to 1 1/2 lbs per day.

I had my pancreas checked by tests and MRI recently, I did have pancreatitis when I was 28, but is supposedly is fine now.

Could these be symptons of Celiac?  Can it start late in life, I just turned 60?  Could the trauma of what I have been through triggered this?  If so, how is it diagnosed and why didn't the gastro doctor suggest it as a possibility?

On my last visit to him, when I said, "What's next?"  He simply said, "I don't know".  BTW, he was highly rated and is part of MD Anderson.

Sorry this is so long, but its actually the short version.  I don't know what to do at this point.  Could use some help.  The pain from this ordeal out does the capability of all the script level pain meds I am already on, so not looking for more meds.

Looking for any advice or help,  thanks in advance.  I can fill in any holes if you ask me direct questions.

David in SC

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Purgatory
Elite Member
Joined : Oct 2008
Posts : 25448
Posted 10/12/2012 6:28 PM (GMT -8)
PS, if this helps.

The gastro doc ruled out IBS or ulcers.

I never get feelings of being bloated, never constipated, never have heartburn or chest pains.

It doesnt matter what I eat, even a 6 oz bottle of Ensure or Boost will have the same effect on cramping. I have varied what I eat, how much I eat, etc, nothing seems to change what is going on.

Prior to 2 months ago, none of this was an issue.

thanks, david
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JasonCPhT
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2006
Posts : 624
Posted 10/13/2012 11:17 AM (GMT -8)
David,

The GI should have done biopsies for during the EGD & Colonoscopy. The biopsies would, by default, be tested for Celiac. This biopsy is the "Gold Standard" for a Celiac diagnosis though there is a genetic test that can also tell.

Do your symptoms improve after a gluten free diet? It may take a little while for it to work (a few weeks).

Jason
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Purgatory
Elite Member
Joined : Oct 2008
Posts : 25448
Posted 10/14/2012 9:53 AM (GMT -8)
Biopsies were done from samples on "both ends", no mention was made of Ceiiac.

Haven't been put on, or tried a gluten free diet as of yet. I know its a serious diet to commit oneseslf to.

David
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autumnskies
New Member
Joined : Oct 2012
Posts : 5
Posted 11/2/2012 8:58 AM (GMT -8)
I know you said the Gatro Doc ruled out IBS but I have Ulcerative Colitis and when I had flareups I would hurt horribly and have to go to the bathroom. Once I used the bathroom I would stop hurting. I would use the bathroom 10 times or more a day. I wasn't  hungry. I also had pus and blood in my stool and at one time pure blood. I don't know if you are experiencing any of these symptoms..
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