Do my symptoms fit the bill?

Update - my sisters niece (by marriage) is a coeliac and during a call over the weekend she suggested I ask my GP to test me for the condition as another long term condition I have had is some form of dermatitis on my hands to the extent the skin on my thumbs peals back like a banana.  About 2 weeks ago I had tiny red very itchy spots between my toes which when it finally stopped itching dried out and now my toes are pealing along with other parts of my feet.   I also get regular bouts of cramp in my feet legs.

Could my symptoms relate to Coeliac Disease?

Hi Karen,

Whilst it would be impossible to say categorically what it is that's making you ill, it is possible that it is coeliac disease. You need to ask your doctor for blood tests for this. However, I must add, as this is very important; even if the blood tests come back as negative, it does not rule it out as the blood test for coeliac disease (which is the primary test) is quite unreliable. Mine was negative, but they still did an endoscopy afterwards and this confirmed that it was coeliac disease. In order for you to have either blood test and/or biopsy, you must have been consuming gluten/wheat for at least six weeks on a daily basis for you to get an accurate diagnosis. 

I hope this is of some help to you as you have certainly been through a tough time. Keep strong, I know it's not easy and let us know how you get on! 

Sorry you've had such a lousy time. I haven't anything to offer re your diagnosis but of course you do have some of the symptons of CD. It took years for me to be diagnosed. I am answering your query because I also had awful joint and muscle pain. The GP didn't think it was related to CD but as soon as I was diagnosed and went GF it disappeared along with my other symptons. I agree with Karen's comment. Good luck

Hi Karen,

Sorry to hear about your troubles, I've posted today in a similar situation but not with your past history. I was told to take Naproxen as I had obviously bruised my ribs....... Believe me I hadn't as I bruise so easily I would have been black and blue.

I had my GB removed in 2014 I begged them to do the HIDA test or send me to a Heptobilliary specialist before they removed it but NO.The pain is indescribable like today blacktop green tarry diarrhoea this morning but still feel full bloated and in pain like your tummy is pushing down and forward to stop the pain.Good luck and I hope they find your problems out soon. Keep me posted xx

Even before your update, while reading the original post I suspected CD. So, just to echo everyone else, please have the testing done. I'm suprised you haven't been tested already! (Well, mildly surprised...once you have the diagnosis you keep hearing that doctors don't test for this regularly and how long it goes undiagnosed in so many)  In my case, it really is IBS, but my son has CD. (I've been blood tested and biopsies, all negative)

You've been through so much over the years!! I hope you get a proper diagnosis and some relief!!!  HUGS!

Sorry, with regard to my previous post, I meant to say I agree with Fiona 82003 post. Actually having said that I agree with all the comments. I also had a similar rash in my hair line and this has often been the first indication along with feeling foggy and needing to sleep that I have had when I've had gluten in error. My family were always shocked how quickly it affected me.Keep in touch

Many thanks everyone. Sorry for the late reply but following my appointment on Monday I have been in hospital.   

Having returned to GP I did ask if my problems could be linked to CD, he immediately said no, when I asked if I have already been tested he said yes and that my symptoms didn't suggest it.  He then searched my records for the result of the test but could not find it.  He then backed down and said that it might be worth checking out.   However, as I was still unwell, he had me admitted to our local hospital.  Since Monday I have been seen by registrars who thought I was an 'interesting case' with a complex history which sounded more like they were describing me as 'another hypochondriac'.  The by a lovely consultant who had them organise an urgent CT and Gastoscopy.  I had the CT on Tuesday and the Gastoscopy today.  Prelimary results show an uneventful CT, and the only thing showing on camera is the hernia they found last year and a small cyst on my gastric right side.

i go back to see consultant tomorrow so fingers crossed I find out more.

Hi Karen.  Having had a history of stomach/muscle pain type problems (and various other low level issues) I periodically search around for what might have caused it (its not as bad now).  I came across this site and happened to read your discussion, and I just wanted to wish you all the very best on a good diagnosis.  For approximately ten years I suffered symptoms not unsimilar to yours - in my case extreme on and off abdominal pain (as if my intestines were on fire), terrible acid, very bad cramping, feelings as if I was having a heart attack or angina (and they did test me for these), aching and painful muscles, etc.  I had lots of tests, including the CD one (which came back negative) and received no real answers.  But one day I suspected that eggs could be the problem and stopped eating anything like as many.  Almost at once the symptoms abated.  I'm not saying eggs were the cause because the reduction in symptoms could have been coincidental with restricting my egg intake, but it did happen at around the same time.  What I guess I'm asking is whether you've considered food allergies or intolerances.  Anyway, I really just wanted to wish you well for the future.