Celiac disease has over 300 symptoms and over 10 years on average to get a diagnosis. Some symptoms can be general and caused by a variety of factors like migraines, body aches, diarrhea or constipation, and bloating. There are even specific symptoms that point to celiac disease like unexplained anemia, unexplained elevated liver enzymes, or failure to thrive in children.

That’s the trick isn’t it. There are so many symptoms that can be caused by so many things that it is hard to pinpoint what may be causing the issue.

I was diagnosed in 2012. I went to the doctor, said that I was in my early 40’s and shouldn’t feel as bad as I do. Let’s figure this out. Initial, generic testing only came back with extremely low B12.

The doctor said that I needed B12 shots. I agreed and asked why my B12 should be low. I eat meat and eggs. I should get enough B12 through my diet. The doctor said he didn’t know. About a year prior, my niece had been diagnosed with celiac. I asked him to run the full celiac panel. He said it would be unusual for me to have celiac and the panel was very expensive.

I said I have very good insurance. Run the panel. A week later five out of six tests came back over 10x times normal. He said I have celiac, don’t need an endoscopy, start a gluten free diet, and I was on my way.

But I’m unusual. Most celiac patients have stories of being dismissed by doctors, being given anti-depressants, or being diagnosed with IBS and sent on their way. At this point, the delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis shouldn’t be so long. Please advocate to your friends and family that if they think they have a gluten issue to be tested for celiac before starting a gluten free diet.

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