Crohn's and Celiac The un-dynamic Duo?

[Jim Gonsler]

Hi,

I've been a Crohn's sufferer for years, but over the past few years I was also diagnosed with another gut problem...namely Celiac Disease. My gastro doctor suggested I get a blood test to determine if I in fact had Celiac, in addition to Crohn's, based on some of the symptoms I was experiencing. Turned out, I tested positive. Having both diseases makes it particularly hard in the diet department. Not only do I have to be careful in what I eat with the Crohns, but now I can't eat any wheat or gluton products. I really don't know how you can get along without any gluton, it's so prevalent in most of the foods that are available out there. I heard that 70 percent of Crohn's patients also have Celiac...any truth to that?

Also just curious if any others with Crohn's out there suffer from Celiac too, and how do you handle it? Thanks,

Jim

 

[Nica]

I don't have celiacs, but I have been tested for it.
I have seen quite a few wheat free cookbooks out there. I really feel for you with both of them. I hope you start to feel better.

 

[Rebecca85]

I was also tested for it, before being diagnosed with Crohn's. And it was negative.

 

[georgiegirl]

I had a positive DNA test. However at this point I don't actually have the disease. Nor does any of my family that I know of. Do you actually have the disease, or just the genetic markers?

Not sure of the prevalence of both diseases though...

 

[annak87]

Jim,

I have Crohn's and Celiac too. I was diagnosed at the same time 7 years ago. I have heard that it is common for people to have both. Not sure on the exact statistic though. Understandably, it is extremely challenging when it comes to diet. Luckily, it is getting much easier to be gluten-free. Many major brands, grocery stores (I was so excited when I found gluten-free potato gnocchi the other day!), and restaurants, are starting to provide gluten-free options. To get a handle on the basics, it might be a good idea to have you Doctor set you up with a Dietician. I did when I was first diagnosed and I was given a ton of papers and tips with how to eat gluten-free. It will take a while but you will soon become accustomed to checking labels, asking questions at restaurants, and even enjoying the taste of gluten-free food. For a while it won't taste the best but you get used to it, even enjoy most of it. Some of it, rice pasta especially, you can't tell the difference between regular and gluten-free. Let me know if you have any questions or anything!

Anna