Chapter 7

More of the same

  • (Age: 68 years, female)

    I was diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of 49, in 1981. I am now a 68-year-old female.

    I did not have any unusual symptoms at any time except for the fact that I was always noted to be very pale. I cannot remember ever being overly tired or having diarrhea or any other symptoms.

    My gynecologist was concerned about my low iron count for about three years before I was diagnosed. He referred me to an internal medicine doctor for some testing. After having several tests, bone marrow biopsy and other tests, the doctor could find nothing wrong.

    So, another year went by.

    When I went back to the gynecologist again, he was still concerned. He had me admitted to the hospital, where I stayed for one month. I had every test one could possibly have, and interviews from doctors over and over again. They finally zeroed in on testing for celiac.

    After doing the stool test and then the biopsy, they all paraded into my room with the news that I had celiac disease! I had never heard of it before, but they were obviously very happy.

    This diagnosis was made one month after being admitted.

    Very soon after going on my diet, people were telling me how good I looked and what good color I had. That was very nice to hear after having always heard how pale I was.

    Thank you!

  • Clinical Pearls

    • Unexplained iron deficiency anemia should be considered to be due to celiac disease unless proven otherwise.

    • Serological testing for celiac disease should be undertaken early in the diagnostic workup of iron deficiency anemia. A small intestinal biopsy is required to make a diagnosis of celiac disease.
Copyright © 2007 by Mohsin Rashid
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