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I have been feeling terrible for the past 18 months.  My Sx:  completely
exhausted, losing hair, dry skin, majorly depressed, cracking edges of
mouth, and having always been constipated...I began having gas and diarrhea
about 6 months ago.  Then 2 months ago I requested some
labs be done by my general Dr to check for lupus/rheumatoid. These results
were neg for rheumatoid but ANA 1:160, ESR 42, and total Iron 13 ( 25-175 is
normal ).  Ok, my general Dr referred me to a rheumatologist at my request.
The Rheumatologist did some more testing: ANA 1:320, ESR 48, and gliadin IGG
AB 78 ( normal is <20, 20-30 is mod, >30 is strong pos ).  So the
rheumatologist said I have an unclassified anti-inflammatory ( some lupus
symptomolgy ) but I also have SPRUE and referred me to a gastroeneterologist
who I in turn will see in 2 weeks.   Can Celiac Disease causde such a
variety of symptoms?-- exhaustion, hair loss, dry skin, teeth
discoloration/ridges, etc?  Will a gluten-free diet correct any dmamage
already done to the body?  If so ...what percentage of individuals are
non-restorative after gluten-free diet?

--D

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