Hi Sara
I was diagnosed with coeliac disease from biopsies in 2010 and have been gluten free since then. Have had RA since 1972 and on many different powerful drugs which I always blamed for stomach probs.
Since excluding gluten (easy at home, not so much when eating out) I have gained some much needed weight and my absorption of vitamin B and D has improved. I am on Rituximab and steroids and fingers crossed the RA is reasonably stable at the moment.
I hadn't realised how serious coeliac disease can be and sometimes without symptoms, but Coeliac UK is a good website with loads of information. It isnt an allergy or intolerance but an autoimmune disease just like and often linked to RA.
I see a gastroenterologist and a dietician at the hospital for the coeliac, referred by my rheumy, and they are very helpful with monitoring it.
Hope this helps a little,
take care,
Lizxx
