Could I Still Have Gluten Sensitivity Without Intestinal Problems?

by Candi
(New Hampshire)

About six months ago, I started having problems with my muscles--weakness, burning, aching, etc. It got so bad that all I could do is lie on my sofa all day and in my bed at night. I had been working out at the gym on an elliptical machine for an hour every day and had to stop because my muscles couldn't handle it anymore. I had done that for years.

After a few months, my symptoms just disappeared on their own, but they came back a few months later with less severity (no burning and I am able to walk around more than before). But, I still had achey muscles and little endurance. During that time, I had many blood tests. I had my electrolyte levels, Vitamin D levels, iron levels, etc. checked. Everything was fine. I have never had digestive problems and don't now.

BUT--because my mother is sensitive to gluten (gives her a bad cough), I decided to eliminate gluten from my diet. Four weeks later and I feel a lot better. My muscles don't ache anywhere near as much as before and I'm sleeping better and have a lot more energy during the day.



Here is my question: How is it that I could have problems with my muscles related to gluten and not have any problems with my digestion? I would think that there would be some indication of malabsorption in some of my blood tests. Or is that incorrect thinking? Can you explain how gluten can affect muscles without any signs of malabsorption? Or is malabsorption not always diagnosed via blood tests?

I'm not ready to say that gluten is the cause of my muscle problems yet because my symptoms went away before and I wasn't living without gluten then. I also am afraid that eliminating it for too long can make me sensitive to gluten if I really wasn't before. I guess that's my second question. Is it possible to make oneself sensitive to gluten by eliminating it for a long period of time?

Thank you!

Candi