*closed* Do you have undiagnosed coeliac disease? - Incorporating a giveaway

The winner was chosen using Random.org

and that makes the winner +Hussy London 

well done, and thank you to everybody for entering. 



I am not medically qualified so please if you have any concerns please speak to your GP.

Press release

July 2013

GPs say testing could help speed up diagnosis of coeliac disease

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that can lead to infertility, osteoporosis and small bowel cancer if left untreated.

But alarming new research reveals that 50% of GPs find coeliac disease difficult to diagnose and almost 90% believe that it is often overlooked when investigating infertility. In fact, it takes an average of 13 years to reach a proper diagnosis.

Coeliac disease is caused by intolerance to the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. There is no cure or medication and treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.

Although around 1 in 100 people in the UK have the disease, NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) says that just 10-15% of those who have the condition have a proper diagnosis.

 Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Coeliac UK said: “The Charity is seeing around 1200 new Members join every month but it is currently estimated there are around half a million people in the UK who are undiagnosed. Doctors should be following NICE guidelines but it seems some are too quick to diagnose people with IBS rather than arrange for a coeliac blood test. 

According to recent research almost 25% of coeliac patients had previously been told they had IBS or were treated for it before they were diagnosed with coeliac disease. The sooner someone is diagnosed and begins a strict gluten-free diet, their gut will begin to heal and the risk of further complications will reduce. However, it is essential to keep eating gluten until the blood test and biopsy are completed otherwise the results could give a false negative.”

And according to Dr Shahzadi Saleem, an Oxford GP who took part in the survey, “It is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases in the UK and easily confused with other less dangerous conditions”

“We want people who assume they have a wheat intolerance or Irritable Bowel Syndrome to ask their doctor for a blood test in case they actually have the more serious coeliac disease,” Dr Saleem adds. “If you have this condition you need to know as early as possible.”

Proper diagnosis, according to national guidelines, is a 3 step process:

1. Patients discuss symptoms with their GP

2. GP administers a simple blood test which is sent to a lab for analysis

3. If blood test is positive, GP refers patient to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy

Symptoms vary between individuals and can include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, wind, fatigue, anaemia, headaches, mouth ulcers, recurrent miscarriage, weight loss, skin problems, joint pain, depression and nerve problems.

“If you suspect you might have the condition, book an appointment with your GP as soon as you can and ask them to carry out a blood test for coeliac disease,” says Dr Saleem.

Survey of 100 GPs from across the UK was conducted in February 2013. For full survey please contact alexis@orbitalmediapr.com

For more information regarding Coeliac UK and coeliac disease visit www.coeliac.org.uk

In return for running this informative press release I can offer one of my readers some useful Gluten free prizes.

Up for offer I have a copy of Phil Vickery's book Seriously Good! Gluten Free cooking  -

Phil Vickery, a Michelin-starred chef, has combined with the UK's most prominent charity for people with Coeliac disease to bring you tasty and trustworthy recipes entirely free from gluten. These ideas are also suitable for the many people who are now trying a wheat-free diet to manage weight and tackle intolerances. The book contains a huge range of recipe ideas, from breakfast to outdoor eating and snacks to entertaining, even looking at the famously difficulty area of breads, scones and cakes, while also uncovering the 'hidden' gluten found in store-cupboard essentials such as stock cubes and soy sauce. 

and some new gluten and dairy free puddings from a company called Pudology .  In the study of the perfect {dairy & gluten free!} pudding, we have created beautifully indulgent & delicious puddings made without dairy, gluten or eggs, because we believe no-one should miss out just because they can't eat dairy!

The winner will receive four packs, 1 of each kind. 

Compulsory entry - Please leave me a comment telling me which flavour of pudding you would try first. You can view the flavours by clicking on the Pudology link above. PLEASE leave some means of contact in case you are the winner in your  comment. 

for an optional entry please tweet - Visit your GP for a simple test for Coeliac Disease. Want to win gluten free prizes with @pooohbear2811? click here http://tinyurl.com/p67z97x   and come back and leave a separate comment to say you have tweeted.

Terms and conditions

By participating in this prize draw you are deemed to accept these terms and conditions
The prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative. The promoter’s decision is final in all matters and no correspondence will be entered into.

If a prize remains unclaimed after reasonable efforts have been made to contact the winner the promoter will be entitled to dispose of the prize as it sees fit without any liability to the winner for having done so.

Any anonymous comments will be excluded from the competition.

Competition starts at 15.00 14th August 2013 and closes at midnight on 28th August 2013 BST.

Open to uk only.
I will choose a winner using Random.org and display winner on here. Winner will be contacted by myself and personal details will be forwarded on to the PR company for delivery of prize. 

Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

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