Can anyone give me info on Celiac Disease?

I know the basics are that the person with this disease has an intolerance toward gluten and must make permanent changes in their diet. Someone I know has indicated that she has this disease, however, I am quite skeptical about her news. She is a hypochondriac who cycles through new diseases like some women do shoes or clothes. During my last visit with her, I was informed that because she has this disease it has destroyed her immune system and she is going to die from Lupus and Schleroderma (supposedly this was brought on by Celiac Disease). I know I sound callous but I have watched her over the years claim she has so many diseases and then somehow that always leads into another disease and she either "recovers" from the last disease or "was misdiagnosed". Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide input on this disease. I'm just trying to determine if this is a "true" issue for her or if this is just a new disease she has cycled into for now.

i don't think celiac is an immunodeficiency type disease....

i could be wrong, but my mom has celiac and it affects components of her gastrointestinal tract, not her immune system

Well allow me to clear this up for you! (and other answerer's!)

Celiac Disease is indeed a genetically predisposed autoimmune disease that oftentimes causes gastro symptoms but can cause a wide range of other symptoms. Your friend could indeed have it. (and to the other answerer, if your mother has it you need to be blood tested ASAP, it is HIGHLY genetic).
Untreated CD can indeed go hand in hand with other autoiumme diseases such as Lupus and Schleroderma. And another thing, MANY ppl with CD, especially if its gone untreated for years, are considred hypochondriacs and often can have mental health issues due to the untreated CD.
If she was actually diagnosed by a physician and not sefl diagnosed, I would be supportive. If she is self diagnosing please tell her this: DO NOT do the gluten free diet on your own. If you have all these other diseases (which she may or may not) she needs to see a GI doc NOW! She eneds to be eating gluten and be blood tested for CD NOW. IF she indeed does have CD then she will need to follow the Gluten Free diet FOREVER and she may see that her other symptoms and illnesses go away.
Celiacs go an average of 10-15 years of being misdiagnosed with everything from stress, IBS, Crohn's, Lupus, to be hypochondriacs! It is a real true disease that effects 1 in133 ppl. Please see the links below for more info and if you friend has not been officially diagnosed, feel free to have her contact me via the email on Answers.

Best of luck!
Amy
Chairperson Louisiana North Shore Celiac Sprue Association

Celiac is an intolerance to gluten that over time can damage your intestines and possibly cause cancer but I have never heard of what you are saying. I am kind of new to the celiac scene but I would consider the fact that your friend may have a mental illness or an extreme need for attention.