Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Please Tell Me What You Think


Mabc

Recommended Posts

Mabc Apprentice

After suffering for many years with various health problems, I finally found out a lot of my symptoms matched possibly celiac. So in May I went gluten free and for 6 weeks I had lots of improvement. Then I decided to go back on gluten to see what happened. Within one day all my symptoms came back, especially brain fog and an achey feeling in my brain (hard to explain).

I don't think I can convince my doc to test for celiac at this time so I'm thinking that symptom improvement is reason enough. Is there any other reason my symptoms would have improved so much on the diet or is it common for people to feel better going off of gluten?

Thanks for any advice.

Melodi

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



JenAnderson Rookie

If you go on the diet and your symptoms dissapate then there's obviously a problem. Usually when you go on the diet and then you get off it again, the symptoms come back and then there's other things that show up that you didn't realize were there before you got on the diet. The military doctors and not very willing to diagnose celiac or test for it. I was really sick for a long time before I got the dx. The best thing I can say is to find a doctor that will work with you and is willing to test for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kbtoyssni Contributor

The problem with testing at this point is that since you haven't been eating gluten, blood tests or scopes won't give you a positive diagnosis. You have to be eating about three servings of gluten for three months prior to testing if you hope to get a positive dx. Which you may not want to do. I was in a similar situation. I figured out it was gluten, and I didn't want to go back to eating it just to get the diagnosis.

The one way to get tested without eating gluten again is enterolab. You send them a stool sample and they do the testing. I haven't had it done, so maybe someone else here can give you more details.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CarlaB Enthusiast
The one way to get tested without eating gluten again is enterolab. You send them a stool sample and they do the testing. I haven't had it done, so maybe someone else here can give you more details.

I did it and was happy with them. www.enterolab.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jenvan Collaborator

If your doctor refuses to test you, then I would go to a different doctor, or go through enterolab or another.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
tiffjake Enthusiast
After suffering for many years with various health problems, I finally found out a lot of my symptoms matched possibly celiac. So in May I went gluten free and for 6 weeks I had lots of improvement. Then I decided to go back on gluten to see what happened. Within one day all my symptoms came back, especially brain fog and an achey feeling in my brain (hard to explain).

I don't think I can convince my doc to test for celiac at this time so I'm thinking that symptom improvement is reason enough. Is there any other reason my symptoms would have improved so much on the diet or is it common for people to feel better going off of gluten?

Thanks for any advice.

Melodi

I did the same thing. Then it was weird talking to my doc about it, because I knew what was wrong, and I had to convince HIM! (And later, a HER doc...). If you want the tests, then get back on the gluten so they can "test" you. For me, the longer I am gluten-free, the harder it is on me to have it. I got glutened tonight, and if I thought there was anything they could do for me, I would have gone to the ER!!!!

If you don't care about the tests, then good deal! You are feeling better! That is awesome!

(And you do have to be eating gluten to get the EnteroLab test. You have to have had it within the last 29 days at the minimum.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
taz sharratt Enthusiast
After suffering for many years with various health problems, I finally found out a lot of my symptoms matched possibly celiac. So in May I went gluten free and for 6 weeks I had lots of improvement. Then I decided to go back on gluten to see what happened. Within one day all my symptoms came back, especially brain fog and an achey feeling in my brain (hard to explain).

I don't think I can convince my doc to test for celiac at this time so I'm thinking that symptom improvement is reason enough. Is there any other reason my symptoms would have improved so much on the diet or is it common for people to feel better going off of gluten?

Thanks for any advice.

Melodi

if your symptoms have improved i would lead with that diagnoses.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - trents replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

    2. - Zackery Brian replied to rsvtwin6's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      6

      Gluten and 30 other Items causing me Severe Muscle Inflamation Pain

    3. - Fluka66 replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

    4. - Moodiefoodie replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

    5. - knitty kitty replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,062
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Sherry Glaser
    Newest Member
    Sherry Glaser
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo  the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the testing may be a waste of time if you don't. What are you going to do if it is negative for celiac disease? Are you going to go back to merrily eating wheat/barley/rye products while living in pain and destroying your health? You will be in a conundrum. Do I or do I not? And you will likely have a difficult time being consistent with your diet. Celiac disease causes inflammation to the small bowel villous lining when gluten containing grains are consumed. This inflammation produces certain antibodies that can be detected in the blood after they reach a certain level, which takes weeks or months after the onset of the disease. If gluten is stopped or drastically reduced, the inflammation begins to decrease and so do the antibodies. Before long, their low levels are not detectable by testing and the antibody blood tests done for diagnosing celiac disease will be negative. Over time, this inflammation wears down the billions of microscopic, finger-like projections that make up the lining and form the nutrient absorbing layer of the small bowel where all the nutrition in our food is absorbed. As the villi bet worn down, vitamin and mineral deficiencies typically develop because absorption is compromised. An endoscopy with biopsy of the small bowel lining to microscopically examine this damage is usually the second stage of celiac disease diagnosis. However, when people cut out gluten or cut back on it significantly ahead of time before the biopsy is done, the villous lining has already experienced some healing and the microscopic examination may be negative or inconclusive. I'm not trying to tell you what to do I just want you to understand what the consequences of going gluten free ahead of testing are as far as test results go so that you will either not waste your time in having the tests done or will be prepared for negative test results and the impact that will have on your dietary decisions. And, who are these "consultants" you keep talking about and what are their qualifications? You are in the unenviable position that many who joint this forum have found themselves in. Namely, having begun a gluten free diet before getting a proper diagnosis but unwilling to enter into the gluten challenge for valid testing because of the severity of the symptoms it would cause them.
    • Zackery Brian
      I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your health. Dealing with celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can indeed be overwhelming. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions based on your experience and the replies you've received: Confirming Diagnosis: It's great that your gastroenterologist confirmed your celiac disease diagnosis through additional tests. Understanding the specifics of your condition can help tailor your approach to managing it more effectively. Food Sensitivity Testing: While blood tests for food sensitivities can provide some insights, they may not always be completely accurate. As mentioned by others, false positives are common, and individual responses to specific foods can vary. Discussing your test results and symptoms with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about celiac disease and food sensitivities can help clarify your situation. Research and Education: Exploring conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance could shed further light on your symptoms and provide additional avenues for managing your health. Gathering information from reliable sources and discussing your findings with your healthcare team can help you make informed decisions about your care. Dietary Management: Managing celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can be challenging, but finding a balance that works for you is crucial. Working with a dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and food intolerances can help you develop a personalized dietary plan that meets your nutritional needs while minimizing symptoms. Stress Management: Chronic pain and health issues can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Finding healthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or engaging in activities you enjoy, may help improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you're not alone in your journey, and seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities can provide valuable encouragement and guidance.
    • Fluka66
      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this diagnosis but was assured it was the reason for my pain. Many years later the consultant gave up and I had a new GP. I started to cut out certain food types ,reading packets then really started to cut out wheat and went lactose free. After a month I reintroduced these in one meal and ended screaming in agony the tearing and bloating pain. With this info and a swollen lymph node in my neck I went back to the GP.  I have a referral now . I have also found out that acidic food is causing the terrible pain . My thoughts are this is irritating any ulcers. I'm hoping that after a decade the outlook isn't all bad. My blood test came back with a high marker but I didn't catch what it was. My GP and I have agreed that I won't go back on wheat just for the test due to the pain , my swollen lymph node and blood test results.  Trying to remain calm for the referral and perhaps needed to be more forceful all those years ago but I'm not assertive and consultants can be overwhelming. Many thanks for your reply . Wishing you all the best.
    • Moodiefoodie
      Wow! Fascinating info. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the guidance. @Spacepanther Over the years I have had rheumatologists do full lab work ups on me. They told me they had screened me for arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease (all negative). In addition to joint pain and stiffness I had swelling in both knees that later moved to my elbow as well.  I also experience stiffness and pain in my neck and shoulders when it flares. I vomited fairly often growing up, but there wasn’t a real pattern to it and I didn’t know it wasn’t normal (thought people caught stomach viruses often).  I don’t usually have stomach symptoms immediately after eating gluten that I notice.  The only other joint condition I know of is fibromyalgia. Good luck! Hope you can get it figured out. I only assumed my joint symptoms were due to the celiac’s because it is under control for the most part on a gluten-free diet.  The rheumatologist also mentioned that some inflammatory/autoimmune diseases can be slow-moving and not detectable until they progress.
    • knitty kitty
      @Spacepanther, I found these articles about the connection between Celiac and joint pain. Musculoskeletal Complications of Celiac Disease: A Case-Based Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10201087/ And   Intestinal microbiome composition and its relation to joint pain and inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814863/ And The gut microbiome-joint connection: implications in osteoarthritis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6903327/ Sounds like it's time to change the diet to change the microbiome.
×
×
  • Create New...