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40 Years Old, Ttc #1 gluten-free 3 Years


Loribop22

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Loribop22 Newbie

Hi, I'm a newbie to this board. I've been trying to conceive (ttc) for 2 years and finally went to a reproductive endo for help in November. This weekend we did our 1st Clomid/IUI and am now in the stressful 2 week wait part of the cycle. I found out I had Celiac 3 1/2 years ago and have been stricly gluten-free ever since.

Is there anything special I should do to help our chances of conceiving this cycle? We can't do IVF because of the expense, and I think this procedure will cost about $500. We've already spent about $500 for labwork and tests. Our insurance covers next to nothing. I really don't want to go thru this over and over again. I never thought I'd be infertile. Actually, my hubby has low sperm and low morphology. I know this is a pregnancy forum, but I couldn't find one for those of us ttc. The fertility site I am on does not have many gluten-free members and I feel it's a big issue and could use the support. They just don't understand. Anyway, any stories or advice on how ttc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lori

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Guest cassidy

I saw no one responded, but I'm not sure that I can offer much help.

I took my temperature and charted, but I'm sure if you are at the point where you are at, then you have already done all of that.

Being gluten-free really hasn't been an issue in my pregnancy. I have had a couple of cravings that I couldn't satisfy but that was not that hard to deal with. I think the bigger issue will be dealing with the baby's diet and hoping he doesn't have celiac.

Good luck. I hope it works out this time!

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klaya Rookie
Hi, I'm a newbie to this board. I've been trying to conceive (ttc) for 2 years and finally went to a reproductive endo for help in November. This weekend we did our 1st Clomid/IUI and am now in the stressful 2 week wait part of the cycle. I found out I had Celiac 3 1/2 years ago and have been stricly gluten-free ever since.

Is there anything special I should do to help our chances of conceiving this cycle? We can't do IVF because of the expense, and I think this procedure will cost about $500. We've already spent about $500 for labwork and tests. Our insurance covers next to nothing. I really don't want to go thru this over and over again. I never thought I'd be infertile. Actually, my hubby has low sperm and low morphology. I know this is a pregnancy forum, but I couldn't find one for those of us ttc. The fertility site I am on does not have many gluten-free members and I feel it's a big issue and could use the support. They just don't understand. Anyway, any stories or advice on how ttc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Lori

I'm almost in the same boat as you. I've been TTC for 2 years and have been gluten-free for 10. We haven't really started any fertility 'treatments' yet. We are in the process of getting tested. If I find anything out that might help I'll let you know. I know how it feels to be looking for for answers

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CarlaB Enthusiast

Have your husband take vitamin C supplements in addition to a good multiple. Vitamin C is safe, any extra goes out in the urine, so I'd have my hubby take it a few times per day in that situation. Vitamin C is good for sperm health in many ways. You might Google Vitamin C and sperm to see what you can find.

I'm sure doc has already told him -- loose fitting underwear and pants ...

Also, do what you can to build up sperm count ... abstain two weeks (or at least 10 days) before ovulation to build up sperm count. You are most fertile when you have cervical mucus present (that mucus that you see mid-month), so when you begin seeing that mucus, start having relations at that time. One month try every-other-day, then the next month every day. Studies vary on which is more effective.

If your mucus never becomes like raw-egg white, then eat carrots ... the beta carotene is good for mucus quality. Mucus is essential for sperm migration, given the low sperm count, you want to be as friendly of an environment as you can!

Don't forget to have fun trying. ;) Stress won't help any.

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Loribop22 Newbie

Thanks everyone for writing. My husband takes a slew of vitamins and amino acids to help his sperm count, including esther C. I chart my temps and cervical mucus, use the clear blue ovulation monitor, and we've tried baby dancing every day during ovulation, every other day, etc. It's been a long two years! At this point, if the IUI doesn't work, we'll try anything. Is there any chance that gluten is passed thru his sperm?

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happygirl Collaborator

Lori,

There have been numerous threads on this topic (gluten in ..... ) and the resounding answer is no.

Even if it were, unless you were allergic, it wouldn't be a problem, because in general, gluten has to reach your small intestine for the celiac reaction to occur. And, it won't through "baby practicing." It can through other means of intimacy, but like stated above, it IS gluten free. :)

Good luck,

Laura

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Loribop22 Newbie
I'm almost in the same boat as you. I've been TTC for 2 years and have been gluten-free for 10. We haven't really started any fertility 'treatments' yet. We are in the process of getting tested. If I find anything out that might help I'll let you know. I know how it feels to be looking for for answers
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klaya Rookie
Klaya, if I may ask, how old are you? It may be time to see a Dr just for tests to make sure there isn't an easily resolvable solution (ie: thyroid). You can ask your gyno to take some cycle day 3 bloodwork and thyoid tests. I wish we didn't wait as long as we did to see someone. Especially at my age. Oh well, you live and you learn!

I am 35 and we've been trying for 2 years. We've just completed the first set of blood test and have started seeing a specialist. My tests came back 'normal' whatever that means

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michelle marriott Newbie

hi i have diagnosed been 2 years ago,but have been ill for 17 years, i have 5 kids and pregentet again

have you tride takeing agnus castus it is good

good luck :)

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dionnek Enthusiast

Well, this is not what you want to hear, but it is my story - stop trying! :)

Seriously, as Carla said, stressing about it will make it never work. We tried for about 2 years, did the clomid and some other drug can't remember the name, then finally gave up and decided we could live together just the 2 of us and maybe get a dog then bam! very next month I had a period and got pregnant. The whole stress thing was lifted off my shoulders so I guess that helped. Now, I am pregnant again (we were not trying - thought I couldn't have another b/c I haven't had a period since that 1 three years ago) but as soon as I stopped taking the pill I got pregnant.

BTW, I was not dx with celiac until after my first pregnancy (1 1/2 years after to be exact), so I was eating gluten all along. Good luck to you!

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klaya Rookie
Klaya, if I may ask, how old are you? It may be time to see a Dr just for tests to make sure there isn't an easily resolvable solution (ie: thyroid). You can ask your gyno to take some cycle day 3 bloodwork and thyoid tests. I wish we didn't wait as long as we did to see someone. Especially at my age. Oh well, you live and you learn!

We (husband and I) got our test results back and all is normal and good. So it appears that celiac disease is not really effecting my fertility at this point. Since I've been off gluten for so long I really didn't think it was an issue but you never know. The next step will be a pelvic x-ray 'Dye' test and then the Lap surgery if needed. Thanks for your encouragement I wish you all the best things that the future can bring.

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  • 1 month later...
klaya Rookie

Hi, I just wanted give you all an update. I had the Dye Test last month and then about a week ago my doc put me on Amoxicillin because I was having a lot of back pain and cramping (he thought I might have an infection form the test). Now I am 8 days late. I took an EPT 2 days before my period was due and it was negative. I am a little hesitant to take another test until I am few more days late. Has anyone had any experience with antibiotics and gluten? I asked the pharmacist if the drug was gluten free but she didn't know. Anyway, I'm feeling very bloated but I don't have my usual PMS symptoms so I'm not sure if I'm pregnant or have some sort of reaction to the antibiotics that has delayed my period. I also cut way back on dairy this month??? Who knows maybe that had some kind of effect.

Any one out there have any insight?

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  • 1 month later...
yodelbaby23 Newbie

If your husband has a variocele find another doctor and get a second opinion. My husband and I tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for 5 years. He was also told he did not need to have his variocele corrected. We got a second opionion and were told to make up our own minds. He had his variocele corrected and within 4 months I was pregnant with a healthy baby girl. The variocele surgery is pretty simple and quick. My husband had the surgery on Friday and was up and around and back to work on Monday....and he's a big baby. Plus, our insurance paid for the entire thing. Good Luck to you! Karena

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alamaz Collaborator

Hi Klaya,

I would get a second opinion about your husbands condition.

Also, have the doctors performed antibody testing? Open Original Shared Link I know it says it's rare however the first test a nutritionist told me I should have is the anitbody testing if I'm not pregnant by the end of the year. It's supposedly not well received in the US but in other countries it's one of the first tests they perform.

I don't have much else for you except a big hug. I'm right in the same boat as you are and it's so frustrating. Our problem this month is DH is traveling right at prime time. :angry: Maybe next month! I hope everything works out for you!

Amy

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  • 2 weeks later...
klaya Rookie

Hi again, here's another update, although there's not much to update...

It's been almost 3 months since the dye test. I am having pain on my right side every other month so I'm sort of thinking that there's something going on in my right ovary. I am scheduled to see the doc at the end of May. I know he is going to suggest the Lap surgery

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diamondheart Newbie

Hi Klaya,

I would definitely recommend acupuncture for you AND your husband. I frequent on another fertility board and the one group I'm on there is women who have been TTC doing acupuncture. There have been a lot of success stories.

I'm not quite there yet, but working on it. I did the whole IUI thing and it didn't work. I'm also 40. I'm probably going on to IVF.

Does anyone know how Lori's IUI went?

Claire

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  • 4 months later...
klaya Rookie

Hi everyone, it's been a while but I wanted to give an update in case there is anyone else in my shoes who might be looking for help. 3 weeks ago I had the lap and the doc found stage 2 endometriosos. He told me that my infertility was most likely caused by this and I believe him, since all else was normal. He removed it and we are now looking at something like 70% chances of conceiving naturally.

The surgery was a little scary but not as scary as I thought it would be. The recovery has been fairly quick. If your doc suggests having this type of surgery I would seriously consider it . My back and side pain have gone away and it only been 3 weeks. My Husband and I are really excited about our chances now.If anyone has any questions about the Lap surgery I'd be happy to try and help.

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  • 9 months later...
klaya Rookie
Hi everyone, it's been a while but I wanted to give an update in case there is anyone else in my shoes who might be looking for help. 3 weeks ago I had the lap and the doc found stage 2 endometriosos. He told me that my infertility was most likely caused by this and I believe him, since all else was normal. He removed it and we are now looking at something like 70% chances of conceiving naturally.

The surgery was a little scary but not as scary as I thought it would be. The recovery has been fairly quick. If your doc suggests having this type of surgery I would seriously consider it . My back and side pain have gone away and it only been 3 weeks. My Husband and I are really excited about our chances now.If anyone has any questions about the Lap surgery I'd be happy to try and help.

Hello! It's been almost a year since I last posted here. I needed a little break. Anyway in the last year I have started seeing an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility. She has changed my cycle so much for the better - it's truly amazing.

I am now on my second cycle with her, taking TCM herbs and feeling so much better. With these treatments I have very little PMS and my period is much easier to endure. I am still glad that I had the lab surgery rgery but it didn't reslolve my fertility problem. If anyone out there is thinking about trying acupuncture I highly recommend it. Also read The Infertility Cure. by Randine A Lewis

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    • cristiana
      Thank you for your post, @Nedast, and welcome to the forum. There have been many posts on this subject on the forum, it is interesting to read of your experiences. Although I've not had TMJ, except from time to time have had a bit of mild tension in my jaw, I have had issues with my trigeminal nerve.  I read that sometimes a damaged nerve in coeliacs can heal after adopting a gluten free diet.  I try to keep out of cold winds or wear a scarf over my face when it is cold and windy, those conditions tend to be my 'trigger' but I do think that staying clear of gluten has helped.   Thank you again for your input.
    • Julie Riordan
      I am going to France in two weeks and then to Portugal in May   Thanks for your reply 
    • Nedast
      I made an account just to reply to this topic. My story resembles yours in so many ways that it is truly amazing. I also suddenly became lactose intolerant, went a little under 10 years attributing all my symtoms to different body parts, never thinking it was something systemic until much later. I had the same mental problems - anxiety, depression, fatigue, etc. In fact, the only real difference in our story is that I was never formally diagnosed. When I discovered that my myriad symtoms, that had been continuous and worsening for years, all rapidly subsided upon cessation of consuming gluten, I immediately took it upon myself to cut gluten out of my diet completely. I live in America, and had lost my health insurance within the year prior to my discovery, so I could not get tested, and I will never willingly or knowingly consume gluten again, which I would have to do in order to get tested now that I have insurance again. But that is not the point of this reply. I also had extreme TMJ pain that began within months of getting my wisdom teeth out at - you guessed it - 17 years old. I was in and out of doctors for my various symptoms for about 5 years before I gave up, but during that time I had also kept getting reffered to different kinds of doctors that had their own, different solutions to my TMJ issue, an issue which I only recently discovered was related to my other symptoms. I began with physical therapy, and the physical therapist eventually broke down at me after many months, raising her voice at me and saying that there was nothing she could do for me. After that saga, I saw a plastic surgeon at the request of my GP, who he knew personally. This palstic surgeon began using botox injections to stop my spasming jaw muscles, and he managed to get it covered by my insurace in 2011, which was harder to do back then. This helped the pain tremendously, but did not solve the underlying problem, and I had to get repeat injections every three months. After a couple of years, this began to lose effectiveness, and I needed treatments more often than my insurance would cover. The surgeon did a scan on the joint and saw slight damage to the tissues. He then got approved by insurance to do a small surgery on the massseter (jaw) muscle - making an incision, and then splicing tissue into the muscle to stop the spasming. It worked amazingly, but about three months later it had stopped working. I was on the verge of seeing the top oral surgeon in our city, but instead of operating on me, he referred me to a unique group of dentists who focus on the TMJ and its biomechanical relationship to teeth occlusion (i.e. how the teeth fit together). This is what your dentist did, and what he did to you was boderline if not outright malpractice. There is a dental field that specializes in doing this kind of dental work, and it takes many years of extra schooling (and a lot of money invested into education) to be able to modify teeth occusion in this manner. Just based on the way you describe your dentist doing this, I can tell he was not qualified to do this to you. Dentists who are qualified and engage in this practice take many measurments of your head, mouth, teeth, etc., they take laboratory molds of your teeth, and they then make a complete, life-size model of your skull and teeth to help them guide their work on you. They then have a lab construct, and give you what is called a "bite splint." It looks and feels like a retainer, but its function is entirely different. This is essentially a literal splint for the TMJ that situates on the teeth. The splint is progressively modified once or twice per week, over several months, in order to slowly move the joint to its correct position. The muscles spasm less, stress is taken off the joint, as the joint slowly moves back into its proper position. The pain reduces each month, each week, sometimes even each day you go in for a visit. The joint has to be moved in this manner with the splint BEFORE the modification to the teeth begins. They then add to your tooth structure with small bits of composite, to keep the joint in its proper place after it has been sucessfully repositioned. Subtracting from your teeth, by grinding down bits of your natural tooth structure, is done very conservatively, if they have to do it at all. This process worked for me - after six months, my face, jaw, neck all felt normal, and I had no more pain - a feeling I had not had in a long time. It also made my face look better. I had not realized the true extent that the spasming muscles and the joint derangement had effected the shape of my face. The pain began to return after a few months, but nowhere near where it had been before. This immense reduction in pain lasted for a little over two years. The treatment still ultimately failed, but it is not their fault, and it is still the treatment that has given me the most relief to this day. Later on, I even went about three years with very, very good pain reduction, before the joint severely destabilized again. This field of dentistry is the last line treatment for TMJ issues before oral surgery on the TMJ. There aren't as many denists around who practice this anymore, and the practice is currently shrinking due to dentists opting for less espensive, additional educations in things like professional whitening, which have a broader marketability. Getting this treatment is also very expensive if not covered by insurance (in America at least). My first time was covered by insurance, second time was not, though the dentist took pity on me due to the nature of my case and charged like a quarter of usual pricing. Most cases seen by these dentists are complete successes, and the patient never has to come back again. But occasionally they get a case that is not a success, and I was one of those cases. A little over a year ago, I began seeing the second dentist who keeps my TMJ stable in this manner. The first dentist retired, and then died sadly. A shame too, because he was a truly amazing, knowledgable guy who really wanted to help people. The new dentist began to get suspicious when my joint failed to stay stable after I was finished with the bite splint and his modifications, so he did another scan on me. This is ten years after the first scan (remember, I said the surgeon saw "slight" damage to the tissue on the first scan). This new scan revealed that I now no longer have cartilage in the joint, on both sides - complete degeneration of the soft tissues and some damage to the bone. The dentist sat me down and had a talk with me after these results came in, and said that when he sees damage like this in cases like mine, that the damage to the joint is most likely autoimmune, and that, in his experinece, it is usually autoimmune. He has sent patients with cases like mine to Mayo Clinic. He said he will continue to see me as long as the treatment continues to offer me relief, but also said that I will probably have to see a dentist for this type of treatment for the rest of my life. He is not currently recommending surgery due to my young age and the fact that the treatment he provides manages my symptoms pretty well. I still see this dentist today, and probably will see this kind of dental specialist for the rest of my life, since they have helped with this issue the most. I did not inform him that I am 100% sure that I have celiac disease (due to my complete symptom remission upon gluten cessation). I didn't inform him because I thought it would be inappropriate due to not having a formal diagnosis. I was disappointed, because I had believed I had caught it BEFORE it had done permanent damage to my body. I had never suspected that my TMJ issues may be related to my other symptoms, and that the damage would end up complete and permanent. Luckily, I caught it about 6 months after my other joints started hurting, and they stopped hurting right after I went gluten free, and haven't hurt since. I of course did the necessary research after the results of the second scan, and found out that the TMJ is the most commonly involved joint in autoimmune disease of the intestines, and if mutliple joints are effected, it is usually the first one effected. This makes complete sense, since the TMJ is the most closely related joint to the intestines, and literally controls the opening that allows food passage into your intestines. I am here to tell you, that if anyone says there is no potential relationship between TMJ issues and celiac disease, they are absolutely wrong. Just google TMJ and Celiac disease, and read the scientific articles you find. Research on issues regarding the TMJ is relatively sparse, but you will find the association you're looking for validated.
    • trents
      Welcome to the forum, @SuzanneL! Which tTG was that? tTG-IGA? tTG-IGG? Were there other celiac antibody tests run from that blood draw? Was total IGA measured? By some chance were you already cutting back on gluten by the time the blood draw was taken or just not eating much? For the celiac antibody tests to be accurate a person needs to be eating about 10g of gluten daily which is about 4-6 pieces of bread.
    • SuzanneL
      I've recently received a weak positive tTG, 6. For about six years, I've been sick almost everyday. I was told it was just my IBS. I have constant nausea. Sometimes after I eat, I have sharp, upper pain in my abdomen. I sometimes feel or vomit (bile) after eating. The doctor wanted me to try a stronger anti acid before doing an endoscopy. I'm just curious if these symptoms are pointing towards Celiac Disease? 
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