11 replies to this topic

[bessiejay]

Hi. Im new and so happy to have found this board. I feel like the gluten-free diet isnt working for me. Ok a little background, I am 22 and just graduated college. Ive always had stomach aches, gas, and heartburn, but, about a year ago I started throwing up, bad stomach cramps and having diahreah for about a week every three months. One time I actually passed out. Doctors tested me for my liver gallbladder and anemia. All looked good and it was commented on how high my iron levels were for a girl my age. I also have been diagnosed with ADD and have had horrible leg pains, like growing pains my whole life. Is that something too?

Just recently a doctor suggested that I try a gluten-free diet. I got the test and my IGG i believe was positive, the rest negative, so she said try it out and see if it is worth it. I have been for the last week and i have still had stomach aches after everything i eat, and gas. Today i actually threw up again and had horrible cramping. I have been so careful that none of this makes sense. Can anyone relate to this? Am I diagnosed wrong?

I am really at a loss of hope right now. Does it get worse before it gets better? Please help me understand anyone. Thanks -Bessie

[seeking_wholeness]

Bessie,

I agree with Shirley that you need to give the gluten-free diet a bit longer before you decide it's not working. Also, what foods are you eating right now? Gluten can hide in SO many strange places (including in some brands of WHITE RICE, I just discovered--sometimes the vitamins they spray on the rice to "enrich" it are derived from barley!). Are you taking any supplements or medications that may contain gluten? What about your shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, and make-up? It sounds to me like there may be some hidden gluten somewhere in your life, and if you can track it down and kick it out, you just might start to feel better in short order. Good luck to you!

[bessiejay]

Hi again and thanks everyone! Well, Im not a "celiac" yet just gluten intolerance i think and my doc wants me to see if it is worth going gluten-free. I have not eliminated dairy and have had alot of it and feel fine after wards. No reaction.

I dont understand how careful i need to be, like shampoo or conditioner? I do take medicine for ADD. I take Adderall and should find out about whats in that. Is it possible to get gluten ingested by just being around it? I work at a preschool and am constantly around crackers and flour play dough and who knows what other glutenous items.

I agree that i need to give it more time. I think i just panicked after i threw up.
Im also very afraid of gaining weight as I have been anorexic/bulimic in the past. Is it true that there is a lot of weight gain in this diet? I may post that question in the weight place to find out as well as a question about Adderall else where.

thanks for the food lists, they have helped out a lot! Thanks for letting me figure things out as well. -Bessie

[seeking_wholeness]

Bessie,

If you work in an environment that contains a lot of gluten, I would suggest washing your hands frequently and being especially thorough about it right before you eat. Gluten-containing dust can be transferred hand-to-mouth, and all it would take is a tiny amount to make you sick. Similarly, shampoo and conditioner can end up in your mouth, especially if you stick your head in the shower stream to rinse you hair. It is better to avoid gluten whenever you possibly can, just to be safe! I hope this helps!

[gaceff]

Bessie, one thing is for sure: in your case, some sort of diet is recommanded.

Avoid any products that are complex in nature, and go for the simplest foods possible: rice, carrots, chicken meat, all boiled.
In 3 weeks examine the effect of the diet.

[YankeeDB]

Bessie, regarding your medications, I would suggest calling your pharmacy and explaining you have a gluten allergy and asking them to investigate whether or not there is gluten in them. Good luck!

[gaceff]

You need not be too paranoid in your endeavour, like examining shampoos or every product that you use for other purpose; just pay attention at foods, and generally try to eat everything made in the house, simple.

It does take a while (>1month) with ups and some downs before the gluten-free diet shows full efficiency.

[ham&ex]

I am 19 and have been gluten-free for over two years now and I am still healing. I am actually steadily loosing weight and gaining muscle and the texture of my skin and hair has improved tremendously. Speaking of hair, gluten IS often in shampoos, conditioners, soaps, lotion, makeup, nail polish etc and YOU DO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL (not paranoid) and make sure all of these items are safe for use.

You should also consider other intolerances, but it can take a while before you really begin to see changes. Also, know that some people feel worse before they feel better since the body can go through a sort of withdrawal period, as happened to me.

I would avoid mainstream products altogether for a while and really do your research as to what is okay and what is not. As far as makeup, toiletries etc. are concerned I've had some success with Burt's Bees, Tom's of Maine and Johnson & Johnson (baby shampoos,) but I always contact the companies for a list and a statement before I use anything since they do make some gluten containing products.

My general rules for food are as follows:

-If it don't say "gluten-free" don't eat it. That applies to anything prepackaged. Sometimes companies won't put it right on the label, but have it on their websites instead; look around.

-Still eat healthfully. You can be completely gluten-free and still be unhealthy if you don't eat regular well rounded meals and snacks.

-Be VERY cautious if eating out. It's best to bring a little something with if you go out with friends and stick to wine and water. Otherwise it's Russian Roulette.

-Be festidious about crumbs. They're not as innocent as they look and they can't be killed like a germ so avoid them like they're worse than the plague.

-Stand up for yourself. Don't let people talk you into eating anything. You wouldn't drink diluted bleach because someone told you it was lemonade.

-Don't worry about how you appear to others. Thirty years ago people were laughing at people who were allergic to peanuts; thirty years from now we'll be laughing at the people who laughed at us.

-Act nonchalant. Act as carefree as possible while still being mindful.

-SHARE with others. Find some gluten-free foods or products you like and share them, normally, with others. It can really help others accept your dietary needs.

-"When in doubt leave it out"

Good luck (and as far as gluten in concerned: Good riddence!), Solveig.

[bessiejay]

I would have written sooner but my internet has been down.

Thank you all so much. Im still afraid im not taking this seriously enough. It has been about a month and besides that one vomiting episode I have been ok. I havent noticed much of a difference besides stomach aches and bowel movements.

I think I am just too scared to be too careful. Does that make sense? I have already cut out so much and am eating so many "safe" foods that I dont think i could do anything else. Im starting to see problems with going on vacation or even simply to a friends house for the weekend. I feel so guilty for some reason, like they have to be so careful of me. So, I tell them no and just stay home.

One of my friends didnt get that she had to be careful adding spices to our guacamole dip. She instinctively went for the cabinet and after she sprikled in the first one I caught her and told her she couldnt just do that anymore. She looked so annoyed and kinda rolled her eyes as i checked the pepper label. Was I out of my mind? Have I gone to far or is this normal? After that incident I decided i needed to cool down and have been pretty relaxed ever since. I guess im so confused because at the same time, Im so uptight!

Anyone feel like this also? Thanks again. -Bessie