4 replies to this topic

[Adalaide]

I'd be dead. My husband had an appointment today with his endocrinologist today and I always tag along so I know firsthand what I need to know. Over the last few years he has been having increasing trouble controlling his blood sugar. During this time he has also had increasing bowel issues. Last fall he was told he has IBS. His mother is constantly weak, tired and has been battling lymphoma for many years.

So, unable to keep my mouth shut as the doctor offered suggestions I asked if it was possible that celiac could contribute to his increasing troubles with his spikes and lows. The doctor filled out the paperwork for blood work while my husband glared at me. Now I wouldn't wish celiac on anyone, but I also don't want to spend a decade watching my husband die of cancer while losing his feet a toe at a time and counting the days til he ends up on dialysis. (Okay, morbid but I this sort of thing just pops in my head.)

As an extremely picky eater, he would have significantly more trouble adjusting to a gluten free diet than I did. The doctor did suggest that even if the blood tests are negative that it wouldn't hurt to go gluten free and see if symptoms improve and if they do to try a little gluten again and if he gets sick again that it's obviously celiac. He mentioned that it's far easier today than it would have been a decade ago, although I doubt my husband finds that encouraging. (I could have kissed him, I didn't imagine I'd ever talk to a doctor who knows half as much as my limited knowledge of celiac.) All that's left for me to do is convince my husband, regardless of the test results, to go through with at least trying a gluten free diet.

[IrishHeart]

I would have done the same in your shoes. Those symptoms are just too closely related to gluten intolerance/celiac.

Kisses to that endo!!

However, since you are already gluten-free, converting the two of them will not be more work for you, in fact it will be less. (As I recall, MIL lives with you guys?)

Ask him to give it a go (no cheating!) for one month. That's it.

Make some special treats and he'll be hooked on gluten-free foods.

Bet him his blood sugars and bowel issues start to resolve.

and I bet....You will win this bet.

[Adalaide]

I wish she lived with us, but no, it's her house. She wouldn't entertain the idea of making these changes in her life and frankly we don't have the kind of relationship where I would be even remotely comfortable talking to her about it. She's still convinced that all of my health problems are because of my bunny.

Right now I'm just hoping the test results come back positive. If they don't my husband will probably spout off about how I'm wrong (even though I'm not) and that will be the end of that. I did make Rice Krispie treats tonight which are one of his favorite snacks, hopefully I'll convert him one way or another. The logistics will be much easier but it'll be like trying to feed a picky toddler.

[AVR1962]

Good for you Adalaide, I don't know why some people wnat to close their ears but you are opening to options, options which are all good to investigate. My husband's health is not as good as it could be, has had a life-long issue with allergies and just keeps taking meds. I have repeated aske him if her thought about actually finding out what is causing hime issues and he repeatedly drgas his feet.

If the results don't come back positive and he starts with the "I told you so," at least you now know and there is no longer the guessing game.

[Juliebove]

Have they looked at possible gastroparesis? I have it. It can make blood sugar very hard to control. Mine started out with bowel troubles and then progressed to throwing up.