Lori2

Thank you all for the replies! I will definitely mention gastroparesis and cystic fibrosis when I visit the doctor next, but I'm not sure the symptoms fit me quite right after reading about them. I'm thinking now that a lot of my problems are actually coming from the gastritis which is refusing to heal. I've been on Prilosec for 5 weeks now. For some reason, the gastritis hates foods high in fat and really wants me to eat things full of carbs, but the only things I seem to be able to eat are higher in fat. My stomach has not tolerated grains or potatoes since I did the gluten challenge in December and the only fruit it will tolerate is bananas. I have been eating 3-4 bananas a day and squash on occasion to try to get some carbs in but it's just not cutting it. I am literally eating only bananas, lean chicken and turkey, cooked spinach, small servings of avocado, occasional squash, carrots and a handful of nuts when I feel like I'm dying. My stomach is generally at least manageable when I eat only this, but as soon as I try to add in anything else the pain flares back up. I have lost 10 pounds and I'm constantly exhausted, and I'm feeling very depressed and lost. I don't know what to do, my gastro brushed me off last time I went in and my GP has told me to rely on the Prilosec for now. I can't get in to see another gastro without a referral from my GP, who will just tell me to wait it out. My mom is all caught up in the idea of doing the celiac gene and food reactivity tests from Enterolab, but I'm not sure what that will even help at this point because I'm already avoiding gluten like the plague and I'm not sure what else I could possibly be reacting to with such a small selection of food, if I'm reacting to anything at all. I just wish I knew why the gastritis isn't healing.

I personally found the Enterolab testing very helpful.  Most of my problems improved after going gluten free, however I was still left with some diarrhea problems.  I went back to a very simple basic diet based on rice, grass-fed beef and bananas, but the problem persisted.  I finally did Enterolab testing which showed an intolerance to rice--one of my go-to foods.  The last day I ate rice, March 11, 2011, I used four Immodium.  I have had a total of four Immodium in the two years since.  I just wish they could test for more things than they do.

Rice was the mainstay of my diet. I cooked up a batch of brown rice pilaf every day and ate rice cakes--no cereals. And like you, I eliminated everything--different foods, supplements, etc. Imagine my surprise when testing (EnteroLab) said that rice and oats (I used very little oats) were the cause of my diarrhea. The day I quit rice, I used 4 Immodium. In the six months since I have used a total of three Immodium.

I think you will find that everyone is an individual with their own sensitivities. In the reading that I have done, I have come to the conclusion that there is NO food out there that doesn't bother someone.

My own list of no-no's includes gluten, oats, rice, sugar (beet, cane, honey, dates, raisins, aguve, xylitol). I can eat limited amounts of other grains and starches. Tomatoes and onions are questionable. But I have no problem at all with dairy, soy or potatoes.

As I said, everyone is different and you just have to figure it out for yourself. Others can only give you clues as to what else to try.

Have you ever tried sweet potato flour or starch, Deb? It's something that you can make yourself at home, so it can be found corn-free (the only sweet potato flour I've seen for sale has had additives, so was not likely to be safe).

I know how to make it, but still haven't tried it much yet. :-)

Would you tell us how to make sweet potato flour? Thanks.

My celiac panel was negative (after gluten-free for two nonths). I do not have either of the two main celiac genes (my son is a diagnosed celiac).

A year and a half ago I came to two conclusions:

1. I hate feeling like garbage.
2. I do not need a doctors permission to eliminate gluten from my diet.

Forget the testing and "just do it".