nostalgic

Hello everyone, I hope you'll bear with me because this may be a long post.  Feel free to skim, I just want to make sure I provide enough information.

 

I have had health problems since I was around 16 (I am now 21).  I first started off with gastrointestinal symptoms, chronic nausea and heartburn/indigestion.  I also have what they like to call IBS---my bowels alternate between constipation and diarrhea but are never truly "normal" although there is a "normal" for me. My heartburn is pretty well controlled by Nexium now. I also developed hyperthyroidism around this time, but that was deemed to be transient and I have not had any problems since.  When I got to college, my health got a bit crazy.  I got diagnosed with pernicious anemia (autoimmune B-12 deficiency), endometriosis, adenomyosis, and interstitial cystitis.  I also have some form of tachycardia which is now controlled by a beta blocker.  I also have had lifelong allergies, eczema, and bad acne since puberty that has not really let up.  

Anyway, after my 2nd laparoscopy for endo within a year, my menstrual pain had decreased substantially but I was still having other pretty severe symptoms during my period, mainly horrific nausea, loss of appetite and severe fatigue.  I went to see an acupuncturist because I had reached the point where I was desperate and willing to try anything...  Anyway, my naturopath told me all about gluten intolerance, how I might have it and that would explain all the autoimmune issues blah blah blah.  He convinced me to order Cyrex labs, and the results came back that I am "gluten intolerant".  I gave up gluten a little over a month ago, and am careful to avoid cross-contamination, do everything I can.

 

I haven't seen an improvement, but I realize this could take time.  So I didn't really think anything of it.  But now I'm reading a lot that Cyrex labs is probably scammish.  So, do I have gluten intolerance or not?  Feel free to ask any questions... I am very confused and don't know what to do.

I'm just wondering if people feel like their glutening symptoms are similar to those they experienced before they were diagnosed and ate gluten regularly.  For example, if you had issues with DH before diagnosis, is that still your main symptom if you get glutened?  I have been as gluten-free for a month (but may still be getting CC'd, I need bloodwork) and have NO idea what to expect from glutening.  Before diagnosis I had no consistent symptoms except maybe stomach pain on occasion. It's pretty upsetting to think it could go from mild and bearable to severe and interfering! 

So I've read a lot about how you should avoid gluten-free substitutes for awhile after you begin a gluten-free diet because your gut needs to heal up. My question is, if you are not a celiac, does this still apply? My impression is that celiacs have actual damage done to their gut, not sure if this is the case for people with NCGI? I realize a whole foods diet is the best idea but gluten-free substitutes are just so convenient for me and I'm still at college with a shared gluten kitchen (yes, I realize the situation is not ideal for CC, but I'm going to try to minimize it anyway). Any input would be appreciated.

Hi everyone! I just got diagnosed with gluten insensitivity (I guess?) based on results from Cyrex Labs. I tried to read up a bit on that here, but got mixed results. Basically, I was a suspected Celiac for a long time but had countless negatives and even a negative biopsy. At my acupuncturist's suggestion, I had the blood test done by Cyrex and apparently I am highly reactive to it. Anyway, I have not yet gone gluten-free (kind of enjoying a few last foods before I say goodbye to them forever) but I am getting really nervous reading a lot of the posts about glutening. I have a huge phobia of vomiting (emetophobia) and right now gluten never makes me vomit and as far as I know is never even responsible for diarrhea. I'm pretty terrified of getting glutened though after I go gluten-free because it seems inevitable and pretty horrific imo. I was at a really good place with my phobia, and now I am concerned it will regress tremendously because I will be constantly living in a state of paranoia wondering if I got "glutened". Help?