Feel Like I'm Poisoning Myself

[jmryan83]

My topic title says it all. I feel like I'm poisoning myself everytime I eat something with Gluten in it.

Forum members recommend to keep on a regular diet until testing can be done, but I don't know if I can do it.

I ate some macaroni and cheese today and have been sick all evening. Stomach cramps, diarrhea, and extreme lethargy.

On days when I've tried eliminating gluten I feel an immediate difference in my energy levels and stomach cramps.

 

Worst of all is I rely on my local public health system and it takes a month just to get a GP appointment. I have one about 3 weeks from now, but then I'll have atleast another month before I can see a specialist. I just don't know what to do.

 

Is it dangerous to just stop eating gluten without absolutely knowing if your a Celiac patient?

What's the worst that could happen to me if I just cut out the gluten and see how I feel in a month or two? (besides possibly screwing with any test results)

 

HELP!!!!

 

 

[psawyer]

Is it dangerous to just stop eating gluten without absolutely knowing if your a Celiac patient?

No, it is not. There is no essential nutrient in gluten that is not also in other foods.

[SeekingSarah]

I feel the same way, originally my GI appt was for May, but I found another one who could see me sooner, appt on Monday! Having been brushed off by a GI a few years ago and told I had IBS...I have no idea what my blood results really sad I didn't suspect Celiac, never really knowing much about it so I didn't inquire further as to what tests he actually did, etc. So NOW I want to know, I want to see the results, I want the endoscope...I want the DX. I also don't want to go off Gluten and then have to re-gluten for tests, but again I was lucky to get a quick appt. I've seen others who don't necessary need/want an official dx go off Gluten so they can feel better...the decision is up to you really. 

[jmryan83]

Thanks for everyone sharing.

 

I've decided I'm going to give the next 3 weeks to my G.P. visit a try gluten-free.

 

I'll still have a full month to re-glutenize before I see any G.I. specialist.

 

I wonder since I can feel such a difference in such a short time if it's gluten intolerance or if I actually have damage which I heard can take months to repair?

 

 

[EmiPark210]

Most general practitioners can order a blood pannel test so I wouldn't recommend going off it. But staying on doesn't mean cheerios for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and pasta for dinner. It can mean as little as a half serving of wheat crackers, a piece of bread, a cookie (or two) per day. 3 weeks is enough time that if they tested you at that appointment, you could come back falsely negative.

I know it sucks. I was gluten free for 3 weeks before I got my biopsy scheduled and I just started back on it. It's hard, but it's a bit easier when you know that it is necessary to get your answers. Hang in there, and feel free to ask any questions that come up. 

 

And in terms of clearing up: some people (myself included) notice a change after a week, but some people take months to years to really start to feel like they're getting better. For testing, it's better not to risk being a great healer. You usually need a blood test to get sent for a biopsy, and blood tests take a recommended 3 months on gluten to be accurate (Open Original Shared Link)