Stress/ibs Or Something Else?

[flowerqueen]

I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in November 2011 having had various biopsies etc. I was diagnosed with IBS 30 years ago (approx). I was severely ill prior to being diagnosed with Coeliacs disease. (Long story short, severe anaemia, malnutrition could barely stand without a stick never mind walk down the garden). I also have under-active Thyroid, diabetes, arthritis (including degeneration of the spine) and migraine.

I saw the doctor at the hospital last month who is arranging for another biopsy to check my gut is healing and apart from the odd cross- contamination incident I have felt much better in the last few months. Strangely though, since learning I need another biopsy, I had a set back which was put down to some eye drops which were derived from wheat (I have dry eye syndrome due to my thyroid problem). It took a full 10 days to show up in my symptoms and another 10 to be free from symptoms of cross contamination. However, the last few days I have had throbbing in my stomach and intestines again and am wondering whether it is lack of fibre in my diet or the stress of knowing another biopsy is due or something else. Has anyone else had this, or even finding gluten-free/wheat free diet does not completely get rid of their symptoms. Not sure what to think right now. I should add, I still cannot eat dairy, even though I have been gluten free for sometime.

[shadowicewolf]

Stress can cause IBS like symptoms.

 

The best way to figure out what is bothering you is to make a food diary. Write down everything you eat and your symptoms.  It could be that something else might be bothering you.

[gatita]

I feel you! There are so many possibilities... Cross-contamination is a biggie for me, and other issues like SIBO can cause many of the same symptoms.

 

I agree that a food diary can be a big help. I'm nine months into this and still have gut issues. But when I look back at my food diary entries, I realize what I have now isn't nearly as bad it was six, seven months ago. So that's another reason for the diary — to see progress when you feel like there isn't any!

[flowerqueen]

Thanks. I've Re-started my food diary, but I'm now thinking I need more fibre in my diet, as I have found it more difficult to get enough fibre now I can't eat wheat/gluten. I have read there's a few people having problems with food intolerances since being diagnosed coeliac.

[jebby]

Hi,  A lot of us do have both Celiac Disease and I.B.S., so it is sometimes difficult to sort things out. I.B.S. is associated with multiple food intolerances, especially those of us with what is now called "wheat sensitive" I.B.S. Hopefully your food journal will help you to sort things out. I've also been taking a probiotic, which has helped a ton. Best of luck to you!

[flowerqueen]

Thanks Jebby. I have started taking a probiotic too. It's so difficult wading through everything to check for gluten and then deciding how in the world you are also going to get sufficient fibre intake without wheat or gluten. You are right about the food intolerances. Although I started with those long before I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, and I now think I've developed a few more along the way. Weeding them out of my diet is a little tricky, but the food journal will help.