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New Here, Not New To gluten-free, But Ready To Eat gluten-free...please Don't Judge!

RaeDawnMarie721

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RaeDawnMarie721 Newbie
RaeDawnMarie721
Posted

Hey everyone!

 

I'm new to this forum, so feel free to introduce yourself to me through this post.

 

Back in April 2010 I did an elimination diet to prove gluten intolerance...and it was proven. I went gluten free for about seven months, and then I went right back on to eating gluten again. I don't know if I have celiac or just a gluten intolerance, but I am really feeling it now. I have been very ill for the past few days, and I just KNOW it's gluten-related. I'm having the same exact symptoms I was having when I was off of gluten and I would accidentally get cross-contaminated (not once did I eat something like bread or something, it was always a CC issue).

 

Right now, I've got bloating, diarrhea, headache, brain fog, heartburn, a ridiculous mix of insomnia at night and fatigue during the day, and EXTREME stomach cramping constantly. I have been able to handle everything except for the stomach cramps. I can't sleep because of it, and it feels like I could vomit but I know I won't. Does anyone have any tips about how to ease the stomach pain? Is there any way to kind of gauge how long these symptoms are going to last? What are some of your "glutening" symptoms?

 

Also, while this may seem very obvious, when the pain goes away I'll totally forget about it and I will want to go back to eating everything I crave; pizza, cupcakes, cookies, you name it and I'm going to gobble it down. I don't want to live like this. Is there anything I can do to help motivate myself to sticking to a gluten-free diet? Or is it just being strict with myself knowing that it's hurting me?

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Celiac Mindwarp Community Regular
Celiac Mindwarp
Posted

If you are eating gluten regularly now, you can get tested for celiac disease. A diagnosis may help you.

Either way, only you can decide if your health is important to you.

Folks here will help you through the process of going gluten-free (once testing is complete if you choose that route). Sometimes once you get gluten out of your system, cravings may reduce or stop.

It seems tough when you start, but will eventually seem normal. Feeling better can be a good incentive.

I wonder if you were getting some cross contamination before?

Try the newbie 101 thread in 'coping with'.

Celiac and gluten intolerance can both affect a whole range of health issues, including fertility. It is also genetic, so has a chance of affecting any kids.

We take im pretty seriously around here, and are passionate about helping people, but you have to want to do it :)

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Get tested.  If its positive, that might give you more reason to eat gluten-free.

Adalaide Mentor
Adalaide
Posted

I could not agree more. Get tested for celiac. Since you say yourself that you lack the motivation and will continue to lack it to stay gluten free, there is nothing like the threat of the complications of celiac to keep you on the straight and narrow. Keep in mind though that it has only been since last year that the medical community truly recognizes nonceliac gluten sensitivity and little is known. At this point, it is not known if this causes permanent damage to the body or not. Not knowing does not mean that you will get away free and clear without any of the long term effects that celiacs suffer from, it just means there simply isn't enough research yet.

RaeDawnMarie721 Newbie
RaeDawnMarie721
Posted
  • Author

Thanks guys! You know what...I think I am going to go ahead and get tested. I really think that might help me stay gluten-free.

surviormom Rookie
surviormom
Posted

Good Plan.  Let us know how it goes.

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

I think keeping a journal of your symptoms and food is very helpful too. It helped me see some patterns and it helped me see how my health improved once I went gluten-free because some of those symptoms went away so slowly that I didn't notice it until I looked back a few weeks or months.

 

Good luck.  :)

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1desperateladysaved Proficient
1desperateladysaved
Posted

Yeah, sounds good

 

Thanks guys! You know what...I think I am going to go ahead and get tested. I really think that might help me stay gluten-free.

Yeah, sounds good.  It seems like you need a firm diagnosis.  I guess I am a wimp.  I try to avoid any and all pain.  But I also have a positive celiac diagnosis.

gatita Enthusiast
gatita
Posted
Right now, I've got bloating, diarrhea, headache, brain fog, heartburn, a ridiculous mix of insomnia at night and fatigue during the day, and EXTREME stomach cramping constantly. I have been able to handle everything except for the stomach cramps. I can't sleep because of it, and it feels like I could vomit but I know I won't. Does anyone have any tips about how to ease the stomach pain? Is there any way to kind of gauge how long these symptoms are going to last? What are some of your "glutening" symptoms
 
Those are exactly my glutening symptoms! They make me miserable enough that I will never knowingly eat gluten again. I have a couple of thoughts...
 
1) Yes, go for the diagnosis. But if like me a diagnosis is hard to come by, you may want to do your own "gluten challenge" just to prove to yourself your symptoms are real.
 
2) Give yourself a little time to get used to the gluten-free life. Spoil yourself with some gluten-free goodies if that's what it takes. There are some very good pastas, muffins etc. out there and you can make it a project to try them all and figure out which you like. (I found Against the Grain baguettes make freakin awesome garlic bread! I serve it all the time to non gluten-free guests). There really is NO need to miss starchy goodies if they are important to you, because there are some great substitutes out there these days!
 
 
PS. As far as dealing with a glutening, sometimes I use Pepto Bismol, immodium and if I really feel bad I might pop a benedryl so I can get some sleep. But when it's mild, usually lots of liquids and eating light.

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But there’s safety and governing regs in the UK for this sort of thing. Assuming it would be very similar over the pond in fairness). “5. Do I need certified gluten-free toothpaste, hand soap, shampoo, or moisturizer? (For example: Vaseline and Colgate don’t contain gluten ingredients but say they can’t guarantee it’s gluten-free.)” This comes down to personal threshold of gluten tolerance. People that are highly sensitive may need certified products. Especially those with dermatitis herpetiformis - the skin manifestation of gluten sensitivity. Listen to your body on this one. “6. Is spices like pepper with “may contain traces of gluten” safe if no gluten ingredients are listed? Or does everything need to be labeled gluten-free?” This one is easy - when following a strict gluten free diet, avoid products that say May contain traces of gluten. But it does not have to be labelled gluten free. There are many foods naturally gluten free. 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