Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

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

RaeDawnMarie721

Recommended Posts

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?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


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.  :)

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


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.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,856
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Sonya Haskin
    Newest Member
    Sonya Haskin
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      He is. Which makes everything even more difficult. I’m not a believer in “staying for the kids” but I have nowhere to go and it’s not just me, it’s me plus my babies. We live in a beautiful place, lots of land in the country and me and the kids love the place we’ve called home for their entire lives. But Im seeing that he’ll never change, that my kids deserve a happy healthy Momma, and that staying in this as is will be the early death of me. Then I look at the scars covering my entire body…this disease and the chronic stress I’ve been enduring for years that tell me I’m no longer beautiful and no one will ever look at me with interest again. I try self care, try to give myself grace so I can just start loving myself enough to gain strength but the slightest sparkle in my eye and skip in my step attracts his wrath and it all comes crashing ten fold. Life is just absolutely railing me from every single direction leaving me wanting to wave that white flag bc I don’t feel like there’s much hope no matter what happens. 
    • trents
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By trents · Posted

      Is this man the father of your children?
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis after years of suffering without answers. I lost my mind. I lost my job. I lost so much time. I lost Me. Conventional doctors are opulent come near me and the one who did sat across the room, misdiagnosed me, pumped me full of steroids which collapsed my entire hip for 6 months. So without answers I began my holistic journey. Fast forward a couple of years and still struggling with a mysterious whole body itchy, crawling “skin hell”, perfect teeth now deteriorating, thick hair now thinning rapidly and no more than a day or 2 at most relief….An acquaintance opened up a functional medicine practice. Cash only, I found a way. Within a month tests clearly showing my off the charts gluten allergy/sensitivity as well as the depletion of vital nutrients due to leaky gut and intestinal damage. dermatitis herpetiformis was more than likely what I was experiencing with my skin. I was happy. I thought this is easy, eat healthy Whole Foods, follow the diet restrictions and I finally get to heal and feel confident and like myself again very soon! 😔 Supplements are very pricey but I got them and began my healing. Which leads to the other major issue: not working, stay at home Mom of young kids, entirely financially dependent on my man of 7 plus years. He’s never been supportive of anything I’ve ever done or been thru. He controls everything. I’m not given much money ever at a time and when he does leave money it’s only enough to possibly get gas. His excuse is that I’ll spend it on other things. So my “allowance” is inconsistent and has conditions. He withholds money from me as punishment for anything he wants. Since being diagnosed, he’s gained a new control tactic to use as punishment. He now is in control of when I get to eat. He asked for proof of my diagnosis and diet bc he said I made it up just to be able to eat expensive organic foods. Then after I sent him my file from my doctor he then said she wasn’t a real doctor. 😡. I go days upon days starving, sometimes breaking down and eating things I shouldn’t bc I’m so sick then I pay horribly while he gets annoyed and angry bc I’m not keeping up with all the duties I’m supposed to be doing. His abuse turns full on when I’m down and it’s in these desperate times when I need his support and care the most that I’m punished with silence, being starved, ignored, belittled. He will create more of a mess just bc I’m unable to get up and clean so that when I am better, I’m so overwhelmed with chores to catch up that the stress causes me to go right back into a flare from hell and the cycle repeats. I’m punished for being sick. I’m belittled for starving and asking for healthy clean water. I’m purposely left out of his life. He won’t even tell me he’s going to the grocery or to get dinner bc he doesn’t want me to ask him for anything. I have no one. I have nothing. Im not better. My supplements ran out and I desperately need Vitamin D3 and a methylated B complex at the very minimal just to function….he stares at me blankly…no, a slight smirk, no words. He’s happiest when im miserable and I am miserable.  this is so long and im condensing as much as I can but this situation is so complicated and disgusting. And it’s currently my life. The “IT” girl, the healthy, beautiful, perfect skin, perfect teeth, thick and curly locks for days, creative and talented IT girl….now I won’t even leave this house bc Im ashamed of what this has dont to my body, my skin. Im disgusted. The stress is keeping me from healing and I think he knows that and that’s why he continues to keep me in that state. He doesn’t want me confident or successful. He doesn’t want me healed and healthy bc then how would he put the blame of all his problems on me? This journey has been hell and I’ve been in Hell before. I’ve been killed by an ex, I’ve been raped, robbed, held hostage, abused beyond nightmares but the cruelty I’ve experienced from him bc of this disease is the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve wanted to give up. Starving and in tears, desperate…I found a local food pantry in our small town so I reached out just saying I had Celiac and was on hard times. This woman is blessing me daily with prepared gluten free meals, donations, educational info, people who know this disease and how they manage life and the blessings just keep coming. But it’s overwhelming and I feel like I don’t deserve it at all. He just glared and I know he’s going to sabotage it somehow. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m so broken and just want peace and healing. 
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
    • Me,Sue
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Me,Sue · Posted

      I was diagnosed with coeliac disease a couple of years ago [ish]. I love my food and a variety of food, so it's been hard, as it is with everyone. I try and ensure everything I eat doesn't contain gluten, but occasionally I think something must have got through that has gluten in. Mainly I know because I have to dash to the loo, but recently I have noticed that I feel nauseous after possibly being glutened. I think the thing that I have got better at is knowing what to do when I feel wiped out after a gluten 'episode'. I drink loads of water, and have just started drinking peppermint tea. I also have rehydration powders to drink. I don't feel like eating much, but eventually feel like I need to eat. Gluten free flapjacks, or gluten free cereal, or a small gluten free kids meal are my go to. I am retired, so luckily I can rest, sometimes even going to bed when nothing else works. So I feel that I am getting better at knowing how to try and get back on track. I am also trying to stick to a simpler menu and eat mostly at home so that I can be more confident about what I am eating. THANKS TO THOSE WHO REPLIED ABOUT THE NAUSEA .
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.