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

I'm New With Questions :)

student314

Recommended Posts

student314 Rookie
student314
Posted

I'm 19 years old and have had some weird symptoms recently. I was supposed to be a leader at a youth camp two weeks ago, but I became very ill with what everyone assumes was a stomach virus. My blood pressure was crazy and I couldn't stand or walk around for very long without almost passing out and I was suddenly unable to eat. My mouth would go bone dry and I'd gag on food. Anything besides fruit and rice made me nauseous. I was weirdly anxious during this time too--I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder last year and it had gotten out of control the few weeks before I got sick and I was having panic attacks out of nowhere almost every day. While I was sick, I was very tense and just nervous. I was literally bed ridden for 3 days before they decided to send me back home because I wasn't getting better. It took the rest of the week, but my weakness got better. However, as I started being able to eat again, I started getting diarrhea. It's been two weeks and I have a normal appetite, but food makes me feel weird/anxious and my heart pounds or races. My diarrhea seemed better two days ago, but now it's back to weird loose stools (sorry...TMI). I had two bowls of strawberry toasters (like cinnamon toast crunch, but strawberry) this morning and the effects followed not too long after. My stomach started knotting up and my heart rate went up to 120 for a good half hour or more. These heart symptoms have been the most annoying...I have been eating a lot of whole grain and fiber to help with the stomach issues, but they didn't help and just made me nervous. The only thing I ate that didn't affect my heart rate was peach froyo with fruit. The dairy upset my stomach a couple of hours later of course, but that was it. I happened to mention to my mom that I had been having these heart rate problems and that the froyo wasn't doing it and she wondered if it had something to do with gluten since it was the only thing it didn't have that everything else I've had did. I've had upset stomach problems and everything before, but we've always chalked it up to stress (and it probably was). This just seems different somehow. I've never gotten to 100% since the stomach virus. I know there are a billion things that could cause all this, but it couldn't hurt to ask. The only thing that has come up in the past few years has been a pretty low Vitamin D level of 11 that won't get near normal despite high doses of Vitamin D, but other tests, such as thyroid, have been normal. I went to the doctor a few days ago and he said that the digestive problems would probably resolve themselves eventually, so I haven't gotten to really talk to him about the other problems and was wondering if we should pursue this theory. Sorry this is so long!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


1desperateladysaved Proficient
1desperateladysaved
Posted

You may have a gluten problem.  The flu could trigger celiac.  You should do some tests for Celiac and see if they will help you to discover what is wrong.  You could have some other health problem.  There must be something at the root of your problem and I hope you will find it.  The heart problems do sound disconcerting, and certainly you should find out what is causing them.

 

I think I understand you to say that you have taken vitamin D supplements without low vitamin D levels resolving?  That would show a problem with absorption in my opinion.  Do you have a normal iron level?  My Functional Medicine Nurse mentioned that low to borderline iron level can be an early indicator of mal-absorption.

 

Get Well***,

I hope you get some definitive answers soon.

D

powerofpositivethinking Community Regular
powerofpositivethinking
Posted

welcome!

 

Vitamin D deficiency is commonly linked with celiac, and the fact that you said you've been taking large doses but that hasn't resolved the problem is even more suspicious of malabsroption problems.  Here is a link with common celiac associated deficieicies:

Open Original Shared Link

 

If you want to get tested, you MUST be consuming gluten prior and during testing or else it could yield false results.  In fact, don't stop eating gluten until you are done ALL testing, including the endoscopy if you get one.  The first steps are simple blood tests that either your GP or GI can order.

 

Comprehensive Celiac Panel:

DGP iga/igg

ttg iga/igg

EMA

Total iga serum-this is a control test to make sure you make enough iga to validate the other testing

check out page 12 in this report for testing information:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Also after a bout of stomach virus, it may be useful to take probiotics to help your good gut flora get back in balance.  Since you said you've been having diarrhea, it may be a good idea to try Culturelle which has the lacto strain of probiotics which is great for diarrhea.  You can pretty much pick up this brand at any Target or pharmacy.  Here is a link to the ones I have used in the past:

Open Original Shared Link

 

anxiety can be linked to gluten.  mine has gotten so much better since going gluten free.

  • 2 weeks later...
student314 Rookie
student314
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for your responses. Yes, I have been taking large amounts of Vitamin D. It was low to start with and I was put on 50,000 iU for 12 weeks, which only brought it up from 13 (I think) to 18. Then about a year later, it had plummeted back down to 11. I was put on 50,000 iU again and then told to supplement with 2500 per day after that. I haven't been tested since. I was borderline anemic about 4 years ago, but I haven't been tested for that either. I'm starting to suspect that again though because I've been getting exhausted from exercise easily and my heart races and my hands tingle sometimes (though that could be my anxiety).

 

My digestive symptoms have improved somewhat--no more constant diarrhea--but I'm still not 100% and still have a lot of bloating and discomfort. I'm super anxious and foggy after eating. I had a voracious appetite for the past week or so and gained almost 10 lbs. back that I had lost over the summer, but cutting back a little for the past couple of days caused me to already lose 2 pounds (I usually struggle to lose weight). Something's just OFF. I can't put my finger on it. The worst part is I have to go back to university next week and I have to be able to function, not to mention be able to walk a couple miles a day. Since I haven't been able to see my doctor at home, would it be useful to find a specialist or something while I'm at school?

 

Thanks again.

AlwaysLearning Collaborator
AlwaysLearning
Posted

When you return, have them test all of your vitamin levels again, not just the D and the iron. I know B12 deficiencies are also common and have some pretty horrendous symptoms (and are much easier to treat). 

I do hope you get the answers you need, and soon!

  • 4 months later...
brookevale Newbie
brookevale
Posted

Student 314,

 

What ever became of your digestive issues. I have the identical thing going on. I had strep, was given antibiotics, and have had diarrhea, nausea, anxiety, no appetite for over 2 weeks. I too feel like something is off. Please let me know how things turned out. I need some hope!

 

Thanks,

Brooke

eers03 Explorer
eers03
Posted

Student 314,

 

What ever became of your digestive issues. I have the identical thing going on. I had strep, was given antibiotics, and have had diarrhea, nausea, anxiety, no appetite for over 2 weeks. I too feel like something is off. Please let me know how things turned out. I need some hope!

 

Thanks,

Brooke

Your antibiotic could absolutely be the source of your diarrhea.  If it persists you should go see your healthcare provider again.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,855
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Tara M
    Newest Member
    Tara M
    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

    • 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 .
    • Francis M
      The Happy Tart review

      By Francis M · Posted

      Thanks. Since the back and forth and promises of review and general stalling went on for more than six months, the credit company will no longer investigate. They have a cutoff of maybe six months.
×
×
  • 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.