Could It Be Because I Have Celiac?

[cookiedog]

This is my first time to this forum so forgive me if I seem like I don't know a thing about celiac. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago by a biopsy and really wasn't given much information. I know that I have had a problem for at least 20 years (I'm 33 now). To make a long story short...haven't done a gluten-free diet at all...just started reading up on it....I have really bad symptoms which I know I have to do my part to stop the damage and I plan on it starting now...my question is... can having gluten in your diet cause you not to be able to concentrate? Some days are terrible. I ate a blueberry muffin this morning, got a terrible stomach ache...all of the normal symptoms...running to the bathroom....but I've noticed that I have had a terrible time concentrating. Just curious, maybe I'm just getting older. I've noticed the bad concentration usually comes when I have all of the other symptoms.

I will try to educate myself more by reading up on the forum and I really am going to start now on getting better. Thanks for your time and comments.

[ravenwoodglass]

This is my first time to this forum so forgive me if I seem like I don't know a thing about celiac. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago by a biopsy and really wasn't given much information. I know that I have had a problem for at least 20 years (I'm 33 now). To make a long story short...haven't done a gluten-free diet at all...just started reading up on it....I have really bad symptoms which I know I have to do my part to stop the damage and I plan on it starting now...my question is... can having gluten in your diet cause you not to be able to concentrate? Some days are terrible. I ate a blueberry muffin this morning, got a terrible stomach ache...all of the normal symptoms...running to the bathroom....but I've noticed that I have had a terrible time concentrating. Just curious, maybe I'm just getting older.  I've noticed the bad concentration usually comes when I have all of the other symptoms.

I will try to educate myself more by reading up on the forum and I really am going to start now on getting better. Thanks for your time and comments.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes that is why in some countries thay test children before they start school.

Get off the gluten you'll feel and think so much better.

[Rachel--24]

Yes...its called brainfog and I had it real bad before I stopped eating gluten. It was one of my worst symptoms. I had problems with my memory, my concentration, hardly able to have a conversation at times and there were times when it wasnt even safe for me to drive. All better now that I'm on the diet.

[Lisa]

I can't believe that your have gone this long not going gluten free. You must have has a rough two years. Now that you know, you have the healing power with in you. You can choose to feel bad and risk internal cancer and other disease and other associated diseases that can cause mega changes in your life, or loss of life.

Please take this seriously. I don't mean to sound so blunt. This is the time to inform yourself. You are still very young and should have a full life ahead of you.

Take time to research this forum and read all that you can. This will be the best source that you will be able to find. There are several books out there that will be helpful for those with Gluten Intollerance.

The people here have been an incredabale support and the collective experience has been totally invaluable. I truley would have not been able to handle my diognosis without the information and support that I have found on this site.

Every day that you are not gluten free is causing your damage to your system. Please read all these posts and ask any question that you need to. The key to a healthy life is in your hands. Join us, through our travels through Celiacland.

Welcome to the board and I hope you wil

Cookiedog, be a constant reader. Best wishes to you.

PS: Your lack of attentiveness is called "brain fog" and yes, it is a sympton of being "glutened". It may last a day or several depending a the level of your sensitivity. Dry mouth, scrambling with words, lack of abilty to concentrate, starting sentence and not being able to finish it, searching for words that just won't come...........yeah...."Brain Fog".

This is a message board about Celiacs help others. Ask away if you have any questions, and welcome to the board. We all want to feel better and live well with the world around us.

Lisa B.

[ianm]

I had very few gut problems but the brain fog would get so bad I would become almost zombie like.

[elonwy]

Brain fog was what drove me back to the doctors over and over, even more than other symptoms and what kept me pushing to find out what was wrong, even when they said it was in my head.

You'll be amazed at how good the gluten-free diet can make you feel, and I wouldn't eat gluten voluntarily now, just cause I can think and talk and do stuff again. You have to do it completely to have it work, but it is worth every bite.

Elonwy

[christa]

I have horrible brain fog. I often can't finish a sentence because I can't think of the word I want to say. I am just starting a gluten-free diet as well. I know I even have trouble concentrating on a conversation when someone is talking to me an often just end up tuning out

[nettiebeads]

This is my first time to this forum so forgive me if I seem like I don't know a thing about celiac. I was diagnosed about 2 years ago by a biopsy and really wasn't given much information. I know that I have had a problem for at least 20 years (I'm 33 now). To make a long story short...haven't done a gluten-free diet at all...just started reading up on it....I have really bad symptoms which I know I have to do my part to stop the damage and I plan on it starting now...my question is... can having gluten in your diet cause you not to be able to concentrate? Some days are terrible. I ate a blueberry muffin this morning, got a terrible stomach ache...all of the normal symptoms...running to the bathroom....but I've noticed that I have had a terrible time concentrating. Just curious, maybe I'm just getting older.  I've noticed the bad concentration usually comes when I have all of the other symptoms.

I will try to educate myself more by reading up on the forum and I really am going to start now on getting better. Thanks for your time and comments.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The gluten-free diet to the newbie sounds like a deprivation diet. I can understand your unwillingness to jump into it, but it is the best way to go. The relief you feel from your symptoms and getting your life back will more than make up for going without gluten products. It is tricky, confusing and maddening at first, but after awhile it will become second nature. There are lots of substitutes out there, and just like mainstream foods, some are better than others. Also, after awhile of being gluten-free, your taste buds will sort of forget what the real stuff tasted like. But for me, getting my energy back, my brain clear (as an accountant, you sure can't be fuzzy about numbers) and my over all increased enjoyment of life is more important than any gluten containing product. And the physical consequences of NOT going gluten-free can be very severe. Sorry to preach so much, but it's only because I/we care here, and want everyone to be as healthy as possible. Are you considering the gluten-free diet in the near future, like ten minutes from now? We're here for you to ask any questions (none are too silly or personal) and to give you all the help and support you may need. Take care!

[ianm]

My health has improved so drastically that I miss gluten like ten holes in my head. Once you know what it is like to feel healthy and experience mental clarity you will wonder why you hesitated.

[Ursa Major]

Cookiedog, I can't believe that you weren't told that gluten is poison for you, and that you NEED to stop having it to get well, when you were diagnosed! I don't know if you are on any medications to cover up symptoms, but NO meds will cure you, only getting yourself off gluten will.

So, forget about doctors (most are quite ignorant anyway), do your own research, take your healing into your own hands, and just DO IT! It's not nearly as hard as it seems. And it will be worth it! In fact, YOU are worth it. And the sooner to take the leap, the better. Every day you have gluten you will do more damage to your system.

[Idahogirl]

Wow!!! I thought it was just because I smoked pot so much for all those years! I can't WAIT until I can have my brain back! I thought it was permanent damage!!! That alone is enough to do the gluten-free diet for me.....