Cecum Pain/how Do You Experience Glutening?

[lance fever myers]

I was diagnosed with Celiac nine months ago and have been on a very strict gluten-free diet ever since. I've also been on a low FODMAPs diet for about five months. I think I'm feeling better overall, but I still have frequent episodes of cramping and fatigue. The longest I've gone without feeling sick is about three weeks. I don't know how or where the gluten has been entering my system-- or if that's even it. Maybe I keep getting glutened, or perhaps I just need more time to heal? Has anyone else had persistent problems like this? And I especially feel cramping in the cecum area. I had a CT as recently as two months ago to check for appendicitis, but the CT came back normal. So, I'm answerless here. Any thoughts?

 

I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks!

Lance

[Waitingindreams]

Hi! 

 

I don't know much about the FODMAPs diet in general, so I am not quite sure about what you can/cannot eat. I am on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and I've found a lot of foods bothered me by doing elimination diets before starting. Soy, yeast, and gums (guar gum, etc) seemed to cause major bloating, gas, etc. Also artificial sweeteners (xylitol, sorbitol) and additives like carrageenan. It might not be gluten, it could be another food intolerance. Are there chances of cross contamination? I once got glutened with symptoms lasting for 3+ days because my boyfriend kissed me after eating a burger. The smallest things can cause reactions. Are you checking your chapstick/lip balm? Hand sanitizer, etc? I used to love the scented varieties from Bath & Body works, until I found out they had wheat in them. My hands are in much better shape now (I have a wheat allergy too - It's not that gluten can be absorbed through your skin - but if you rub it on your hands and then touch food...) 

A lot of processed gluten free food has the previously mentioned additives in it, could it be one (or more) of those? I'm not sure what pain in your cecum area could relate to specifically...perhaps something to do with your bowel movements (constipation, etc) It's going to sound so gross but I pay close attention to what my BMs look like and how often I go. Your poop can tell you a lot! I won't go into detail...lol. 

 

I hope you find your answers soon! 

[cyclinglady]

Possible intolerances and glutenings could be occurring, but you said it yourself -- you are improving.  It can take up to three years to feel really well.  

 

Is your gallbladder okay?  Mine was non-functioning (0%) but my pain always presented in my lower abdomen and never near my gallbladder.  I struggled with that pain for thirty years (gallbladder would work and then not work) before they found the cause.   

[lance fever myers]

Thanks for the responses. It's kind of amazing how ubiquitous gluten is and how sensitive we all can be to it. And yes, I do have gallstones. Perhaps that's something else to look at.

[icelandgirl]

I second waitingindreams on additives. I was having a ton of bloating even after giving up gluten, soy and dairy. It turns out the carrageenan in almond milk is a cause of digestive upset for some. Once I cut that out my bloating went down a lot. Another thing is inulin (also called chicory root fiber)...for me this caused cramping and gas. It was in my probiotic that I had been taking since diagnosis. Once I cut that out it helped a lot.

[heatman]

I seem to keep finding more and more possible cross contamination issues in my kitchen. I recently pitched all my old spices because I used many of them whenever I was baking and some of the manufacturers were questionable. I also finally cleaned out my cabinets and washed out my drawers. I realized I was using a 20-year-old ceramic mixing bowl for gluten-free baking which had scratches in the bottom. That had to go. It hasn't been cheap to change over my kitchen but I do notice a reduction in symptoms each time I peel off a new layer. Best of luck to you!