Sick, But Not Sure If Its Celiac?

[jas-au]

Hi,

 

Im 25, female and sick at the moment - not sure what with. After some extensive googling, I came across this website.. I have been feeling severely ill for the last 2 weeks, haven't been diagnosed with Celiac disease, or anything for that matter. Sorry about the length.

 

Two weeks ago, after having breakfast I felt like my tongue was swelling and both my legs felt heavy like I couldn't walk. I then started getting a tingling/ numbing sensation through my left hand, left leg, face, nose. I thought I was having a stroke, so I drove straight to Emergency. They checked me out, did some neurological testing (smile, hands out etc.) and sent me home saying it was probably an "allergic reaction" and to come back if my symptoms started getting worse. Two-three hours later I was back at the hospital because my tongue was swelling again, I felt nauseous, dizzy, couldn't walk. I was checked out again, given a steroid and phenergan and told to rest - again, they said that its probably an allergy.

 

I went home and slept, thinking I would feel better. The next day, I still felt ill. Nausea, numbness, tingling (some symptoms disappeared), loss of apetite, cant concentrate, tired. After some extensive online research, I read that these symptoms could be related to anemia, so I ended up going to my doctors to do some blood tests. I told him the whole story and he proceeded to ask me if i "usually panic a lot". No, but when your body is tingling, you cant help but panic. He proceeded to say that he thinks it is anxiety related, but that I should do allergy testing, zinc, magnesium and liver to be on the safe side. Test results were fine. I asked him to complete a check of my iron, vitamin b, folate and thyroid and am now waiting on results.

 

The numbness has now gone, but I feel extremely tired, have a lingering headache and uncomfortable feeling under my ribs, sometimes my chest. My face feels tight sometimes and I will randomly shiver. I am going to the toilet ok but I'm also about to get my period, so not sure if some of these symptoms relate to that.

 

Has anyone had any of these symptoms? I feel like I am going crazy because my doctor seems to be "meh" about the whole thing. I had a panic attack the other night (first one ever) at 3am, lasted an hour and was able to talk myself out of it. 

 

I had home made pizza and that night had extreme sharp pains going through the right side of my stomach which made me think it might be gluten related? Today is my first day of going completely "gluten free" to see if my symptoms ease. 

 

Prior to my tongue swelling, I had a stomach bug (un-diagnosed) over new year (vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness).  I also had an instance of my tongue swelling last November, but thought it was due to an allergic reaction and my symptoms subsided after a day of good sleep. No such luck this time.

I've also been feeling lightheaded on/off throughout the year and nauseous, especially if I don't eat regularly.

 

Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[Jays911]

Welcome to our world. The symptoms can vary so much. Get the testing. If this is celiac,, the change in diet will be amazing. Blessings.

[kareng]

Just a reminder- testing for Celiac isnt accurate on a gluten free diet. Get tested before going gluten free- it can be hard to go back on gluten for testing.

[nvsmom]

I've never heard anyone with sudden tongue swelling as a celiac disease symptom. That does sound more like an allergy to me but if you suspect gluten is an issue for you, then you should get checked BEFORE you go gluten-free (as Kareng said).  On the other hand, I would avoid any foods that you think could have triggered the reaction in case it is an allergy. Whatever toast, cereal, or eggs you had for that breakfast, be careful about eating it.  

 

I would also ask to be referred to an allergy specialist and get tested for those.  A serious allergy can be life threatening.  

 

Best wishes and welcome to the board.

[MycasMommy]

Swelling tongues are generally a symptom of allergic reaction. nvsmom is right.  Think this way, the first time a person who is severely allergic to bees is stung, they are often alright.  The second time, the body knows what is going on and can produce its defense very quickly.  Hence they carry an epi pen.  Even though your doctor is being meh, you are your own advocate.  TELL him you want to see an allergist. Good Luck! Although I agree with the two ladies above... the tongue swelling is much too risky to keep eating something that is giving that reaction.  I am not a doctor of course, that is just my opinion.

[etbtbfs]

Panic attack can be caused by low thyroid. Low thyroid can be caused by gluten-triggered autoimmunity.