Dr. Prescribed Huge Daily Dose Of Zinc

[Rhobhan]

I have had a resurgence of symptoms since being diagnosed 8 years ago. I am losing weight, and I have daily diarrhea, fatigue, and slight nausea at times. A gastroenterologist I saw last year at this time did a CT enterography, an enduoscopy and pill camera, and was satisfied I had no signs of lymphoma. His prescription was a daily dose of prednisone and telling me to "live life."

 

This time I am seeing a new gastroenterologist who has and will end up repeating all the tests I had last year. He wants  a "snapshot" of current conditions. He seems more committed to getting to the reason for the symptoms. I hope so, otherwise I will truly be a skeleton before long!

 

The CT scan was "unremarkable," and the push endoscopy revealed, in his words, that I have an "active case of celiac disease."Biopsies were taken, and I am awaiting results. I have been religious about cross contamination and eating non-processed foods containing no gluten.

 

The doctor said a blood screen showed I was very low on zinc, and he prescribed a daily 220mg dose which he said should help with the diarrhea. I am only on my second dose, so I have no results to report.

 

My question: Have any of you had any experience with such a mega-dose of zinc?

 

Any comments or thoughts are welcome.

[cyclinglady]

Did he run a celiac antibodies test too? Intestinal damage could be from causes other than celiac disease. Look at this link to the University of Chicago's celiac website:

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[ravenwoodglass]

I agree with the previous poster that if a celiac panel hasn't been run it should be. If it is or was run and was positive then there are a few things that you should evaluate.

Is there any new med or supplement you may be taking that may not be gluten free? Are you eating any gluten-free oats? Some of us don't tolerate them. How about any of the beers that have 'gluten removed'? Pets that eat non gluten free foods? A significant other that isn't gluten free that could be CCing you with kisses?

I hope you can get down to the cause of this soon.

[HannahZ]

I'm curious, how low was your zinc level, if you don't  mind sharing? Mine was recently tested and found to be low at 50, with reference range for normal starting at 60. I had some trouble with the supplements, as they made me sick. I am taking a lower dose than the prescribed amount since I couldn't keep the zinc down at the prescription dose.

[Rhobhan]

Did he run a celiac antibodies test too? Intestinal damage could be from causes other than celiac disease. Look at this link to the University of Chicago's celiac website:

Open Original Shared Link

Yes, a celiac antibodies test was run, and the results were negative. That means I have not been exposed to gluten recently. Recall that I was diagnosed 8 years ago with the antibodies test, colonoscopy and EGT.

[Rhobhan]

I'm curious, how low was your zinc level, if you don't  mind sharing? Mine was recently tested and found to be low at 50, with reference range for normal starting at 60. I had some trouble with the supplements, as they made me sick. I am taking a lower dose than the prescribed amount since I couldn't keep the zinc down at the prescription dose.

I do not recall what the actual level was, other than his remark that it was extremely low. I take the 220mg dose with food and haven't noticed any additional stomach upset. After four doses, my diarrhea is slowly decreasing and I have actually had a couple of good days. Have you tried taking it with a full meal. I'm sure it may decrease the absorption, but I sure as hell didn't want to feel sicker than I have been!

[Rhobhan]

I agree with the previous poster that if a celiac panel hasn't been run it should be. If it is or was run and was positive then there are a few things that you should evaluate.

Is there any new med or supplement you may be taking that may not be gluten free? Are you eating any gluten-free oats? Some of us don't tolerate them. How about any of the beers that have 'gluten removed'? Pets that eat non gluten free foods? A significant other that isn't gluten free that could be CCing you with kisses?

I hope you can get down to the cause of this soon.

I am not getting any gluten, as I am obsessive about checking EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth and on my skin. gluten-free oats are not a problem. On the occasion I have them they cause no problem. And my wife doesn't kiss me when she's eating! All meds and supplements are checked out as well. My dog eats a food that does not contain wheat. Thanks for your thoughts.

[cyclinglady]

Yes, a celiac antibodies test was run, and the results were negative. That means I have not been exposed to gluten recently. Recall that I was diagnosed 8 years ago with the antibodies test, colonoscopy and EGT.

Was the complete panel run? I ask because I only test positive to the DGP IGA and never to the TTG (I was recently glutened and asked for a re-test). Otherwise, something must be causing villi damage if your antibodies are negative.