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Dr. Prescribed Huge Daily Dose Of Zinc

Rhobhan

By Rhobhan
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Rhobhan Apprentice
Rhobhan
Posted

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.

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cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

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 Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

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 Newbie
HannahZ
Posted

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 Apprentice
Rhobhan
Posted
  • Author

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 Apprentice
Rhobhan
Posted
  • Author

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 Apprentice
Rhobhan
Posted
  • Author

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.

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cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

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.

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