Starting Out On A gluten-free Diet

[SuzieQ1234]

Hello!
I am a newbie here, and currently trialling a gluten free diet. I have had terrible joint pains this year, which started in January and have travelled around my body for no apparent reason. I had a very stressful few months in my personal life in Oct/Nov last year and thought that may have contributed to it.
I was only talking to another Mum awhile ago and she said gluten can cause joint problems. Over the years I have had tummy issues, but was never able to pinpoint the cause. I never considered gluten could have been an issue. So I went to my GP who tested a range of things, which all came back fine, including celiac antibodies.
So she suggested that I try a month gluten-free, which I am now doing. I do feel quite a lot better, no headaches, less tired and 'foggy'. Tummy issues have eased. I am also vegetarian so trying to cut out grains and breads etc has been a challenge.
I am not under the guidance of a dietican as yet, so would that be an idea before reintroducing gluten or wheat? I'm not sure the best way to go from here. The gp said if I feel considerably better gluten-free, I can go and have the biopsy as bloods are not always 100%.
 

But since I have been off gluten for only a few weeks, bit hestitant to reintroduce it. I've been told there is a gene test that can be done, maybe that might be worth a try?

[cyclinglady]

Welcome, Suzie!

 

If you do have celiac disease, 30 days on a gluten-free diet is not long enough to eliminate symptoms.  You probably need to continue to be gluten free for six months.   A endoscopy/biopsy could be done but a gluten challenge can be difficult after going gluten free.  You need to be on gluten for about 4 weeks prior to an endoscopy.  Here's some information from the University of Chicago's celiac website and the American GI org about testing:

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Genetic Testing?  It helps rule out celiac disease as about 30 percent of the population carries the genes for celiac, but only a few actually develop it.  

 

I wish you well!  

[SuzieQ1234]

Thanks for the info. It could be a gluten sensitivity if it's not celiac disease. I also have an underactive thyroid, so, many symptoms carry over. I am on medication for that, and the levels always come back normal, even when I think they are off because I feel awful.

I don't know of any family members with celiac disease as no-one has ever ben tested to my knowledge, my mother was adopted, so medical history on her side in not known.

 

I'm also in Australia, anyone here from Melbourne?

[cyclinglady]

I have Hashi's (hypo). From what I have read, gluten-free is supposed to help the thyroid. Let's hope it works for you! I am the first in my family to get a diagnosis of celiac disease.

We have an International section on celiac.com and many Austrialians belong to the forum. Check it out!

[SuzieQ1234]

Bit of an update. I have been and had the gene test done and I do carry one of the genes. So I need to eat gluten again for 6 weeks to get the biopsy done. Not sure what the outcome will be.

 

I also found out I have Hashimotos as well, so gluten is not a friend of that either.

[squirmingitch]

Make sure they take a minimum of 6 biopsies!!!! The intestine is the size of a tennis court if you were to lay it all out flat so it's imperative they take 6 biopsies otherwise they can miss damage due to the sheer vastness.

[SuzieQ1234]

Just came back to update. Had the biopsy done yesterday. All the pictures appeared to be normal, but just have to wait for biopsy results.

• I'm glad I didn't have to do it for much longer, 6 weeks and I feel dreadful! My Hashimoto's antibodies were well over range, so that is probably not helping things. Can't wait to start feeling better!!

[squirmingitch]

Well you can go gluten free now at least. Kudos for sticking with it for 6 weeks; I know it wasn't easy.

They usually can't see the damage with the scope; that's why biopsies are necessary. Let us know how they turn out please.

[cyclinglady]

Waiting is so hard!  ?.  Visually, my doctor said I looked okay, but my biopsies revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB (moderate to severe damage).   Keep us posted and hang in there!