Could this possibly be related to celiac or a gluten intolerance?

[ModernLifeIsWar]

I don't have any real major stomach issues, however I've had a diet for years very high in gluten consisting of tons of junk food (pizza, cookies, cereal, donuts, etc..). 

A few symptoms I have noticed over the years have been:

-Migraines (very frequent)

-Large increase in eye floaters

-Very bad sinus congestion

-Very bad anxiety

-Semi frequent bouts of diarrhea/runny bowel movements. Not all the time, but it certainly happens more than I feel is normal.

 

However, in terms of stomach pain I haven't noticed much. I do get very bloated sometimes however, mainly just contributed this to my crappy diet.

Anyways, since the beginning of April I've been having a lot of neurological issues and after reading more into gluten intolerance I'm wondering if it couldn't be associated:

-Full body tremors ranging from hands, arms, legs, and core. (i.e. I shake a lot when doing stuff with my hands, if I try to do sit ups my whole body will shake, etc..). I've had minor hand tremors in the past but this problem has recently blown to a whole new level

-Muscle spasms all over and mild cramping

-tingling feelings randomly throughout my  body in all parts including face and head

-Shortness of breath

-Racing heart rate when doing physical activity (i.e. walking upstairs and I'm a fairly active person)

-Minor issues with balance and coordination

-Brain fog

 

I'm going to see a neurologist in 3 weeks, but I decided to give gluten free a try as of two days ago. I've also been taking a lot of important vitamins and nutrients (b12, d, b complex, fish oil, magnesium, etc..). I'd be interested to know if anyone here has experienced similar symptoms (most notably tremors and muscle spasms) and had success switching to gluten free. I've seen anecdotal cases posted, so I'm hoping that maybe this is my issue.

Another thing to note is my younger sister has very bad stomach issues. She hasn't seen a Dr about it and can't follow a diet to save her life, but she commonly complains of pain, gas, bloating, nasty bowel movements, etc... after eating out. So I think there is a possible genetic factor here.

What would be the best Dr to seek out in helping me diagnose such a thing? Also is it normal to have stomach issues AFTER starting gluten free? Today is my third day and I've had 2 bouts of diarrhea and very loud stomach growling. Possibly from switching from a diet full of sugar and gluten to one with significantly less and gluten free?

[SLLRunner]

Welcome, @ModernLifeIsWar!

Celiac has over 300 symptoms, but it looks like you have some symptoms that appear a lot in those diagnosed with celiac. I suggest you take these symptoms to your doctor and ask for a GI consult and to get the full blod panel to test for celiac disease. The gold standard is an endoscope, where 4 or more biopsies of the intestines are taken. The caveat is that you must be on a diet with gluten for all tests to be accurate, and you must continue eating gluten until all testing is done. 

So, if it were me, I would start eating gluten again and get that referral.  However, you need to make the decision that is best or you. 

Edited to Add: Also, since you eat a lot of processed food, your body might be reacting to other things, such ad additives. 

[CiciStrong85]

I too have more neuro than gastro symptoms...its so weird. I hope we both find answers soon!

[cyclinglady]

If you did actually have celiac disease, it can take weeks, months and years to recover from some of your symptoms, especially neurological ones.  

Best to get screened for celiac disease.  It's a simple blood test.  Any medical doctor can do it.  But a GI doctor is needed for a diagnosis, since an endoscopy is part of the diagnostic procedure.  BUT you have to be consuming gluten to get accurate results!

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Keep on researching.  I wish you well!  

 

[jenni1]

Modern life is war- have you gotten any answers to your symptoms yet?  I have almost every symptom as you do but doctors have not been successful at finding the cause.  The only thing they have mentioned is Vertigo. 

[Jmg]

8 hours ago, jenni1 said:

Modern life is war- have you gotten any answers to your symptoms yet?  I have almost every symptom as you do but doctors have not been successful at finding the cause.  The only thing they have mentioned is Vertigo. 

Hi Jenni, Why not start a new topic so that others can advise you? There are some great people here with a lot of knowledge around the different ways it can manifest.  For what its worth I've had a lot of the symptoms Modernlife details above improve or resolve completely after going gluten free, but the advice above is so important about eating gluten until the testing is completed!