Pre colonoscopy glutened...

[Sarah25882]

Hey everyone. Ive been gluten-free for 2years. But for 6months had really bad diarrhoea with rectal pains (sorry for the tmi ) I've been booked in for an emergency colonoscopy, endoscopy and gastroscopy but I think I've accidentally glutened myself over the Xmas hols (stupid aldi choc bar that didn't say it contained nor may contain on label! Separate note ive complained to aldi) 

What id like to know is will this effect my results. I already have major anxiety and I'm so upset with myself n keep thinking theyre gonna see the damage from coeliacs n just blow me off... 

Theyre looking at possible colotis/chrons/ulcerative colitis, I have coeliacs disease and ibs confirmed.

Thankyou for reading and responding (any info is greatly appreciated)xx

[trents]

Celiac disease affects the small bowel right below the stomach. This is checked with an upper GI scoping ("endoscopy") rather than a colonoscopy. However, other bowel autoimmune diseases that attack the lower bowel are more common in people with Celiac disease.

[Scott Adams]

If you have been getting regular gluten contamination in the foods you've been eating then you may have flattened villi and other problems associated with celiac disease, many of which are brought on by malabsorption of nutrients. 

It sounds like you already know this, but if you've been diagnosed with celiac disease you need to be 100% gluten-free, otherwise your health is as risk of many issues that are associated with untreated CD.

[Sarah25882]

Thankyou. Yes I've been extremely strict in diet. Its the 1 choc bar that made my stomach churn. I understand villi maybe damaged but the doctors won't dismiss me due to this will they?

[trents]

  On 1/1/2021 at 2:19 PM, Sarah25882 said:

Thankyou. Yes I've been extremely strict in diet. Its the 1 choc bar that made my stomach churn. I understand villi maybe damaged but the doctors won't dismiss me due to this will they?

Expand Quote  

Not sure what you mean when you ask about doctors dismissing you. Are you asking if because you have confirmed celiac disease that they will not take the possibility of other bowel diseases seriously and so not do the other tests?

[Sarah25882]

  On 1/1/2021 at 2:25 PM, trents said:

Not sure what you mean when you ask about doctors dismissing you. Are you asking if because you have confirmed celiac disease that they will not take the possibility of other bowel diseases seriously and so not do the other tests?

Expand Quote  

Sort of. I fear that if I have glutened myself accidentally, despite being so strict, that they will see that (damage from coeliacs) and not look further. Im asking if anyone has had anything similar, if the docs will keep looking

[docaz]

  On 1/1/2021 at 5:08 PM, Sarah25882 said:

Sort of. I fear that if I have glutened myself accidentally, despite being so strict, that they will see that (damage from coeliacs) and not look further. Im asking if anyone has had anything similar, if the docs will keep looking

Expand Quote  

This is not something you have to be concerned about. A one time gluten accident is not enough to cause flattening of the villi in the mucosa that is detectable on the endoscopy (and that's why prior to an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, gluten has to be ingested on a regular basis for multiple weeks). 

[Scott Adams]

If you have celiac disease and have been on a gluten-free diet for a while, probably at least a year, possibly two, and you still have ongoing gastro issues you should definitely consult with your doctor about it. I don't know why they would not want to pursue other possible issues. Keep in mind that during your recovery time you should also pursue other causes on your own, usually by keeping a food diary and eliminating other foods like corn, grains, dairy, eggs, soy, etc. The gluten-free diet alone may not resolve all of your issues.

[Sarah25882]

  On 1/1/2021 at 8:45 PM, Scott Adams said:

If you have celiac disease and have been on a gluten-free diet for a while, probably at least a year, possibly two, and you still have ongoing gastro issues you should definitely consult with your doctor about it. I don't know why they would not want to pursue other possible issues. Keep in mind that during your recovery time you should also pursue other causes on your own, usually by keeping a food diary and eliminating other foods like corn, grains, dairy, eggs, soy, etc. The gluten-free diet alone may not resolve all of your issues.

Expand Quote  

I have done this, ive had to eliminate oats, honey and a few other things by trial and error. For the past year I've been ok and strict. Thankyou. I just am so anxious about it and endoscopy suite haven't been open due to Xmas and new year so I appreciate the response 

[Sarah25882]

  On 1/1/2021 at 8:44 PM, docaz said:

This is not something you have to be concerned about. A one time gluten accident is not enough to cause flattening of the villi in the mucosa that is detectable on the endoscopy (and that's why prior to an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, gluten has to be ingested on a regular basis for multiple weeks). 

Expand Quote  

Thankyou. It has been worrying me that they may see the damage and not look for anything else. I appreciate the response as the endoscopy suite has been shut due to Christmas and new year 

[GodsGal]

  On 12/31/2020 at 12:08 PM, Sarah25882 said:

Hey everyone. Ive been gluten-free for 2years. But for 6months had really bad diarrhoea with rectal pains (sorry for the tmi ) I've been booked in for an emergency colonoscopy, endoscopy and gastroscopy but I think I've accidentally glutened myself over the Xmas hols (stupid aldi choc bar that didn't say it contained nor may contain on label! Separate note ive complained to aldi) 

What id like to know is will this effect my results. I already have major anxiety and I'm so upset with myself n keep thinking theyre gonna see the damage from coeliacs n just blow me off... 

Theyre looking at possible colotis/chrons/ulcerative colitis, I have coeliacs disease and ibs confirmed.

Thankyou for reading and responding (any info is greatly appreciated)xx

Expand Quote  

Hi Sarah!

Getting glutened is not fun. I am not a medical professional, just a fellow celiac disease sister. So, I don't know the answer to your question. I would suggest that you get in touch with your doctor and ask them. They should know how it may affect your test results. 

In the meantime, give yourself a little grace. 😊

[Sarah25882]

Thankyou. It just makes me so worried. I know i may just be paranoid but I'm going to try ringing again tomorrow and will be telling all staff there maybe signs of damage to the villi just they all know 

[GodsGal]

I totally get it! I would probably have the same questions and worries. And, I would probably also have a hard being gracious with myself. 😉 

Sounds like you have a good plan! 

[Sarah25882]

I certainly hope so. Im doing the prep today and I'm in hospital tomorrow for it all. Glad I rang them as all paperwork states northern general in Sheffield and its not its at hallamshire in Sheffield lol 

So grateful to have somewhere I can calm my anxiety as I'm quite alone. Ive explained things to the 2 friends I have and they just don't get it, they think its just a day or two on loo n id be right as rain after....fed up trying to explain its my life!

Thankyou ever so much xx

[Scott Adams]

Good luck, let us know how things turn out!

[GodsGal]

  On 1/4/2021 at 12:05 PM, Sarah25882 said:

I certainly hope so. Im doing the prep today and I'm in hospital tomorrow for it all. Glad I rang them as all paperwork states northern general in Sheffield and its not its at hallamshire in Sheffield lol 

So grateful to have somewhere I can calm my anxiety as I'm quite alone. Ive explained things to the 2 friends I have and they just don't get it, they think its just a day or two on loo n id be right as rain after....fed up trying to explain its my life!

Thankyou ever so much xx

Expand Quote  

 Iam glad to be a part of your community, even from the USA! 😊

I think that celiac disease is not yet very well known in society. So, people don't have any concept or point of reference to help them understand. Sometimes celiac disease is not that easy for other people to see. And, there's no good word picture analogy. Keep us posted!