Left Side Discomfort and Sloshing/bubbling Feeling

[Taylorrenayeee]

Hi everyone! Newbie here. I’ve not been diagnosed but I’m type one diabetic (more prone to becoming celiac) and about 3 weeks after having my daughter I started experiencing what I can only describe as a sloshing feeling, like when when you drink too much water as a kid and can feel the liquid sloshing, and like a bubbling stretching feeling when I take a deep breath… only after I eat and only on my left side. I’ve also had annoying fullness/bloating in upper left abdomen like a rectangle outline from belly button to ribs and down my left side. The discomfort can sometimes feel burning/sharp but it’s constantly “full” feeling. I always have a lot of deep burping/flatulence, skin rashes, headaches at times. This has been everyday for the past 7 months and it’s taken such a toll on my mental health since much of my anxiety after having kids has centered around my health and being here for my kids. I had an ultrasound that showed only a fatty liver and I have a CT scan scheduled in a week. I’m torturing myself with hypotheticals, cancer/tumor mostly, but after reading some threads on here it seems like these symptoms maybe are commonly experienced by gluten intolerant/celiac sufferers? I of course understand the internet has no ability or place to diagnose, just looking to see if this is something anybody is familiar with. If you got this far, thank you for reading. 

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, Taylorrenayee!

We have had other forum contributors complain of left sided abdominal discomforts. In general, bloating and gas are classic symptoms of a gluten disorder. Your next step should be to get some antibody testing done that is specifically geared toward diagnosing celiac disease. It just involves a blood draw which is then sent off to a lab for analysis. My suggestion would be to have a full celiac panel done instead of just the tTG-IGA test, the most common one but it misses some who do have celiac disease. Here is a primer for the tests that can be run: https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/screening-and-diagnosis/screening/

The full battery of tests eliminates the problem with one or the other being negative even when someone actually has celaic disease. None of the test are  perfect diagnostic tools but together they decrease the chance that something is missed.

[Taylorrenayeee]

2 minutes ago, trents said:

Welcome to the forum, Taylorrenayee!

We have had other forum contributors complain of left sided abdominal discomforts. In general, bloating and gas are classic symptoms of a gluten disorder. Your next step should be to get some antibody testing done that is specifically geared toward diagnosing celiac disease. It just involves a blood draw which is then sent off to a lab for analysis. My suggestion would be to have a full celiac panel done instead of just the tTG-IGA test, the most common one but it misses some who do have celiac disease. Here is a primer for the tests that can be run: https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/screening-and-diagnosis/screening/

The full battery of tests eliminates the problem with one or the other being negative even when someone actually has celaic disease. None of the test are  perfect diagnostic tools but together they decrease the chance that something is missed.

 

 

Thanks so much for the information Trents! I had a weird full sensation in my lower left stomach (around belly button) and alternating diarrhea/constipation about 3-6 months before I had my daughter and they ran a bunch of fecal/blood tests and the only thing that stood out was that I had a high level of inflammation (IGa or something like that, can't remember) and negative on the one celiac blood test they did. I will have to look back at my past tests and I'll be sure to use the information you provided when I speak to my GI doctor next. I appreciate your reply, these times have been stressful and isolating as of late! 

[trents]

You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) which shares many of the same symptoms as celiac disease but for which there is not test. And it is 10x more common that celiac disease. Another option would be to trial a gluten free diet. But wait on that one until all testing is done for celiac disease or else the tests will be invalidated.

[Taylorrenayeee]

This is helpful as well! Thank you! 

[trents]

A diagnosis of NCGS is arrived at by first eliminating celiac disease. The antidote for both is the same, however, elimination of gluten from the diet. With celiac disease, the consumption of gluten causes inflammation of the villi that line the small bowel. In time, this can severely damage the villi leading to various health issues tied to nutritional deficiencies, since this is the area of the intestinal tract where essential all the nutrition in our food is absorbed. The antibody tests are designed to detect the inflammation. A second stage of testing, considered to be the gold standard, is to have an endoscopy performed with a biopsy of the small bowel lining. These samples are then sent to a lab for microscopic examination to look for damage to the villi. Celiac disease is considered to be an autoimmune disorder because the consumption of gluten causes the body to attack it's own tissues.

NCGS, on the other hand, doesn't produce inflammation of the villi and so no antibodies. We know much more about celiac disease than we do about NCGS as far as the immune system pathway involved. NCGS is not to be taken lightly, however. Unheeded, it can cause body system damage nonetheless, neurological deficits being one of them.

Edited December 12, 2022 by trents

[Scott Adams]

Your fatty liver could also be a result of undiagnosed celiac disease, and if so, could normalize on a gluten-free diet:

 

[Wheatwacked]

Two things almost guaranteed. Low vitamin D and insufficient Choline intake. Low choline leads to non Alcoholic fatty liver.

Possible Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease Onset

"Physiologically, choline is critical for a number of functions across the life cycle which include wide-ranging roles in human metabolism from neurotransmitter synthesis to cell structure and methylation, with choline deficiency being linked to liver disease, offspring cognitive function and potential neurological disorders... In 2011 the EFSA authorised a number of choline-related health claims. It was concluded that a cause and effect relationship had been established between the following: (1) “choline is needed for lipids metabolism”, (2) “maintaining healthy liver functioning” and (3) “reduction in homocysteine levels”.   Could we be overlooking a potential choline crisis in the United Kingdom?

 

[LynseyClare]

Hi Taylor 

I've also had left sided discomfort just under my ribs which travels around to my side. I originally went to the docs in July. In 5 months I've had an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, blood tests that showed extremely high levels of antibodies for celiac disease. I was kind of relieved thinking this explains all of the discomfort I've been having, and constipation too. Had an endoscopy two weeks ago and today I found out that my biopsies taken have shown that celiac is unlikely :(  :(  :(

I'm so upset and frustrated. I have an appointment in January to see the gastroenterology consultant and to be honest I'm at a loss. Just wanted to say good luck and I hope they get to the bottom of things. X

[Taylorrenayeee]

6 minutes ago, LynseyClare said:

Hi Taylor 

I've also had left sided discomfort just under my ribs which travels around to my side. I originally went to the docs in July. In 5 months I've had an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, blood tests that showed extremely high levels of antibodies for celiac disease. I was kind of relieved thinking this explains all of the discomfort I've been having, and constipation too. Had an endoscopy two weeks ago and today I found out that my biopsies taken have shown that celiac is unlikely

I'm so upset and frustrated. I have an appointment in January to see the gastroenterology consultant and to be honest I'm at a loss. Just wanted to say good luck and I hope they get to the bottom of things. X

Gosh! I’m so sorry you’re going through this! How bizarre that you would have antibodies but the biopsy showed no sign. It’s so mentally taxing to go through everyday with nobody knowing what you’re feeling. I’m exhausted by my mind mostly, running crazy with theories all the time, but it really sucks going to the pantry to try to find something to eat and not knowing what is making you feel bad /: is there any other testing they want to do for you? I’m so stressed out about the CT. I really hope you get answers soon! Do you plan on trying gluten free after all testing is done? 

22 hours ago, Scott Adams said:

Your fatty liver could also be a result of undiagnosed celiac disease, and if so, could normalize on a gluten-free diet:

 

I did not know this! Thank you for the info and article!

16 hours ago, Wheatwacked said:

Two things almost guaranteed. Low vitamin D and insufficient Choline intake. Low choline leads to non Alcoholic fatty liver.

Possible Role of Vitamin D in Celiac Disease Onset

"Physiologically, choline is critical for a number of functions across the life cycle which include wide-ranging roles in human metabolism from neurotransmitter synthesis to cell structure and methylation, with choline deficiency being linked to liver disease, offspring cognitive function and potential neurological disorders... In 2011 the EFSA authorised a number of choline-related health claims. It was concluded that a cause and effect relationship had been established between the following: (1) “choline is needed for lipids metabolism”, (2) “maintaining healthy liver functioning” and (3) “reduction in homocysteine levels”.   Could we be overlooking a potential choline crisis in the United Kingdom?

 

This is so interesting! Never been one for supplements or vitamins… I feel like they’re a scam but I’ll definitely look into incorporating more foods with Vit D and Choline! Thanks for sharing your sources too! 

[LynseyClare]

1 minute ago, Taylorrenayeee said:

Gosh! I’m so sorry you’re going through this! How bizarre that you would have antibodies but the biopsy showed no sign. It’s so mentally taxing to go through everyday with nobody knowing what you’re feeling. I’m exhausted by my mind mostly, running crazy with theories all the time, but it really sucks going to the pantry to try to find something to eat and not knowing what is making you feel bad /: is there any other testing they want to do for you? I’m so stressed out about the CT. I really hope you get answers soon! Do you plan on trying gluten free after all testing is done? 

I did not know this! Thank you for the info and article!

It really is draining. I really don't know what to do right now. My consultant appointment isn't until 11 January so I don't know whether to cut gluten out or not! I'm not sure what the next steps are? I'm kind of in limbo now until January the CT scan was a doddle.. Did you mean you were stressed about the scan itself? Or the results? X

[Taylorrenayeee]

Just now, LynseyClare said:

It really is draining. I really don't know what to do right now. My consultant appointment isn't until 11 January so I don't know whether to cut gluten out or not! I'm not sure what the next steps are? I'm kind of in limbo now until January the CT scan was a doddle.. Did you mean you were stressed about the scan itself? Or the results? X

Ugh! Maybe shoot your Gi doctor a message and ask if there is any other celiac testing to be done or if you can start experimenting with gluten free? Trents commented above with a helpful article about the different test options! Yeah mostly about the scan itself, it freaks me out to think somebody will be looking in my whole abdomen and I won’t know what they’re seeing until I get the results, I don’t know if that makes sense lol. It’s just been a source of anxiety, I just want to rule out the worst case scenarios so I can have some peace of mind. Especially with having little ones at home. 

[LynseyClare]

19 minutes ago, Taylorrenayeee said:

Ugh! Maybe shoot your Gi doctor a message and ask if there is any other celiac testing to be done or if you can start experimenting with gluten free? Trents commented above with a helpful article about the different test options! Yeah mostly about the scan itself, it freaks me out to think somebody will be looking in my whole abdomen and I won’t know what they’re seeing until I get the results, I don’t know if that makes sense lol. It’s just been a source of anxiety, I just want to rule out the worst case scenarios so I can have some peace of mind. Especially with having little ones at home. 

I totally get it. I have terrible health anxiety and often worry about my three children if something happened to me. It's exhausting. The ct scan was really quick and easy, only took 2 minutes but the waiting for the results was nerve wracking. I bet it'll all be OK

[Taylorrenayeee]

2 minutes ago, LynseyClare said:

I totally get it. I have terrible health anxiety and often worry about my three children if something happened to me. It's exhausting. The ct scan was really quick and easy, only took 2 minutes but the waiting for the results was nerve wracking. I bet it'll all be OK

Needed to hear this! It’s nice to have it comes from someone who understands! Thank you! 

[LynseyClare]

Let me know how it goes xxx 

[cristiana]

On 12/12/2022 at 7:22 AM, trents said:

You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) which shares many of the same symptoms as celiac disease but for which there is not test. And it is 10x more common that celiac disease. Another option would be to trial a gluten free diet. But wait on that one until all testing is done for celiac disease or else the tests will be invalidated.

I agree with @trents.

I was one of those contributors who suffered left-sided bloating not just before but also after giving up gluten and my gastroenterologist suggested I gave up lactose for a while - specifically, to do a lactose free trial for three weeks.   I must admit I continued to eat small quantities of cheddar during the time, and butter, which actually contain very little lactose, but giving up milk and yoghurts was immensely helpful and reduced my left-sided bloating considerably.   I went back to eating dairy in time, but took it slowly. As my gut healed, I was able to tolerate dairy again quite well but it still can make me bloated if I overindulge.  

Also, I was anemic intially and I found the iron supplements made me bloated in my upper abdomen, the pain went under my ribs.  It was so uncomfortable, the pain went up to my chest and round my back, I thought I'd faint one day the pain was so bad!  

I've also had similar pain and bloating with accidental glutening which brings on gastritis type symptoms.   

[Scott Adams]

1 hour ago, LynseyClare said:

Hi Taylor 

I've also had left sided discomfort just under my ribs which travels around to my side. I originally went to the docs in July. In 5 months I've had an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, blood tests that showed extremely high levels of antibodies for celiac disease. I was kind of relieved thinking this explains all of the discomfort I've been having, and constipation too. Had an endoscopy two weeks ago and today I found out that my biopsies taken have shown that celiac is unlikely

I'm so upset and frustrated. I have an appointment in January to see the gastroenterology consultant and to be honest I'm at a loss. Just wanted to say good luck and I hope they get to the bottom of things. X

In Europe if you have extremely high levels of 10x TtG level for celiac disease, they diagnose it without a biopsy. Feel free to share your exact test results here if you like, along with the reference ranges, but to me it sounds like you need to be on a gluten-free diet.

[LynseyClare]

9 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

In Europe if you have extremely high levels of 10x TtG level for celiac disease, they diagnose it without a biopsy. Feel free to share your exact test results here if you like, along with the reference ranges, but to me it sounds like you need to be on a gluten-free diet.

Hi, yes I'm in the UK. My ttg was 250+.. And I still needed an endoscopy. Weirdly my two children had blood tests and their levels are also 250+. So I think I'm most likely coeliac and my biopsies have missed the damaged tissue?? 

[trents]

32 minutes ago, LynseyClare said:

Hi, yes I'm in the UK. My ttg was 250+.. And I still needed an endoscopy. Weirdly my two children had blood tests and their levels are also 250+. So I think I'm most likely coeliac and my biopsies have missed the damaged tissue?? 

We know that villi damage can be patchy. Many doctors will not sample enough areas to get get coverage and so will miss the damaged areas. A thorough sampling would take several samples from both the duodenum and the duodenum bulb.

Foregoing the biopsy if tTG-IGA levels are 10x normal or greater is not a universal practice among UK physicians but became common during the peak of the COVID pandemic because of the stress on the NHS. One of our members residing in the UK recently explained that with the relaxing of COVID pressure on the healthcare system, physicians are beginning to revert back to the former practice of routinely ordering an endoscopy/biopsy regardless of what the tTG-IGA numbers are.

Edited December 13, 2022 by trents

[Scott Adams]

27 minutes ago, LynseyClare said:

Hi, yes I'm in the UK. My ttg was 250+.. And I still needed an endoscopy. Weirdly my two children had blood tests and their levels are also 250+. So I think I'm most likely coeliac and my biopsies have missed the damaged tissue?? 

I believe that both of you should be gluten-free. Feel free to ask your doctor what else would explain both of you having a strong, very specific, autoimmune reaction to gliadin? Does your doctor recommend that you continue to eat gluten? If so, I'd switch doctors.

[LynseyClare]

2 minutes ago, Scott Adams said:

I believe that both of you should be gluten-free. Feel free to ask your doctor what else would explain both of you having a strong, very specific, autoimmune reaction to gliadin? Does your doctor recommend that you continue to eat gluten? If so, I'd switch doctors.

He said if it makes me feel better then cut it out but that it was up to me!! I totally don't agree! So I will avoid gluten and see what my consultant says in January!! Thanks so much for your insight. I was so worried as my doc said well you don't have coeliac disease so that's good! I was like ermmm.. Well what is it then? He said best to speak to gastroenterology in January.. I don't think he has a clue!! 

[trents]

Just be aware that if you GI doc wants you to get another biopsy then you would need to go back to eating two slices of wheat bread daily (or the gluten equivalent) for two weeks leading up to the procedure. You might find stronger reactions to gluten after having eliminated it from your diet.