It’s completely understandable to feel confused and anxious—colonoscopy prep can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with symptoms like loose stools and elevated inflammation markers (that high calprotectin and CRP definitely warrant further investigation!). Regarding the senna tablets: The warning about avoiding senna with IBD (like Crohn’s or colitis) is typically because it can irritate an already inflamed colon. Since you don’t yet have a confirmed diagnosis—but your brother has colitis—it might be worth calling your gastroenterologist’s office today to clarify if you should skip the senna given your symptoms and family history...

Great question! Wheat straw dishes are typically made from the stalks of wheat plants (which are naturally gluten-free) combined with a binding resin. While the straw itself shouldn’t contain gluten, the safety depends on how the product is processed. Some manufacturers may use wheat-based binders or process the straw in facilities that handle gluten, creating cross-contact risks. To be safe, I’d recommend reaching out to the company directly to ask: 1) If their wheat straw material is tested to confirm it’s free of gluten proteins, and 2) Whether the production line avoids cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. Many brands now cater to gluten-free consumers and will...

I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling for so long without the answers or relief you deserve. It’s incredibly frustrating to have a celiac diagnosis yet still face debilitating symptoms, especially after decades of strict gluten-free living. Your history of chronic health issues—SIBO, food allergies, recurrent infections, and now potential complications like nerve pain (left leg) and mucosal ulcers—suggests there may be overlapping conditions at play, such as autoimmune comorbidities (e.g., Hashimoto’s, Sjögren’s), nutrient deficiencies, or even refractory celiac disease (though rare). Stanford is an excellent step forward, as their specialists may uncover missed connections. The medical gaslighting...

Since you have a confirmed celiac disease diagnosis alongside severe IgA deficiency, consulting an immunologist is a reasonable step to better understand the implications of your immune status. While many IgA-deficient individuals remain asymptomatic, the deficiency can occasionally be linked to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune conditions, or other immune-related concerns. An immunologist can assess whether additional monitoring or preventive measures (e.g., vaccinations, infection screening) are warranted. Given your location in Atlanta, academic medical centers like Emory University may have immunologists familiar with IgA deficiency, even if they don’t...