Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

I am 56 years old and I love life but life does not love me. I AM COSTALY severely ill from Everything that I consume. From anaphylaxis shock ie: last night and again today...please advise


savona

Recommended Posts

savona Newbie

I am so sick. Intestinal infection,colon inflammation for which am on Flagyl, doxicyclin and ciproflaxine. I'm taking 60 mg's prednisone. I've been in and out of urgent care and er'4 times in the past 8 days.  Anaphylaxis shock last night and again today. Was sent home with an epi pen. Living on benadryl, Tylenol in addition to the above.

Please, can anyone out there lead me to how to approach this via MD. I'm not as  strong as my usual self. Many docs discount celiac. I was diagnosed with it in Canada's medical system while living there.  In the U.S., I've had 12 CT scans in the past 3 years.  How do I set myself up where a doctor will hear me? Please advice. 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



trents Grand Master
(edited)

Welcome to the forum, @savona!

How long ago were you diagnosed with celiac disease?

Since diagnosis with celiac disease, have you been diligent to follow the gluten free diet?

Are you saying your primary care doc doesn't recognize your celiac diagnosis while in Canada as a valid or are you dealing with an obstinate gastro enterologist?

What's keeping you from switching to another doc?

Who is prescribing all the antibiotics, prednisone, etc. you are currently on? Your primary doc, a GI specialist or an ER doc?

Edited by trents
savona Newbie

Er & urgent care doc, meds. MD too far for me to drive,  when ill and need to see him, it's almost impossible to get in so, I've given up.  Looking this week for another,  have been diligent in looking. When i find one who is " taking new patients" here, in Tucson,  they oddly have no availability until March and April 2025. Again, i give up so,  I go to urgent care. 

I didn't realize that my reaction to food is actually allergic response to msg and food additives, which are related to msg. Literally,  as many folks in this place,  I discounted the reality of how a serious auto immune disease creates such a defense that it goes into shock.

I react to all perfumes and detergents. I get so exhausted changing my clothes and avoiding people who are wearing hair spray and fabric softener on their clothing. 

I have no regular Gastroenterologist because every single time that I've been hospitalized, which, since I've lived here,  I've lost count on hospital stays, CT scans and colanoscopies, they send me home with the report that I have no cancer and I've got rectal colitis and small bowl inflammation. This"requires" that I stay on mesasalamine suppositories and orals. This, causes my bowel to react and spews them out and the orals never work for me. While on these meds, I remain gluten free and dairy free. Then, I give up.

My weight goes from size 4-10 in a few weeks of this constant battle. Muscle wise, I have weakening of my muscles in my hips,  my legs and shoulders. It's as though I am a waking rubber band.

I've always been in great condition but, I've aged over the past 2-3 years and feel like I'll never be me again. 

My husband was chronically ill for 2 years where I was his only person. I had septic twice while caring for him on top of being severely ill with my condition.  This kept me on constant prednisone, Antibiotics Tylenol and benadryl.

When you say, "obstinate gastro enterologist", meaning, please?

Celiac, years ago. I believe, in 2014'ish. I've been told over and again that I need a biologic but due to my reactions to simple colon meds/orals/suppositories,  I have declined on taking that route as, I feel strongly it is a cop out to what the bottom line course of action ought to be. 

No one has tested me here for celiacs disease. Should I push that? I believe that I've MG or something of that nature now.  In all likelyhood it could well be the histamine reactions from being celiac that is causing my muscle weakness episodes. 

I do have crohns along the upper potion of my large intestine which,  when inflammation occurs,  I cannot swallow and I choke alot. 

Apologies for the long windedness.

Thanks for your prompt reply to my post. 

Gluten, honestly,  I've fallen off that horse but, as of the anaphylaxis shock twice over the course of 24 hour period,  I'm riding that saddle again. Re: Bottom line!

I am able to be extremity sold out to an organic only, zero restaurant, zero under the ground grown vegetables, zero gluten, diet. I can and, will remain diligent. 

The question is, How do I move forward from here? I would love to be prednisone free, first and foremost.

blessings

 

 

savona Newbie

Trents, yes,  I absolutely am dealing with  obstinate gastro enterologists. Biologics have been the only solution according to them

trents Grand Master

Are you currently under the care of a gastroenterologist? Your post is confusing to me in that you seem to have said on one place you are only being treated in ER/Urgent care settings but in you most recent post you say you certainly are dealing with obstinate gastroenterologists. 

Are you totally against the use of biologics?

Have you tried the autoimmune protocol diet (AIP)? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aip-diet-autoimmune-protocol-diet

And it would be critical to be consistent in your gluten free diet.

Have you been definitely diagnosed by a GI doc as having colitis or microcolitis? It concerns me that you are on all those antibiotics. That has to trash your gut microbiome but if you have certain intestinal infections it may be necessary. But I would be concerned about you developing c.dif if you were on all those antibiotics for significant periods of time.

savona Newbie

Hi Trents,

I was dealing with the gastroenterologist but there have been a few of them here in Tucson,  in my treatment "plans". While one suggests one things anther says, not necessary... I am against biologics.

I am seeing an infectious disease specialist next week. 

I'm sure he'll not want me antibiotics but I'll tell you,  I feel 40% better today than I've felt in 2 weeks! I had seriously high while blood cell counts.

My blood is sent off to be tested western bolt, Lyme. I had Lyme borellia, bartinella, and babesios and other co infections in 2009- 2010. While I recovered from that after a year of 3500 mg's anti biotics/anti protezoas/anti malarial meds, I recovered but did not totally bounce back as my colon began to inflame and it slowly worsened into a chronic state.  I've been on steroids regularly since 2014...

100% gluten free, msg and chemical free. No perfumes.  No food additives. I'll be eating at home. 

I'm looking at this autoimmune protocol diet now.  I'm not familiar with this. Although, nothing can be worse that the Lyme diet.  

Ulcerative colitis of the left, crohns in my upper intestines. Many sigmoids and colanoscopies. CT scans.  I'm so tired of being so so sick! This all began with a tick bite.

I went to Canada to visit 4 weeks ago and a tick landed on me and implanted itself on the back of my neck.  I removed it but it was a hell of a night.  Here I am, sick as expressed in this chat. 

I appreciate any support that I can gather from you while I journey yet again,  to ridden of pathogenesis and spiraketes. 

I'm taking ivermectin as well.

Your thoughts are welcomed!

Cheers

Signing off for the night.  Sleep well.

 

 

Wheatwacked Veteran
On 8/25/2024 at 1:39 AM, savona said:

I was diagnosed with it in Canada's medical system

Celiac Disease can mimic over two hundred diseases and symptoms.  How long have you been gluten free?  Seems to me they are over treating you with everything just because they don't accept your Celiac Diagnosis.

 

On 8/25/2024 at 11:27 AM, savona said:

mesasalamine suppositories and orals. This, causes my bowel to react and spews them out

Sounds counterproductive.  What happens if you don't take it?

Why did they put you on Invecta, did they find parasitic worms in your many colonoscopies?

What caused the anaphylaxis?  Could it be the medications?

In my personal opinion I would not go off prednisone (cheap) for Biologics (Biologics can be expensive, with some costing between $10,000 and $40,000 per year).  "These agents block immune pathways adapted to protect the host. This has been borne out by increased rates of infections as well as induction of new autoimmune and hematologic adverse effects." Unintended Immunological Consequences of Biologic Therapy  You have enough problems and the ones you are on are already immune system supressants.

60 mg a day prednisone seems really high.  How long?

Are you getting enough vitamin D, Thiamine and Choline in your diet?

 


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Wheatwacked Veteran
On 8/25/2024 at 1:39 AM, savona said:

Flagyl, doxicyclin and ciproflaxine

Flagyl, doxicyclin and ciproflaxine can cause anaphalaxis.

Prednisone does not. In fact Corticosteroids are thought by some to prevent it and are commonly used in the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

GardeningForHealth Enthusiast

1. If you are a person with Celiac, then you must stay gluten-free. You cannot get better unless you go gluten-free.

2. Your microbiome is likely destroyed and you might be headed for C. Diff. The only good news about that, is that if you get C. Diff, then you become eligible for an FMT, which has a huge potential to fix a lot of what you are going through.

3. You need to find a good gastro who is more available, since you have several gastro problems going on. This is key. If none in your area, try to find one who can see you soon who is out of state.

ShawnCeliac Newbie

I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through.  Perhaps consider a Functional Medicine physician for your next primary doctor in addition to your specialists.   Usually someone practicing Functional Medicine is already a board certified Family Medicine or Internal Medicine physician who has received this additional training and perspective.  They like to get to the root cause of symptoms and disease.  

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - Mari replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      15

      My only proof

    2. - Rejoicephd commented on Jefferson Adams's article in Gluten-Free Cooking
      1

      Your Complete Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Plan: Recipes, Tips & Holiday Favorites

    3. - marion wheaton replied to marion wheaton's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?

    4. - trents replied to marion wheaton's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Are Lindt chocolate balls gluten free?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,420
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    maggie23
    Newest Member
    maggie23
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Mari
      Years  ago a friend and I drove north into Canada hoping to find a ski resort open in late spring,We were in my VW and found a small ski area near a small town and started up this gravelled road up a mountain. We  got about halfway up and got stuck in the mud. We tried everything we could think of but an hour later we were still stuck. Finally a pickup came down the road, laughed at our situation, then pulled the VW free of the mud. We followed him back to the ski area where where he started up the rope ski lift and we had an enjoyable hour of skiing and gave us a shot of aquavit  before we left.It was a great rescue.  In some ways this reminds me of your situation. You are waiting for a rescue and you have chosen medical practitioners to do it now or as soon as possible. As you have found out the med. experts have not learned how to help you. You face years of continuing to feel horrible, frustrated searching for your rescuer to save you. You can break away from from this pattern of thinking and you have begun breaking  away by using some herbs and supplements from doTerra. Now you can start trying some of the suggestions thatother Celiacs have written to your original posts.  You live with other people who eat gluten foods. Cross contamination is very possible. Are you sure that their food is completely separate from their food. It  is not only the gluten grains you need to avoid (wheat, barley, rye) but possibly oats, cows milk also. Whenever you fall back into that angry and frustrated way of thinking get up and walk around for a whild. You will learn ways to break that way of thinking about your problems.  Best wishes for your future. May you enjpy a better life.  
    • marion wheaton
      Thanks for responding. I researched further and Lindt Lindor chocolate balls do contain barely malt powder which contains gluten. I was surprised at all of the conflicting information I found when I checked online.
    • trents
      @BlessedinBoston, it is possible that in Canada the product in question is formulated differently than in the USA or at least processed in in a facility that precludes cross contamination. I assume from your user name that you are in the USA. And it is also possible that the product meets the FDA requirement of not more than 20ppm of gluten but you are a super sensitive celiac for whom that standard is insufficient. 
    • BlessedinBoston
      No,Lindt is not gluten free no matter what they say on their website. I found out the hard way when I was newly diagnosed in 2000. At that time the Lindt truffles were just becoming popular and were only sold in small specialty shops at the mall. You couldn't buy them in any stores like today and I was obsessed with them 😁. Took me a while to get around to checking them and was heartbroken when I saw they were absolutely not gluten free 😔. Felt the same when I realized Twizzlers weren't either. Took me a while to get my diet on order after being diagnosed. I was diagnosed with small bowel non Hodgkins lymphoma at the same time. So it was a very stressful time to say the least. Hope this helps 😁.
    • knitty kitty
      @Jmartes71, I understand your frustration and anger.  I've been in a similar situation where no doctor took me seriously, accused me of making things up, and eventually sent me home to suffer alone.   My doctors did not recognize nutritional deficiencies.  Doctors are trained in medical learning institutions that are funded by pharmaceutical companies.  They are taught which medications cover up which symptoms.  Doctors are required to take twenty  hours of nutritional education in seven years of medical training.  (They can earn nine hours in Nutrition by taking a three day weekend seminar.)  They are taught nutritional deficiencies are passe' and don't happen in our well fed Western society any more.  In Celiac Disease, the autoimmune response and inflammation affects the absorption of ALL the essential vitamins and minerals.  Correcting nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption is essential!  I begged my doctor to check my Vitamin D level, which he did only after making sure my insurance would cover it.  When my Vitamin D came back extremely low, my doctor was very surprised, but refused to test for further nutritional deficiencies because he "couldn't make money prescribing vitamins.". I believe it was beyond his knowledge, so he blamed me for making stuff up, and stormed out of the exam room.  I had studied Nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology.  I switched because I was curious what vitamins from our food were doing in our bodies.  Vitamins are substances that our bodies cannot manufacture, so we must ingest them every day.  Without them, our bodies cannot manufacture life sustaining enzymes and we sicken and die.   At home alone, I could feel myself dying.  It's an unnerving feeling, to say the least, and, so, with nothing left to lose, I relied in my education in nutrition.  My symptoms of Thiamine deficiency were the worst, so I began taking high dose Thiamine.  I had health improvement within an hour.  It was magical.  I continued taking high dose thiamine with a B Complex, magnesium. and other essential nutrients.  The health improvements continued for months.  High doses of thiamine are required to correct a thiamine deficiency because thiamine affects every cell and mitochondria in our bodies.    A twenty percent increase in dietary thiamine causes an eighty percent increase in brain function.  The cerebellum of the brain is most affected.  The cerebellum controls things we don't have to consciously have to think about, like digestion, balance, breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, hormone regulation, and many more.  Thiamine is absorbed from the digestive tract and sent to the most important organs like the brain and the heart.  This leaves the digestive tract depleted of Thiamine and symptoms of Gastrointestinal Beriberi, a thiamine deficiency localized in the digestive system, begin to appear.  Symptoms of Gastrointestinal Beriberi include anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, headaches, Gerd, acid reflux, gas, slow stomach emptying, gastroparesis, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation, incontinence, abdominal pain, IBS,  SIBO, POTS, high blood pressure, heart rate changes like tachycardia, difficulty swallowing, Barrett's Esophagus, peripheral neuropathy, and more. Doctors are only taught about thiamine deficiency in alcoholism and look for the classic triad of symptoms (changes in gait, mental function, and nystagmus) but fail to realize that gastrointestinal symptoms can precede these symptoms by months.  All three classic triad of symptoms only appear in fifteen percent of patients, with most patients being diagnosed with thiamine deficiency post mortem.  I had all three but swore I didn't drink, so I was dismissed as "crazy" and sent home to die basically.   Yes, I understand how frustrating no answers from doctors can be.  I took OTC Thiamine Hydrochloride, and later thiamine in the forms TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) and Benfotiamine to correct my thiamine deficiency.  I also took magnesium, needed by thiamine to make those life sustaining enzymes.  Thiamine interacts with each of the other B vitamins, so the other B vitamins must be supplemented as well.  Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.   A doctor can administer high dose thiamine by IV along with the other B vitamins.  Again, Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.  Thiamine should be given if only to rule Gastrointestinal Beriberi out as a cause of your symptoms.  If no improvement, no harm is done. Share the following link with your doctors.  Section Three is especially informative.  They need to be expand their knowledge about Thiamine and nutrition in Celiac Disease.  Ask for an Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test for thiamine deficiency.  This test is more reliable than a blood test. Thiamine, gastrointestinal beriberi and acetylcholine signaling.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12014454/ Best wishes!
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.