What Does This Sound Like To You?

[Jeagbenne]

Hello, I'm gluten senstitive and following a gluten free diet (which I'm very strict about). I'm having some weird symptoms and can't figure out what might be wrong with me. Not unsurprisingly, neither can my doctor. I'm having intermittent severe stomach pain. It randomly occurs before after and during meals, sometimes it goes away for several days, then it will come back for about an hour or two. It feels like someone is stabbing me in the stomach. I've had an upper GI done and they found a little inflammation but nothing serious. They put me on Nexium, which did nothing. The pain still came and went. I've also been on Protonix and OTC prilosec and tagamet to no avail.

The other weird symptom I've been having for about six weeks now is dizzy spells. They dont' seem to be connected to the stomach pain, but they both showed up about the same time. It's not true vertigo in that the room doesn't spin, but it's not nausea either, it's just a general dizziness that I wake up with and it stays with me all day. Sometimes I find it hard to drive.

The other weird thing is that when the stomach pain and dizziness hit me, I start feeling so hungry, like I'm starving to death. I'm a healthy 155lbs and don't starve myself. Even if I've just eaten, if the pain or dizziness comes I'll need to eat again and I never feel satisfied.

I have no idea what's going on, does this sound familiar to anyone?

Thanks

JGB

[mommida]

I'm a bit distracted at the moment and don't feel like I will explain this right.

Try searching for information on gall bladder (linked to Celiac) or possibly spastic colon.

With out more information from you, like your age, how long have you been gluten free it a bit difficult to guide you much further.

L.

[Ursa Major]

Have you looked at the possibility of other intolerances? Also, even though your doctor thinks that the amount of inflammation you have is no reason for concern, in my opinion, ANY amount of inflammation is a cause for concern and should be investigated, because it is caused by something. You need to find out what that something might be. It could very well be what is making you sick.

[corinne]

Weird - I've had the exact same symptoms - occasional severe stomache pain and occasional dizziness, for 2 weeks. I've been gluten/dairy/corn/rice/caffeine/nightshades etc free for 3 months. So I know that it's not food intolerances. Wish I could figure it out.

[Rachel--24]

The symptoms you describe have been happening to me the whole time I've been gluten-free. I would get these "attacks" of feeling light headed, dizzy, shaky, sometimes a rapid heart beat and a feeling of extreme hunger. I would start binge eating. I posted about this a long time ago....I thought it was from gluten or maybe part of the healing process. Sometimes I would get real tired suddenly and have to lie down...I'd feel pretty unstable on my feet. I recently made the connection between these reactions and corn. It could definately be a hidden food intolerance....it took me a whole year to figure this one out.

I also had loud rumbling in my stomach while eating and occassional episodes of bad stomach pain...like glass was in my stomach. These stomach symptoms started getting pretty bad recently but have totally stopped after eliminating corn.

[Guhlia]

Could these symptoms be caused by malnutrition (from the lack of absorbtion caused by celiac)?

[jenvan]

Hmmm...how long were you on the meds? It definitely could be a Celiac thing...but also makes me think of ulcer--can cause very bad pain and acid on the inflammation can cause a burning/hungry type of feeling. Another sign would be that you feel better after eating... Gastritis also causes inflammation, pain, vomitting...another idea. Is there any connection with certain types of foods? Gallbladder also causes pain with higher fat meals. I would start a food journal immediately--write down everything you eat and drink each day and every symptom you experience. If your problem is caused by certain foods--this could help you identify which. Hopefully it may help youy recognize a pattern. What are you bowel patterns like--constipation, diarrhea??

Maybe your dizziness is the brain fog so many here experience. Was your inflammation mild? GI inflammation can be accompained by bleeding-which can lead to issues such as anemia--one cause for fainting, dizziness.

[christine 25]

I was getting up from the couch the other day at work, to get somone a glass of water, and I almost passed out, I grabbed hold of the sink to keep myself from falling, got a total head ruch from the dizziness. I realized that I hadent eaten anything except potatos and fruit that morning. I get dizzy and when I feel hungery too turns out my blood sugar gets low throughout the day. Maybe you should check your blood sugar when you start to feel that way. My boyfriend also has the same symptoms and he has hypoglycemia dx his whole life, he exlained to me that I need to eat more protein and smaller more frequent meals throughout the day.

Just trying to help if I can. Maybe its somthing different for you, Im not sure?

[kristi]

I get the same thing with pounding heart rate and bad dizzy spells. They come on very suddenly and I find them VERY scary. They don't have to do with not eating and I don't have problems with not enough body weight since I went gluten-free a year ago. Doctors have been NO help. If anyone learns more please post. Thanks.

[Linda56]

Hi Kristi, I read the celiac board but don't post. I had blood work that was negative for celiac. But I have alot of stomach problems. I had to reply to your post as I completely understand. I want to suggest you drink lemonade when you feel that way. Real type of lemonade. You can try pickles also. I get sick like you describe and these help me. If you can't get those try a drink like 7up or sprite. Hope it helps.

Linda

[Guinevere]

i seem to have this response to many posts...

it cannot hurt to add probiotics to your diet. they'll help digest your food and heal your gut. i would also pay attention to all the foods you eat, pay attention to what you ate last before an episode, sounds like it could be an allergy. and make sure that you get some sort of fat and or protein when you eat carbs/sugars because the fat/protein will stabilize those blood sugars, so you do not spike your blood sugar levels.