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Gluten Vs Non Gluten

JerryK

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JerryK Community Regular
JerryK
Posted

So, it seems like I’ve made a pretty striking discovery:

After I’ve eaten something containing gluten here’s what I experience:

-Very Distinct Brain Fog/Depression

-Mild Anxiety

-Nausea & general gastro symptoms

-Diarrhea if I eat enough

-Swollen tingling hands

-Aches and Pains

After a few days being without much Gluten here is what I experience:

-The absence of Brain Fog/Depression

-Less Anxiety

-Gastro symptoms abate

-More energy

-More libido

-Less Aches and Pains.

Now, given this list. Why in the world would I bother with testing? I think I already know what I need to know!

Whether or not I test positive is of little relevance.

Do I go get tested just so I can yell at my HMO for not catching this and keeping me on an Antidepressant

for years? How many other people are out there, just like me, who have a food allergy and don’t know it?

Mostly just venting, but I would appreciate your comments.

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eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted

I try to take responsibility for my own health. The way this works is, if I figure out that something is hurting me, I don't do it, rather than asking a doctor if it's ok for me to stop doing what's I know is hurting me. If I find that going back to eating whatever bothers me causes those exact same symptoms, then my self-diagnosis is confirmed. This dovetails nicely with my health insurance plan (none).

Some people need a diagnosis for some specific reason, such as qualifying for health-related benefits. But lots of people aren't willing to trust their own instincts and need to have a doctor confirm all observations and then tell them what they already knew to be true. Other people can't accept the diagnosis and set off on an odyssey to find a doctor who says they don't have it.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
So, it seems like I’ve made a pretty striking discovery:

After I’ve eaten something containing gluten here’s what I experience:

-Very Distinct Brain Fog/Depression

-Mild Anxiety

-Nausea & general gastro symptoms

-Diarrhea if I eat enough

-Swollen tingling hands

-Aches and Pains

After a few days being without much Gluten here is what I experience:

-The absence of Brain Fog/Depression

-Less Anxiety

-Gastro symptoms abate

-More energy

-More libido

-Less Aches and Pains.

Now, given this list. Why in the world would I bother with testing? I think I already know what I need to know!

Whether or not I test positive is of little relevance.

Do I go get tested just so I can yell at my HMO for not catching this and keeping me on an Antidepressant

for years? How many other people are out there, just like me, who have a food allergy and don’t know it?

Mostly just venting, but I would appreciate your comments.

My best 'revenge' against the idiot doctors out there (IMHO) is my continued good health and not giving them more of my hard earned money. I think you have your answer.

AndreaB Contributor
AndreaB
Posted

IMO if you don't NEED an official diagnosis then go with your self diagnosis.

If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck and walks like a duck, then it's a duck. :rolleyes:

In other words stay gluten free and see how much you improve then continue trying to find out if you have other allergies or intolerances.

Steve798 Newbie
Steve798
Posted

Hi,

In the end it is up to you should you 100% need to know the answer... But, I should tell you that I had your symptoms almost a year ago. I went to see a doctor who did not mention being food intolerant but instead focused in on my thyroid as it was suddenly not working properly. Even with thyroid meds, the stomach/brain fog/depression persisted. Docs thought it was just me being to aware of my body. I read about the gluten intollerance on the web and had the docs check me for this. Did the stomach biopsy & blood test. Both came back negative. I decided to remove gluten from my diet anyways, and my symptoms improved 90%. So is it gluten? Am I a Celiac? I'd say it's definitely something with the gluten family that is causing the problem (just have to figure out what).

The symptoms you described are the classic symptoms for a food intollerance. It could be gluten or gluten and something else, either case do what you need to do to feel better.

All the best,

Steve

MNB Newbie
MNB
Posted

I know the testing is the "standard" for diagnosis - but after having been to 3 doctors in the last 6 weeks - all of who tell me there is nothing wrong with me even though I have lost 10 lbs. am exhausted, can't eat w/o pain and feel just miserable. ---I'm not interested any longer in having any more "tests". I gave up on the MD's and saw a naturopath doc and she's the one that suggested the wheat/gluten as a possibility. Once I read all the symptoms I couldn't believe not one of the doctors I saw even suggested a possible food allergy - I have almost ALL of the symptoms. I've only been off for a few days, but already feel a difference in my energy level, mental focus and decrease in stomach pain. I will not entertain anymore MD's - they almost had me ready to start psych counseling thinking it was all in my mind. :blink:

AndreaB Contributor
AndreaB
Posted
I know the testing is the "standard" for diagnosis - but after having been to 3 doctors in the last 6 weeks - all of who tell me there is nothing wrong with me even though I have lost 10 lbs. am exhausted, can't eat w/o pain and feel just miserable. ---I'm not interested any longer in having any more "tests". I gave up on the MD's and saw a naturopath doc and she's the one that suggested the wheat/gluten as a possibility. Once I read all the symptoms I couldn't believe not one of the doctors I saw even suggested a possible food allergy - I have almost ALL of the symptoms. I've only been off for a few days, but already feel a difference in my energy level, mental focus and decrease in stomach pain. I will not entertain anymore MD's - they almost had me ready to start psych counseling thinking it was all in my mind. :blink:

From what I've read that is quite common. I just followed allergy tests and then enterolab. I am homeschooling my children so I don't need to worry about them going to school and dealing with it.

Glad to hear you are already feeling better and welcome to the board. :D This is a great place to be. :P

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ianm Apprentice
ianm
Posted

I think your body is telling what an idiot doctor can't or won't. I don't have a formal diagnosis and don't need one. There is no way in hell I will ever eat gluten again so why bother with the test. Even with a diagnosis all you can do is go gluten free.

CarlaB Enthusiast
CarlaB
Posted

I guess it depends if it's worth it to you to pay all the deductibles and still have the possibility of tests coming out negative or inconclusive like all mine did. I finally settled for Enterolab, the numbers came back high. I wanted to know for sure I wasn't imagining it. I had the same doubts you've been expressing on this board. It's up to you ... sounds like you won't be eating gluten no matter which way it all turns out.

Matilda Enthusiast
Matilda
Posted

..

eKatherine Apprentice
eKatherine
Posted
As far as other people's responses, I think we worry about this far too much. No one has ever asked me to provide evidence of why I don't eat gluten or dairy, just as no one would ever ask you for proof you've got asthma or whatever. I just say I don't eat gluten or dairy if I have to say anything, I've had a couple of sympathetic questions about has this been a lifelong problem, and I say no, just since I moved to Oregon, which usually shuts them up.

People only start questioning when you really sound apologetic, like you're unsure of yourself. Don't be. Never make excuses.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
People only start questioning when you really sound apologetic, like you're unsure of yourself. Don't be. Never make excuses.

Yep--with this, it not so much what you say, but how you say it! No excuses or apologies--just act confident and own it :D

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