Gluten Vs Non Gluten

[JerryK]

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.

[eKatherine]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.

[AndreaB]

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.

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. This is a great place to be.

[ianm]

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]

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]

..

[eKatherine]

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]

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