Practical Approach

[Dyang]

I am pretty sure that I have problem with wheat based foods.

I have had a long bout with GI tract problems. For a long time I have had constipation and diarreha within the same bowel. IBS was the diagnosis. After I have much reduced wheat (and most grains) from my diet, my IBS almost disappeared.

Starting about three years ago, I have been battling multiple joint pain over my body. I went saw two rhematologists. I showed them my badly discolored brown teeth (the back of the teeth and yellow front) but neither said anything. They did say that my very dry skin and dry mouth are unusual. They say that the brown patches over my body--leg back and butt--are unusual. I also have cramps with my legs.

My eyes are also dry.

When I much reduced wheat based food, I unfortunately have increased eating ordinary Quaker oatmeal.

I plan to follow a strict gluten-free diet for a few months before seeking help from a doctor knowledgeable about the celiac disease. This is because I read that the diagnosis of celiac disease is problematic and false-negative is not uncommon. And the cure for celiac disease is invariably a gluten free diet. So I figure correct response is a good indication.

I will strictly avoid gluten and oatmeal from now for a few months before I see a doctor about celiac disease.

Is this a good approach?

Also, I want to know if laxative such as psyllium whole husks is safe for celiac disease sufferers.

Where should I post questions on specific foods?

[Lisa]

If you strickly avoid gluten for several months, you will NOT get an accurate test for Celiac Disease.

If you choose to be tested, you must eat gluten even though it may cause you discomfort.

You may, as well, avoid all gluten and see if your condition improves - self diognosed for Celiac.

[CarlaB]

True, modern medicine can only diagnose you if you have a lot of damage already and if you are eating gluten. Just the fact that you have been avoiding wheat for some time may already have had an effect, it did for me, all my tests were inconclusive. I ended up getting tested by Enterolab. They (Enterolab) do agree that dietary response is the best proof.

My symptoms were very similar to yours. It was the joint pain in the end that got me looking for what was wrong ... that's how I discovered my problem with wheat, but when the digestive symptoms got much worse, I knew I had more than just a wheat allergy.

Psyllium is safe just so long as there is no added gluten to the product you use. Be sure you drink enough if you use fiber.