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

Pain In My Arm Again After Getting Glutened. Does This Sound Like A Neurological Symptom?

Sarah8793

Recommended Posts

Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted

The first time it happened I couldn't tell if it was related to gluten. But now after being glutened and having it happen again I believe it is related. My whole right arm, starting under my armpit and going down into my forearm aches. I don't have any numbness per say. If you have ever put your arm in one of those blood pressure machines in stores and had it begin to ache while waiting for the cuff to loosen, that is kind of what it feels like. It doesn't feel like it is falling asleep, it is more like an arthritic feeling along the entire arm, not in just one joint. It isn't sharp pain. And I have periods of the day when it isn't bothering me. Taking Ibuprofen doesn't seem to make a difference. It kind of freaks me out. About a month ago, I saw a neurologist about a heavy sensation I was getting in my legs and arms (comes and goes along with my period :huh: ) and mentioned the arm thing to him. He didn't blink twice and had nothing to say. After examining me, he said he couldn't find anything wrong and told me to come back in 2 months for a follow-up.

Any ideas?

Sarah

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


clover Rookie
clover
Posted

I've only been gluten-free for 3 months and in that time I have had pain similar to what you are describing. It is pretty much the first time I've ever felt that kind of pain & I have read somewhere that arthritic-like pain is a symptom of gluten in the system. Even if it is just another symptom, it's no fun & worries me too. I have spoken to a few people who recommend that I see an acupuncturist. Maybe you could give that a shot too. Acupunture is supposed to do worlds of good for those who have intestinal disorders/intolerances. Good Luck!

plantime Contributor
plantime
Posted

I had that feeling before. It was caused by immobile vertebrae in my neck. The rest of my cervical spine was trying to compensate, and it was causing pain in my right arm. Stretches worked wonders for it!

As for the heaviness in your legs, I had that when I was taking Lipitor. It seems statin drugs cause a problem with the nerves. I quit the Lipitor, and the heaviness went away. It never showed up on any tests, so the docs don't believe that it was the Lipitor. I know better than that, though.

Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted
  • Author
I had that feeling before. It was caused by immobile vertebrae in my neck. The rest of my cervical spine was trying to compensate, and it was causing pain in my right arm. Stretches worked wonders for it!

As for the heaviness in your legs, I had that when I was taking Lipitor. It seems statin drugs cause a problem with the nerves. I quit the Lipitor, and the heaviness went away. It never showed up on any tests, so the docs don't believe that it was the Lipitor. I know better than that, though.

Dessa,

Did you do stretches for your neck or your arm? I'll try anything to get rid of this. Thanks!

Sarah

I have spoken to a few people who recommend that I see an acupuncturist. Maybe you could give that a shot too. Acupunture is supposed to do worlds of good for those who have intestinal disorders/intolerances. Good Luck!

Thanks for the idea. I haven't tried acupuncture before but have often wondered about it.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

When I first went gluten-free, I would often wake up with that kind of ache in my wrists and hands. It gradually stopped happening.

Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted
  • Author
When I first went gluten-free, I would often wake up with that kind of ache in my wrists and hands. It gradually stopped happening.

Interesting. I hope that it is just a matter of time like yours. I have only been gluten free since May, and I have already glutened myself about twice a month since then. :rolleyes:

Thanks,

Sarah

frustratedneicey Apprentice
frustratedneicey
Posted

I have Multiple Sclerosis, so those kind of sensations are the norm for me. But, my neurologist told me that Celiac disease and the reaction to gluten actually causes similiar symptoms, which in my case, makes them twice as bad. But I just wanted to let you know straight from my neurologist, they are normal occurences and I hope your neurologist studies up before you go back again!!! Good luck!!

Denise

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted
  • Author
I have Multiple Sclerosis, so those kind of sensations are the norm for me. But, my neurologist told me that Celiac disease and the reaction to gluten actually causes similiar symptoms, which in my case, makes them twice as bad. But I just wanted to let you know straight from my neurologist, they are normal occurences and I hope your neurologist studies up before you go back again!!! Good luck!!

Denise

What were your first symptoms of MS?

frustratedneicey Apprentice
frustratedneicey
Posted
What were your first symptoms of MS?

Well, where do I begin. About 5 years ago, I had bad bouts of really debilitating fatique and weakness. There were times that I would end up in bed thinking I had the flu, and just so weak I couldn't function. A doctor told me I had "fibromyalgia" and left it at that. This happened on and off for about 3 years until it totally affected my work and my life. I came down with a really bad case of the "flu" but just dealt with it for about 2 months straight. After 2 months of feeling like this I woke up one morning and was paralyzed on one side. I thought I had a stroke so I was taken to the emergency room. The doctors there referred me to another doctor who sent me for an MRI. The MRI showed that I had 5 lesions on in the white matter of my brain. These battles with paralysis and numbness and tingling have continued on since. I suffer severe fatique daily, and have double and blurred vision. I have to take meds for leg spasms so severe that my muscles are in constant spasm and they feel like touching "wood" if you feel them. Bladder issues are also a problem. I tend to walk like I am drunk at times and have slurred speech. Summer is killer, as the heat exaccerbates all of these symptoms I have mentioned.

Anyway, (sorry to go on and on) Those are the major symptoms that have occured. It has taken 2 years since I was first seen for my MRI for them to definitively diagnose MS. They had to rule out things such as Lupus, etc, before giving the ultimate diagnosis.

ONe thing I can tell you for sure, after I am glutened, I get so weak that I cannot function.

Probably more info than you wanted, but there it is........

Hope I could shed some light.

Denise

Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted
  • Author
Well, where do I begin. About 5 years ago, I had bad bouts of really debilitating fatique and weakness. There were times that I would end up in bed thinking I had the flu, and just so weak I couldn't function. A doctor told me I had "fibromyalgia" and left it at that. This happened on and off for about 3 years until it totally affected my work and my life. I came down with a really bad case of the "flu" but just dealt with it for about 2 months straight. After 2 months of feeling like this I woke up one morning and was paralyzed on one side. I thought I had a stroke so I was taken to the emergency room. The doctors there referred me to another doctor who sent me for an MRI. The MRI showed that I had 5 lesions on in the white matter of my brain. These battles with paralysis and numbness and tingling have continued on since. I suffer severe fatique daily, and have double and blurred vision. I have to take meds for leg spasms so severe that my muscles are in constant spasm and they feel like touching "wood" if you feel them. Bladder issues are also a problem. I tend to walk like I am drunk at times and have slurred speech. Summer is killer, as the heat exaccerbates all of these symptoms I have mentioned.

Anyway, (sorry to go on and on) Those are the major symptoms that have occured. It has taken 2 years since I was first seen for my MRI for them to definitively diagnose MS. They had to rule out things such as Lupus, etc, before giving the ultimate diagnosis.

ONe thing I can tell you for sure, after I am glutened, I get so weak that I cannot function.

Probably more info than you wanted, but there it is........

Hope I could shed some light.

Denise

Denise,

Thank you for sharing this. I know since I went gluten free I have had some strange symptoms and I sometimes have wondered if it could be MS. I'm going back to my neurologist tomorrow. I don't think he is too knowlegable about celiac disease but I will discuss it with him again. Hugs, and take care.

Sarah

stilljoyful Newbie
stilljoyful
Posted
Well, where do I begin. About 5 years ago, I had bad bouts of really debilitating fatique and weakness. There were times that I would end up in bed thinking I had the flu, and just so weak I couldn't function. A doctor told me I had "fibromyalgia" and left it at that. This happened on and off for about 3 years until it totally affected my work and my life. I came down with a really bad case of the "flu" but just dealt with it for about 2 months straight. After 2 months of feeling like this I woke up one morning and was paralyzed on one side. I thought I had a stroke so I was taken to the emergency room. The doctors there referred me to another doctor who sent me for an MRI. The MRI showed that I had 5 lesions on in the white matter of my brain. These battles with paralysis and numbness and tingling have continued on since. I suffer severe fatique daily, and have double and blurred vision. I have to take meds for leg spasms so severe that my muscles are in constant spasm and they feel like touching "wood" if you feel them. Bladder issues are also a problem. I tend to walk like I am drunk at times and have slurred speech. Summer is killer, as the heat exaccerbates all of these symptoms I have mentioned.

Anyway, (sorry to go on and on) Those are the major symptoms that have occured. It has taken 2 years since I was first seen for my MRI for them to definitively diagnose MS. They had to rule out things such as Lupus, etc, before giving the ultimate diagnosis.

ONe thing I can tell you for sure, after I am glutened, I get so weak that I cannot function.

Probably more info than you wanted, but there it is........

Hope I could shed some light.

Denise

Denise,

I have been living with ALS for 9 years so I know somewhat your 'pain'. I have been wheelchair bound for 6 years and do nothing for myself.

Since goin gluten free (3 days) I am stronger and less stiff.

Good luck to you!

Cheryl

bluejeangirl Contributor
bluejeangirl
Posted
Well, where do I begin. About 5 years ago, I had bad bouts of really debilitating fatique and weakness. There were times that I would end up in bed thinking I had the flu, and just so weak I couldn't function. A doctor told me I had "fibromyalgia" and left it at that. This happened on and off for about 3 years until it totally affected my work and my life. I came down with a really bad case of the "flu" but just dealt with it for about 2 months straight. After 2 months of feeling like this I woke up one morning and was paralyzed on one side. I thought I had a stroke so I was taken to the emergency room. The doctors there referred me to another doctor who sent me for an MRI. The MRI showed that I had 5 lesions on in the white matter of my brain. These battles with paralysis and numbness and tingling have continued on since. I suffer severe fatique daily, and have double and blurred vision. I have to take meds for leg spasms so severe that my muscles are in constant spasm and they feel like touching "wood" if you feel them. Bladder issues are also a problem. I tend to walk like I am drunk at times and have slurred speech. Summer is killer, as the heat exaccerbates all of these symptoms I have mentioned.

Anyway, (sorry to go on and on) Those are the major symptoms that have occured. It has taken 2 years since I was first seen for my MRI for them to definitively diagnose MS. They had to rule out things such as Lupus, etc, before giving the ultimate diagnosis.

ONe thing I can tell you for sure, after I am glutened, I get so weak that I cannot function.

Probably more info than you wanted, but there it is........

Hope I could shed some light.

Denise

Thanks Denise for taking the time to share how all the symptoms begain with you. I get the blurred vision, and the feeling of being tired all the time also but what you said about your legs scared me because just about 2 weeks ago I told my husband the very same thing,....my legs hurt at night and keep me from sleeping and when I feel them they're hard like I have a wooden leg. Its weird because it happens about twice a month or so. I don't know I'll have to look into this more I think. I'm at least aware of it now.

gail

frustratedneicey Apprentice
frustratedneicey
Posted
Denise,

I have been living with ALS for 9 years so I know somewhat your 'pain'. I have been wheelchair bound for 6 years and do nothing for myself.

Since goin gluten free (3 days) I am stronger and less stiff.

Good luck to you!

Cheryl

I am sorry for your illness. I have always worked in the medical field, so I know somewhat about ALS. I hope that the gluten free diet eases some of your pain. If you are feeling a difference after 3 days, I know that a few weeks will make a great difference. Good luck and God Bless.

Denise

Gail, making an appointment with a Neurologist will help to ease your mind or they will examine you more thoroughly. I was lucky that my neurologist seemed to know more about Celiac than my gastroenterologist. Weird, huh? I think he sees alot of it because it is my understanding that alot of autoimmune diseases go hand in hand with Celiac. Good luck to you. I hope everything turns out well.

Denise

plantime Contributor
plantime
Posted
Dessa,

Did you do stretches for your neck or your arm? I'll try anything to get rid of this. Thanks!

Sarah

Thanks for the idea. I haven't tried acupuncture before but have often wondered about it.

I do the stretches for my neck and back shoulder. I tip my head to the left with my left hand on the top of my head, and reach my right hand down to the floor. I hold it for 20 seconds, then switch to the other side. Another stretch I do is to lie on my back on my bed, tuck my chin to my chest, and press the back of my head into the bed for 20 seconds. I feel my neck pop as it shifts back into place, and the pain in my arm and shoulder just disappears.

lorka150 Collaborator
lorka150
Posted

do you have liver issues? it could be that.

about MS, if you really think you have it, and the docs say no, get second, third and so on opinions. trust me... it is often missed and under diagnosed. three people in my immediate family have MS (the longest being my mother at about 34 years, now), and frankly, we're 'pros'!

Sarah8793 Enthusiast
Sarah8793
Posted
  • Author

Hi,

No, my liver is fine. Just saw my neurologist again, and he doesn't believe that it is MS or anything neurological. After reading frustratedneicey's symptoms I don't think it is ms, but of course I still worry. My neurologist wants me to treat it with heating pads and maybe physical therapy first, and if this doesn't help he will do an MRI. However right now he really doesn't think an MRI is going to show anything. Soooo, I'm just trying to be patient and stay positive.

  • 2 weeks later...
nanafur Newbie
nanafur
Posted

Hi,

I am new but wanted to respond to this older message because I have the same pain when not gluten-free. I found a wonderful book called The Triggerpoint Therapy Workbook. The massage that works best for me on this is to sit in a chair leaning forward with my arm loosly haning down... if you can press up allong the inside of the thick muscle at the back of the armpit and massage with long strokes it will help a lot. (The muscle that causes it is under the outside edge of the shoulderblade) It hurts like hell to rub there but eases the pain in the long run. The book is great but there are also massage therapist who specialize in triggerpoints. I have to work on myself because I am too ticklish.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,543
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    yfuvhg
    Newest Member
    yfuvhg
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Beverage
      Diagnosed celiac for 1-2 months ago and everything makes me bloated.

      By Beverage · Posted

      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
    • Jsingh
      Protein or fat?

      By Jsingh · Posted

      Hi,  I care for my seven year old daughter with Celiac. After watching her for months, I have figured out that she has problem with two kinds of fats- animal fat and cooking oils. It basically makes her intestine sore enough that she feels spasms when she is upset. It only happens on days when she has eaten more fat than her usual every day diet. (Her usual diet has chia seeds, flaxseeds, and avocado/ pumpkin seeds for fat and an occasional chicken breast.) I stopped using cooking oils last year, and when I reintroduced eggs and dairy, both of which I had held off for a few months thinking it was an issue of the protein like some Celiac patients habe mentioned to be the case, she has reacted in the same fashion as she does with excess fats. So now I wonder if her reaction to dairy and eggs is not really because of protein but fat.   I don't really have a question, just wondering if anyone finds this familiar and if it gets better with time.  Thank you. 
    • Chanda Richard
      High Cost of Gluten-Free Foods

      By Chanda Richard · Posted

      Hello, My name is Chanda and you are not the only one that gose through the same things. I have found that what's easiest for me is finding a few meals each week that last. I have such severe reactions to gluten that it shuts my entire body down. I struggle everyday with i can't eat enough it feels like, when I eat more I lose more weight. Make sure that you look at medication, vitamins and shampoo and conditioner also. They have different things that are less expensive at Walmart. 
    • petitojou
      Frequent nausea after gluten-free diet

      By petitojou · Posted

      Thank you so much! I saw some tips around the forum to make a food diary and now that I know that the community also struggles with corn, egg and soy, the puzzle pieces came together! Just yesterday I tried eating eggs and yes, he’s guilty and charged. Those there are my 3 combo nausea troublemakers. I’m going to adjust my diet ☺️ Also thank you for the information about MCAS! I’m from South America and little it’s talked about it in here. It’s honestly such a game changer now for treatment and recovery. I know I’m free from SIBO and Candida since I’ve been tested for it, but I’m still going to make a endoscopy to test for H. Pylori and Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Thank you again!! Have a blessed weekend 🤍
    • knitty kitty
      Unusual bright yellow but odourless discharge

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Yes, I, too, have osteoporosis from years of malabsorption, too.  Thiamine and magnesium are what keep the calcium in place in the bones.  If one is low in magnesium, boron, selenium, zinc, copper, and other trace minerals, ones bone heath can suffer.  We need more than just calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones.  Riboflavin B 2, Folate B 9 and Pyridoxine B 6 also contribute to bone formation and strength.   Have you had your thyroid checked?  The thyroid is important to bone health as well.  The thyroid uses lots of thiamine, so a poorly functioning thyroid will affect bone heath.  
×
×
  • 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.