Update On Henrietta

[henrietta]

Hello everybody, and thank you for the advice I received when I first found the forum!

I thought I would update you after my three weeks of gluten free eating (well not free as I am still discovering gluten hides in so many places..)

Within three days of stopping gluten the majority of my symptoms disappeared completely.

It took a week or so to actually feel more like myself, but no more hurried trips to the bathroom unless I eat the wrong thing.

It's been a steep learning curve and I have discovered some foods like bread/pastry/cake/biscuits etc are triggers for my symptoms. I've haunted the supermarkets for substitutes and it was ridiculous how excited I was when I discovered by slicing a Tesco gluten free baguette I could have normal toast again!

Not so pleased was discovering how expensive the food is, at £1. 45 for a tiny half baguette I'll be keeping the toast for Sundays..

I've found it hard to eat out. In places like the above supermarket cafe for instance the only single thing they served I could eat was a baked potato..

At home I have changed to more veg and fruit, and the best part is I have lost around a stone in weight over a month, so it has some benefits.

Four years ago I ended up at a skin specialist about a rash I developed on my arms and back, the lesions were first red itchy pimples, then they went hard and sort of wart like. The specialist was no help at all, his report said remove them by freezing or operation, and I've learned how to hide them.

On looking at pics of celiac sufferers i am 99% convinced they are hepatitis dermiformis? which is a side eefect of celiac disease!

I don't suppose they will go once I stop eating gluten for long enough will they? I have around 10 on each arm and six on my back, they aren't obtrusive but I would love my former blemish free skin back...

So although the Dr hasn't done any tests it looks pretty conclusive, My blood test originally showed my body was fighting an inflammation somewhere, and my symptoms have disappeared only to recur when I eat something I shouldn't..

Any more advice folks?

[ravenwoodglass]

Hello everybody, and thank you for the advice I received when I first found the forum!

I thought I would update you after my three weeks of gluten free eating (well not free as I am still discovering gluten hides in so many places..)

Within three days of stopping gluten the majority of my symptoms disappeared completely.

It took a week or so to actually feel more like myself, but no more hurried trips to the bathroom unless I eat the wrong thing.

It's been a steep learning curve and I have discovered some foods like bread/pastry/cake/biscuits etc are triggers for my symptoms. I've haunted the supermarkets for substitutes and it was ridiculous how excited I was when I discovered by slicing a Tesco gluten free baguette I could have normal toast again!

Not so pleased was discovering how expensive the food is, at £1. 45 for a tiny half baguette I'll be keeping the toast for Sundays..

I've found it hard to eat out. In places like the above supermarket cafe for instance the only single thing they served I could eat was a baked potato..

At home I have changed to more veg and fruit, and the best part is I have lost around a stone in weight over a month, so it has some benefits.

Four years ago I ended up at a skin specialist about a rash I developed on my arms and back, the lesions were first red itchy pimples, then they went hard and sort of wart like. The specialist was no help at all, his report said remove them by freezing or operation, and I've learned how to hide them.

On looking at pics of celiac sufferers i am 99% convinced they are hepatitis dermiformis? which is a side eefect of celiac disease!

I don't suppose they will go once I stop eating gluten for long enough will they? I have around 10 on each arm and six on my back, they aren't obtrusive but I would love my former blemish free skin back...

So although the Dr hasn't done any tests it looks pretty conclusive, My blood test originally showed my body was fighting an inflammation somewhere, and my symptoms have disappeared only to recur when I eat something I shouldn't..

Any more advice folks?

I am so glad things are improving for you. With the skin issue make real sure all your toiletries and lotions etc are also gluten-free and if it is gluten related it should improve. It does take a while for the skin to recover but I had the same sort of lesions and my skin is now nice and clear - unless I get glutened. I hope things continue to improve for you.

[Guest Robbin]

I am so happy for you!! Perhaps as ravenwoodglass says, you will notice a change in your skin soon-you would be surprised at how many products have wheat germ in them, though-be careful. Good luck.

[debmidge]

It's great to hear good news! Best wishes for continuing improvement in your health.

It's amazing what a simple diet change will do.