Need Help, Suggestions, Advice Please!

[mindypal]

Hello all,

I have been feeling ill for about a year now, probably that's nothing compared to a lot of you on here, but it's sure not been too fun. Back last Oct. I started having diarrhea, cramping, weight loss, insomnia, depression, fatigue, etc. and later found out it was a parasite. I've been treated, but since have still not regained my health. I've had several people mention Celiac's the past few months to me, as my symptoms seem to match up. And I just got the blood test back yesterday saying I was negative, however something tells me to not completely give up on this, and I ordered the test from Enterolab yesterday.

Soooo, was wondering if I kind of listed what's been going on if some of you could let me know what you think, could it be a gluten sensitivity from what you all know, or do you think it is something different.

I've had problems w/digestion, not neccessaily liquid stool, but loose and in small pieces, usually pale in color and foul smelling. Often it will have chunks of undigested food. Also gas, weight loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, fatigue, brain/memory fog, hair loss. The weirdest thing that I really cannot figure out is the skin issues. I've always been blessed with a very clear complexion all my life, but since all this stuff started up that's been a different story. And in particular the past few months have been yucky. I have these bumps along my hairline and under my jawline, kinda look like pimples, but not exactly and they don't seem to go away. Also get these flesh colored bumps, usually in patches popping up a lot around my mouth, and on my shoulders. Have gotten some bumps on my butt too, but they are usually red. Skin also feels very dry.

Anyways, my plan was to continue eating gluten until the Enterolab test comes in and then once I send my lovely ol poo off to start the gluten diet as if the test will come back positive. That way I won't be wasting time waiting for results & what not. I must also add that I've been on medical leave for several weeks now trying to figure everything out. I am a teacher and attempted going back to work, but the fatigue and brain fog were so bad I felt incredibly useless and knew I had to figure out that the deal was until I could go back. That's why I fee like there is a time issue.

What do you all think? Does it sound like it could be a gluten sensitivity? What do you think I should do? Does/did anyone else have the weird skin stuff happen w/them? Any information would be very greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks!!!

[CarlaB]

Welcome!

It definately sounds like a possibility. Unlike conventional testing, you do not have to be consuming gluten for Enterolab's tests to be accurate, so you can stop today!! See my Enterolab results below, I was gluten-free for almost three months -- both my blood test and endoscopy had been negative.

[Guhlia]

Ditto what Carla said on starting the gluten free diet immediately. If you have Celiac/gluten intolerance it will still show up on the Enterolab test, even if you're eating gluten free. Good luck! I hope you get some answers!

[Ursa Major]

It sure sounds like celiac disease is a possibility. And as Carla and Angie said, no need to wait for the Enterolab kit to arrive, you can try going gluten-free right now. If you feel better on the diet, you would pretty much have your answer. It would be so nice if you would start feeling better soon!

And even if celiac disease isn't your problem, a gluten-free diet benefits many other issues, too and is a healthy diet.

[mindypal]

Do you think it would show up even if I didn't order the gene test? I only got the basic $99 one.

Also as far as removing gluten, I know all the common sense stuff about looking for it in carbs & such, but what about condiments and canned goods? Is it in that stuff too? I think I really would like to start the gluten diet? It's just weird how many people have brought it up too me, it's almost like the universe is trying to tell me something I just haven't been listening.

How soon did you guys start to notice a difference once you began the gluten free diet?

Thanks!!!!

[TriticusToxicum]

Also as far as removing gluten, I know all the common sense stuff about looking for it in carbs & such, but what about condiments and canned goods? Is it in that stuff too? I think I really would like to start the gluten diet? It's just weird how many people have brought it up too me, it's almost like the universe is trying to tell me something I just haven't been listening.

How soon did you guys start to notice a difference once you began the gluten free diet?

Thanks!!!!

Yes, you've really got to watch the condiments. There is a "safe" list and list of forbidden ingredients on this site somewhere.

As far as how long before noticing a difference, I noticed great improvement with respect to the gas/bloating/discomfort within a few weeks. The big D tends to linger a bit longer, the brain fog and malaise seemed to hold on for the longest time. I was feeling pretty good at about 8 months out. Everyone responds differently, so your results may vary. (sounds like an infomercial!)

[Aerin328]

Do you think it would show up even if I didn't order the gene test? I only got the basic $99 one.

Also as far as removing gluten, I know all the common sense stuff about looking for it in carbs & such, but what about condiments and canned goods? Is it in that stuff too? I think I really would like to start the gluten diet? It's just weird how many people have brought it up too me, it's almost like the universe is trying to tell me something I just haven't been listening.

How soon did you guys start to notice a difference once you began the gluten free diet?

Thanks!!!!

It should show up in the basic test, though the complete test includes not only the gene test but casein intolerance as well (which many celiacs seem to show up positive for).

Most condiments and canned goods have gluten, yes, but it's case by case.

How long does it take to notice a difference? That's a darn good question, and the answer is complicated and varied by person. Most celiacs feel noticably better in days, though it can take 1-2 years for the antigliadin antibodies to leave the bloodstream (and therefore for the immune system's crazy reaction to stop).

Also there is a ton of good information on this site, so peruse about!

Good luck!

Christian