New, And Need Advice Please!

[little00blondie]

Hey y'all- I am new to this, and desperatly need help, advice, and experience. My entire life I have had on and off bouts of what we call the "Brown family stomach" (many others have this so-called nervous and sensitive stomach in my family), in which I would have months of diareah, weight loss, illness, etc. at a very young age. However, we never looked into it further. As a teen, I found my menstration cycles so long and painful that I would sometimes have 2 in one month, or one the length of 2 weeks- to the point that a doctor told me I prob. wouldn't be able to have children. A month later, my newlywed husband and I became pregant! (And thankful, of course!)

My baby girl is nearly a year old, and the past month has been hell. My entire pregnancy I was violently ill and could barely put on weight. This past year I have been in and out of doctors with extreme stomach pain, bouts of constipation and diareah, weight loss, stomach destention, bloating and overall discomfort, slight (tiny bit) of depression, and recent bone pain. I was even hospitalized a few times. I have bounced between numerous doctors- all of whom disregard my symptoms as so-called stress, IBS, or "post partum depression." None of the IBS or reflux medicines they gave me worked (and I told them so)

I tested positive for gastritis and stomach iritation during an upper GI series, I was told during an endoscopy that my intestines screamed "celiac", and a nurse technician even went so far as to tell me how "not normal" my intestines appeared during an unrelated vaginal ultrasound. I am so sick of being sick- Im young, the picture of perfect health (a fitness/dance instructor, personal trainer, etc.) as far as lifestyle, and want to be living this new time wiht my child and hubby!

All dr.s have done is say that my stomach looks like celiac, my symptoms seem celiac, and I couldn't agree more. I have no doubt in my mind. However, my biopsy done was negative- although I was not told to eat gluten in the weeks prior (I was eating minimal amounts) and the dr. really seems neglegent about all matters of celiac. He did not explain anything to me at all, and has not returned a call since the biopsy (even after explaining the bad shape that my intestines were in.)

Out of frustration, I have been 100% gluten free this past week (to test things out myself), and already feel like the clouds have slightly parted and there is some sun shining through! Not huge improvement, but enough to have me feeling positive!!!!! I am very bodily aware person

Has anyone had similiar experiences? Everything adds up, but I still am confused? Would appreciate any words of wisdom!!! Thank you!!!! : )

[Lisa]

Hello and welcome to our world.

Since you have had a endo that screamed Celiac and you have had a positive dietary response...my bet is that you have your answer.

I would suggest that you read as much as you can from this board. There are some very dedicated people, informed and very generous in their knowledge with their willingness to share.

Gluten is a tricky monkey to find, because it's every where. Please check you lipsticks, lotions, shampoos or any meds that you might be taking. Anything that can get into your mouth can be subject.

Again, welcome and please feel free to ask. All questions will be answered.

[chatycady]

Mammagoose is right! There is tons of information on this sight that is helpful. I started to feel better also, but was still having troubles and then I read on this website, that I may also have lactose intolerance. There is a good article about why lactose may be a problem. Hopefully in a few months I'll be able to eat cheese again.

Everyone here has a story to tell. I hope you get better so you can enjoy your family!