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):

  • Join Our eNewsletter:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Pain In Lower Left, Anyone Else Had That? Questions..

wintersky

By wintersky
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

wintersky Rookie
wintersky
Posted

Hi ! My name is Kim and I have not been diagnosed but thru recent articles feel trying a gluten free/ and for now lactose free diet may illeviate my symptoms and get me on the road to recovery.. I have been living with indigestion, gas for as long as I can remember.. as of late since trying to eat healthier.. more whole wheat products.. this pain in my lower left front side area has gotten constant... has anyone had similar complaints?? I have alot of the other symptoms that I have seen associated with this condition... I am going to eliminate lactose as I think I may have damage and could have trouble digesting that too... so for at least the next couple of weeks I will avoid both groups... I am concerned about this constant nagging gas? I feel in the lower left.. and would love to know if any of you experienced this... and how soon once gluten free it may go away.. also i heard priobotics will help heal.. but if i am avoiding lactose can I use it??? what kind? any help I would welcome. I have enjoyed this site and so glad I found it... Kim

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


dionnek Enthusiast
dionnek
Posted

I used to have sharp stabbing pains in my left side (not constant) before I was dx with celiac and went gluten free. I think the pains stopped a few months after I was gluten-free and stopped dairy. I can eat dairy again now (it's been almost a year since I went gluten-free) and I don't get those pains at all. My biopsy showed "significant damage" to my villi - basically my dr. said they were flat, so I'm guessing the pain was caused somehow by that, since it stopped shortly after going gluten-free. I used to have sharp pains in my chest area too (right below my ribs), but that also stopped. I used to think I was having a heart attack whenever this happened, but guess it was just indigestion or something.

ginap73 Apprentice
ginap73
Posted

I have had pain in my lower left side. It only happens before I get sick. When I am gluten free, no pain, and no sick.

I was sick all week, because I was drinking rice dream, didnt know it was not gluten free. but as soon as I got off it, i have been fine again. with no pain.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Yes, many of us have had that type of pain, myself included. For me the gas and the related pains were gone pretty quickly.

During this trial be sure to try and consume mainly fresh, naturally gluten free food. Fruits, veggies, white or wild rice (no mixes), fresh unprocessed meats and fish. Leave the long lists of gluten free mainstream food until you know for sure that gluten is a problem. Many mainstream foods are processed on shared lines and until you have been gluten-free for a bit it can be hard to tell if you are healing if you are getting second hand gluten.

Best wishes and you have come to a great place for support and info. You may also want to check out the Celiac Sprue Association they have an easy to understand listing of foods and have things seperated into the foundation stage and expanding stage. Many find it helpful at first. The link will take you right to that page.

Open Original Shared Link

sfm Apprentice
sfm
Posted
Hi ! My name is Kim and I have not been diagnosed but thru recent articles feel trying a gluten free/ and for now lactose free diet may illeviate my symptoms and get me on the road to recovery.. I have been living with indigestion, gas for as long as I can remember.. as of late since trying to eat healthier.. more whole wheat products.. this pain in my lower left front side area has gotten constant... has anyone had similar complaints?? I have alot of the other symptoms that I have seen associated with this condition... I am going to eliminate lactose as I think I may have damage and could have trouble digesting that too... so for at least the next couple of weeks I will avoid both groups... I am concerned about this constant nagging gas? I feel in the lower left.. and would love to know if any of you experienced this... and how soon once gluten free it may go away.. also i heard priobotics will help heal.. but if i am avoiding lactose can I use it??? what kind? any help I would welcome. I have enjoyed this site and so glad I found it... Kim

I have been gluten free - mostly, except for when I get cross contaminated - since November 2006.

When I do get glutened, I feel the pain entirely on my left side. I did some research on related problems like gall bladder, but that's on the right hand side. So I'm thinking that the damage to my intestines must be mostly on my left side, so that's why I feel it there?

There are plenty of dairy free probiotic supplements - just go to a good vitamin store and either read the labels (most will list it) or ask for assistance. I am sensitive to casein (milk protein) in addition to being gluten intolerant, so I have to check every vitamin label for both. Enzymes help, too - but again, check for dairy as well as gluten.

Good luck - your discomfort will probably feel better soon, but it does take time.

Sheryll

rsm Newbie
rsm
Posted

I had problems in the upper left under my ribs. It hurt and I could almost feel a gurgling there (gross -yes). Gluten free for six weeks and it has gone away. One doctor told me part of my spleen had died, another said you can't hurt there, there isn't anything there!

ReneCox Contributor
ReneCox
Posted

what do you mean part of your spleen died?? :blink:

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Guest Happynwgal2
Guest Happynwgal2
Posted
I have had pain in my lower left side. It only happens before I get sick. When I am gluten free, no pain, and no sick.

I was sick all week, because I was drinking rice dream, didnt know it was not gluten free. but as soon as I got off it, i have been fine again. with no pain.

Wow, I NEVER knew rice dream is not gluten free - where is the gluten in there? I thought I had read the list of ingredients, but I must have missed something. That DOES explain why I just cannot drink rice milk, specifically the brand rice dream. I always feel bad afterwards.

Thus a few weeks ago I switched to almond milk, which says on the carton that it is gluten free. I happen to love the taste of it, both the plain and the vanilla kind.

Isn't it amazing how much gluten there is in food, even those we think have none? I LOVE sushi, and my daughter and I often go to a new sushi bar by Portland State University. Their soy sauce is made from wheat, so I bring my own gluten free soy sauce. In two weeks I am going on a dinner cruise, and I have to call them and ask what kind of food they have that I can eat. For about $ 100 a plate, they better have something I can eat!

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

I had the pain you are describing before I learned I had celiac. It improved once on the diet. Now, I only get it when I get glutened very badly. For the longest time I could not figure out what the pain from from and nothing helped it. I was scared!!!

Mtndog Collaborator
Mtndog
Posted
Wow, I NEVER knew rice dream is not gluten free - where is the gluten in there? I thought I had read the list of ingredients, but I must have missed something. That DOES explain why I just cannot drink rice milk, specifically the brand rice dream. I always feel bad afterwards.

Thus a few weeks ago I switched to almond milk, which says on the carton that it is gluten free. I happen to love the taste of it, both the plain and the vanilla kind.

Yeah- Rice Dream says flavored with barley malt at the END of its list of ingredients. Hard to read and frustrating! I just tried the Almond Milk last night for the forst time and really liked it!

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted
Yeah- Rice Dream says flavored with barley malt at the END of its list of ingredients. Hard to read and frustrating! I just tried the Almond Milk last night for the forst time and really liked it!

Almond milk (especially the vanilla) makes great cocoa (tsp each of sugar and cocoa powder, stir into almond milk, heat in microwave) and puddings (2 small boxes Jello pudding-the kind you cook--to 3 cups almond milk. Chocolate and butterscotch are best!)

Yep--I got glutened by Rice Dream a long time ago.... :angry:

I used to get the bottom left pain, too. I still do, actually--it's trapped gas working it's way down. It can be quite uncomfortable. I had female issues, also that made it hard to distinquish where the pain was coming from.

I had surgery to "fix" the female stuff, but still get the gas. I guess I'm just stuck with that.

BRUMI1968 Collaborator
BRUMI1968
Posted

I had that before gluten-free ... now I get it from walnuts...or so I believe anyway. Even walnut butter.

If you have insurance and have not had it done, getting the ELISA (or similar type) test for food allergies really helps. Most folks with celiac can't digest dairy right away since the villi in their intestines can't produce that chemicals to break down lactose. Some folks get to add it back; some don't.

Anyway, I'd try the gluten free and dairy free, and see if you don't feel better in a week or two, or a month or two (everyone has their own pace).

'

-Sherri

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to yellowstone's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      3

      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      Regarding the discrimination you asked about, it is a lot more easy now to discriminate when you're supposed to answer whether or not you have celiac disease on job applications, and from what I've seen, MANY companies now include this question on their applications:
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      When Home Isn't Safe: Celiac Disease, Cross-Contamination, and the Right to a Gluten-Free Space

      It's too bad relationships end because of this disease, but I suppose that being healthy may be more important than being married or living with someone who isn't on board with the gluten-free diet.
    3. Flash1970
      - Flash1970 commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      When Home Isn't Safe: Celiac Disease, Cross-Contamination, and the Right to a Gluten-Free Space

      This is a huge topic. My ex husband didn't care. Even though I had my own area where his food wasn't allowed, I'd find crumbs. I was always constantly cleaning. I threw a lot of food away because I wouldn't be sure if he had contaminated it. It really showed what a narcissistic person he was and is. Now I'm in my own home. Much better. I do have dogs...
    4. Russ H
      - Russ H posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease

      People with coeliac disease have an altered gut biome compared with those who do not, which may be associated with gut inflammation. Although the gut biome recovers on a gluten-free diet, there are still significant differences at 2 years. In a mouse model of coeliac disease, supplementation with the soluble dietary fibre, inulin, increased the number...
    5. suek54
      - suek54 replied to Ginger38's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      46

      Shaking/Tremors and Off Balance

      Hi Ginger38 Well done you for pushing through the pain barrier of eating gluten, when you know each mouthful is making you poorly. I went through the same thing not long ago, my biopsy was for dermatitis herpetiformis. Result positive, so 95% certain I have gut coeliacs too. But my bloods were negative, so very pleased I went for the gluten challenge...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,941
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      10,442
    Sensible
    Newest Member
    Sensible
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Regarding the discrimination you asked about, it is a lot more easy now to discriminate when you're supposed to answer whether or not you have celiac disease on job applications, and from what I've seen, MANY companies now include this question on their applications:  
    • Russ H
      Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease

      By Russ H · Posted

      People with coeliac disease have an altered gut biome compared with those who do not, which may be associated with gut inflammation. Although the gut biome recovers on a gluten-free diet, there are still significant differences at 2 years. In a mouse model of coeliac disease, supplementation with the soluble dietary fibre, inulin, increased the number of beneficial microbes and reduced gut inflammation. Inulin is used by some plants as carbohydrate store, it is a complex polymer of fructose in the same way that starch is a complex polymer of glucose. Inulin cannot be digested by humans but serves as food source for some gut bacteria. Inulin is present in many vegetables but the richest sources are (g/100g): chicory root 41.6 Jerusalem artichoke 18.0 dandelion greens 13.5 garlic 12.5 leeks 6.5 onions 4.3 The Scientist: Fiber-Metabolizing Bacteria Could Boost Gut Health in Celiac Disease    
    • suek54
      Shaking/Tremors and Off Balance

      By suek54 · Posted

      Hi Ginger38 Well done you for pushing through the pain barrier of eating gluten, when you know each mouthful is making you poorly.  I went through the same thing not long ago, my biopsy was for dermatitis herpetiformis. Result positive, so 95% certain I have gut coeliacs too. But my bloods were negative, so very pleased I went for the gluten challenge and biopsy.  Hang on in there. Sue
    • Scott Adams
      Has someone experienced discrimination because of their illness?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      When symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or low energy change how we interact, others sometimes misinterpret that as disinterest, rudeness, or negativity—especially if they don’t understand the underlying condition. That doesn’t make their behavior okay, though. You don’t deserve to be treated poorly for something outside your control. Often, it reflects a lack of awareness or empathy on their part, not a fault in you. It can help to explain your condition to people you trust, but it’s also completely valid to set boundaries and distance yourself from those who respond with hostility. Your experience—and your reaction to it—makes sense. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.      
    • Scott Adams
      HLA-DQ2 POSITIVE it's nothing

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Being HLA-DQ2 positive doesn’t diagnose celiac disease by itself, but it does mean he has the genetic potential for it, so it absolutely deserves careful follow-up if symptoms or concerns are present. You’re right that celiac is often downplayed, but it’s a serious autoimmune condition—not an allergy—and it can affect the brain, nervous system, and overall health if untreated. Given everything your son has been through, you’re doing the right thing by advocating and asking questions. I would strongly recommend getting a full copy of his records, and if possible, consulting a gastroenterologist who understands celiac disease well so you can get clear answers and, if needed, proper testing and monitoring.
×
×
  • 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.