What Could This Be?

[BklynDahl]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease a couple of months ago, although most of the tests were negative. I've responded pretty well to the gluten-free diet and have much less bloating, gas, no D, and other things have cleared up as well - a chronic post-nasal drip I've had for a long time and my psoriasis is much better.

However, not everything is better. In the last couple of weeks I've had pretty consistent blood in my stool and it's really uncomfortable when I go - not D, but these sort of narrow and soft stools and I get this sort of crampy and nauseas feeling a lot of the time when I go. I've been very careful with the diet, so i don't think I'm glutening myself w/o realizing. I'm wondering if there's something else wrong with me, like maybe colitis or who knows? Unfortunately, My dr. is on vacation until the end of August so I'm sort of stuck right now.

I'm wondering if maybe I should try going off dairy also? Does anyone have any thoughts what could be happening - could it possibly be that I'm just not fully healed yet or does it sound like something else is going on.

Thanks is advance for all your thoughts!

Dahlia

[confused]

I would try to go dairy and soy free. Soy was making my poop narrow, i have never had blood in my poop tho. Do you have lots of blood or just a little? Do you know if u have or ever had hemmoroids?

I think i have read somewhere that ruffage can do that to you also, but im not 100 percent sure on that.

Im sure others will jump in with other information.

paula

[confused]

one more thing, what do you mean most of the test were negative, which part of the test was positive that you were diagnosed with celiac.

paula

[BklynDahl]

Paula, Thanks for your reply. I don't remember all the info from the tests but I remember that the biopsy from the endoscopy came back with a note saying that the results were positive or abnormal and that celiac disease should be tested for. The blood tests all came back normal though (never did genetic tests). My dr.'s feelings were that it was still possible to have celiac disease and that I should try the diet and see how I responded and that would give us the best answer.

I was thinking I might have to do soy and dairy free also but I'm really dreading it - gluten free has been hard enough and I'm still feeling very "deprived."

Dahlia

[elye]

This can be tough...what is certain is that many who are gluten intolerant take months (plural), even up to a year and beyond, to feel significantly better. If you've only been gluten-free for two months, I would say it may very well not be long enough to decide that gluten alone isn't the culprit. Frustrating, I know...!

[confused]

Paula, Thanks for your reply. I don't remember all the info from the tests but I remember that the biopsy from the endoscopy came back with a note saying that the results were positive or abnormal and that celiac disease should be tested for. The blood tests all came back normal though (never did genetic tests). My dr.'s feelings were that it was still possible to have celiac disease and that I should try the diet and see how I responded and that would give us the best answer.

I was thinking I might have to do soy and dairy free also but I'm really dreading it - gluten free has been hard enough and I'm still feeling very "deprived."

Dahlia

Well if the endo came back postive then you are celiac. blood test show lots of false negatives. It is hard to give up dairy and soy, they put it in everything, but i felt so much better after i gave them up unless when i get cc'ed.

I felt better in a few days then i had still bouts of being tired and nasty bm/s, im pretty much feeling the best that i have ever felt. This week i was cc'eed tho and it has been rough, but i know in a few days i will feel great again.

This board is the best place for support, so you are in good hands, have any questions feel free to ask.

paula

[darkangel]

Traces of bright red blood and narrow stools could indicate hemmorhoids, but you should also be feeling quite a bit of pain and tenderness in the anal area, if so. The crampy, nauseated feeling can't be explained by 'rhoids. Consistent bleeding is definitely cause to see your gastro doc asap. In fact, considering he's going to be out for a month, I'd insist on an appointment with another gastro in his practice, if possible.

I have a great book with various diets to address certain symptoms. There's a suggested diet to help stop intestinal bleeding. If you're interested, I can give you the highlights.

[kbtoyssni]

I'm also concerned about the blood. If it's more like dried blood, you've probably got some internal bleeding and you should go to a doctor now. Even if it's not your own. It may not be celiac related at all.

[ravenwoodglass]

I fully agree that you need to go to the doctor now. The fact that the blood is red is a sign that it is coming from close to the exit and internal hemmies might not be felt. Hopefully that is all it is but with the other symptoms you are having you need to be seen as soon as you can. If you should develop a fever, get cold and sweaty and or start to experience more severe pain you should go to the ER.

[GFhopeful]

i don't know if you have given birth to any children, but apparently from the birth process, you can have hemaroids and not even know it. HOpe that's all it is for you and that you feel better soon. I am in a similar boat as yours, trying out the diet with all negative bloodwork but probable biopsy. And I do feel a ton better now. Like some of the other posts said, call the docotr's office sooner than later if you are at all concerned.

[BklynDahl]

Thanks so much for all your replies. I'm wondering if it is an H, since the blood is red, not dark or brown, and (sorry for the tmi) but sort of on the outside of the stool. I had twins a year and a half ago, so possibly I've had it since then! Meanwhile, I've cut out coffee, and done less dairy. I've been feeling a lot better and haven't had any blood in a day or so. I'm planning to try dairy-free, but it's so hard! I get through a couple meals without it, and then I give in for a yoghurt or piece of cheese. Anyway, thanks again to everyone - I have an appointment with my dr when he gets back from vacation (Aug 20th!) but if it gets much worse or stays as bad I'll go in to see someone else sooner.