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My New Life

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free at last Newbie
free at last
Posted

It never would have occured to me that gluten was my problem. My history is: overweight, despite dieting, CFS, arthritis, depression. I never had any of the classic celiac symptoms. At this point, I'm not too sure what's going on, but it appears that I've made a breakthrough.

The first thing I noticed is that my arthritis is gone. Instead of taking the stairs one step at a time, I trot up and down.

Then I noticed that I wasn't hungry any more. I have been hungry every minute of every day for about 30 years. Losing weight had become impossible for me. I even went to Weight Watchers and gained weight following the diet. I was always hungrier AFTER I ate than before. I've lost a little weight without even trying. Mostly, I give up on my meals before I finish everything on my plate. I can't remember when that has ever happened before. I just get full and finished.

My depression is gone. I've stopped taking my antidepressant. I have energy and my mind is clear. Free at last.

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DingoGirl Enthusiast
DingoGirl
Posted

Welcome. :)

I never had any classic celiac symptoms until the last 3 to 4 years before diagnosis.....but had lifelong, horrible depression, and then mania starting in my early 20s.

Removing gluten gave me not only a new life, but a new brain. Sounds like you are in a similar boat. I did, however, gain 25 pounds with gluten removal - everything went right through me - but for overweight celiacs, quite often the wonderful by-product of gluten-free eating is weight loss.

What made you think you're Celiac? were you diagnosed?

This is a wonderful and invaluable place to get information. Keep reading! gluten is the horrible cause of many, many ills. Even joint pain/arthritis.

:)

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

That's so good to hear! :D

It's just amazing how many things are affected by gluten.

free at last Newbie
free at last
Posted
  • Author

I wasn't diagnosed. I always felt really good on the first week of Atkins, but something would bring me down as soon as I started adding carbs. I got the idea for eliminating gluten from a book called the Diet Cure, which was really too complicated to follow directly.

I've been on about every diet known to mankind. Ruling out gluten specifically had never been suggested to me before, so I tried it. I was ready to try anything. When I started reading more about it, it just sounded like me. Well, the atypical part sounded like me. I hope there will be more research on this.

I hope I can keep it up.

MrMark Apprentice
MrMark
Posted

Welcome free at last

I'm happy that the gluten free diet is benefiting you. Your post sounded almost exactly like symptoms and my gluten-free experience, amazing. My leg muscles and joints used to hurt real bad - not sure if this was the beginning of arthritis. Two summers ago I was windsurfing and this winter I was thinking about getting a cane because I could hardly stand. Gluten seemed to sneak up on me - like the frog being slowly boiled I guess. Just be cautious, as it seems wheat/gluten hides in just about every product you can think of.

Regards Mark

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
I wasn't diagnosed. I always felt really good on the first week of Atkins, but something would bring me down as soon as I started adding carbs. I got the idea for eliminating gluten from a book called the Diet Cure, which was really too complicated to follow directly.

I've been on about every diet known to mankind. Ruling out gluten specifically had never been suggested to me before, so I tried it. I was ready to try anything. When I started reading more about it, it just sounded like me. Well, the atypical part sounded like me. I hope there will be more research on this.

I hope I can keep it up.

I don't think your going to have too much of a problem with keeping to it. You have had a great response to the diet and chances are really good that your body is going to tell you in no uncertain terms that you need the diet if you go off it.

You have found a great place for info and support, welcome.

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      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

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    • Judy M
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      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
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      Patiently Waiting to See Results

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