New And Hopeful

[ChristinaKs]

Let's start with my symptoms.

For over 10 years I've had hives, three years ago, I was put on several different allergy medicines and the hives became under control as long as I didn't start scratching or someone didn't accidentally scratch me.

11 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS. When the doctor told me I had a slight case I wanted to cry. I felt changed to a toilet-we don't even need to go into the intense pain etc, sense everyone seems to already know this.

I had my gallbladder removed in 1996.

I've suffered from severe migraines, some optical for over 10 years, maybe longer. The migraines weren't diagnosed until about three years ago. I just thought I was having debilitating headaches.

I have extremely high triglycerides. I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia 18 years ago.

Diagnosed with congenital kidney disease 11 years ago and I always have blood in my urine.

In 1995, I was so sick, I wanted to die. I remember the pain and the not knowing. Then I became pregnant with my third child, all was pretty well, but I was put on a vegetable and water diet, no other food was allowed for fear of going in to premature labor.

In 1997, I gave birth to my fourth child.

I'm sure there are many other symptoms, that I'm not thinking of right now.

Both of my parents have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. My father-is diabetic. My mother-high blood pressure, thyroid issues, and IBS, and what the doctor calls angry bladder syndrome.

My second child-had a time where she was very sick. She was tested for lupus as well as many other things. Her white blood cell counts were so high they were concerned about leukemia. She had constant urinary tract infections. She had at one time over 20 sores in her mouth, dark circles under her eyes. At the age of 9 they removed her appendix, thinking that was what caused her white blood cells to be so high. We had her allergy tested and it turned out she was allergic to every environmental thing except cockaburs. She's also allergic to a lot of foods, I can't recall if wheat is on the list or not. Once she started shots, she improved in health, although her gums are still bright red and sore all the time.

My first child has recently been diagnosed with interstitial cystitus, she wasn't even 18. She too has a tendency to get UTI's and always has.

After years of living and feeling crudy, I began to lose hope. The doctors told me there was no one factor causing all of my symptoms and even went so far as to put me on Zoloft, supposedly for my headaches. I know what depression is and at the time I was far from it, other than I was tired of always being sick.

A few weeks ago, after much researching of my multiple symptoms, I decided to go gluten free. I've done the best I know, since I didn't understand cross-contamination, as well as a few other things. Since I've gone off the gluten, I've had no stomach pain, I haven't felt like I was going to pass out, and I've had no episodes of hives, I quit taking my allergy medicine. For the first time in my adult life, I feel alive. I'm not fatigued, not grumpy. I feel wonderfully awesome, like I could achieve anything, even the impossible.

I haven't been tested. I don't have insurance, and no offense to any doctors out there, but I've lost faith in the medical field, at least for the most part.

At this point in time I will remain gluten free. I can't imagine going back. I had an episode of cross contamination over the weekend and it wasn't pretty.

Right now I'm just trying to figure out all the ins and outs. Like soy and cross contamination etc. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Christina

[ShayFL]

Hi Christina.....and welcome.

You dont need a Dx to know that gluten is a problem for you. Congratulations on having the courage to try a gluten-free diet. Some cant even do it even tho they get a Celiac Dx.

This is a great resource. Feel free to ask any specific questions you have.

There are wheat free soy sauces like Tamari and some brands. But I dont eat soy, so dont know them. Others can chime in.

[ChristinaKs]

Thank you for the welcome. As good as I feel, I can't imagine going back. I've been lurking for a few weeks and every time I google something it tends to lead me to this board. I have found the best information comes from those who suffer or live with those who do.

Christina