Not Feeling Right For Some Time

[doree]

Hi all,

I think I have reached people who will understand. I have been suffering from severe constipation, gas and poor sleep for quite some time. For relief I had a colonic where I passed out. The colo rectal surgeon put me on meds that worked for a week. When I went back last week I was grossly constipated and forced to endure a humiliating test where I passed out once again. What is worse is he is hinting at cutting out part of my colon which leads to a whole new arena of problems.

Constipation, muscle aches, osteopenia, terrible sleeper, occasional acid reflux and stomach pains. And then the mysterious "cuts" that appear on my torso. Seems like I should bring it up to the doc before I am sent on another humiliating gastro test this week. Yes? 58, and otherwise healthy, no drugs, alcohol, excercise regularly, eat well and drink plenty of water

Thank for any insight!

[ShayFL]

Have they tested you for Celiac?

[doree]

Have they tested you for Celiac?

no, I feel funy recommending this to the doctor. has not been brought up but my symptoms seem to mimi celiac in my opinion. is it worthwhile to bring up?

[ShayFL]

Doree, your doctor works for YOU!! You can hire/fire any doctor that is not doing their job. Doctors are just people with specialized training in a particular field (medicine). They are not gods.

Ask for ANYTHING you feel needs to be tested and if they say no or brush you off. Find another doctor.

If you can afford it, you can get your own testing through places like HealthCheckUSA and DirectLabs.

Never let a doctor control your health. YOU owe it to yourself to stand up for yourself.

[neesee]

I don't think they would cut out part of your colon because of celiac disease. I have diverticular disease and the are discussing cutting out part of my colon sooner or later. I'll know more next month after the colonoscopy.

Ask your Dr. for the celiac test. It can't hurt.

I have celiac and diverticulitis. The diverticultis if far more painful than the celiac. 20 year ago you couldn't have told me that. the celiac was tearing me up at that point.

I hope you drs come up with some answers and you feel better soon.

neesee

[dksart]

Doree,

I think you were describing many my symptoms before being diagnosed celiac. The gluten-free lifestyle has helped about 90% of my problems. It may seem difficult at first, but three years in it is second nature and I no longer have cravings for any of those nasty gluten filled breads, etc.

Tell your Dr. and no matter what he says, try going Gluten-free.

Good luck.

[jerseyangel]

Hi Doree,

Please don't be shy about telling your toctor you would like to be tested for Celiac. Request these tests, which make up the Celiac Panel--

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Total Serum IgA

It's just a blood test--you don't even have to fast for it but be sure to be eating gluten right up until you are tested--not eating it will skew the results.

The treatment for Celiac is a lot less drastic than surgery--the gluten-free diet

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I just wanted to add that if your doctor is reluctant to order the tests, or laughs at the idea that you may have celiac, or tries to scare you into immediate surgery without a REALLY convincing explanation of the necessity (like, "we have definitively found cancerous growths which need to be removed, NOT "we need to see what is going on"),

#1 FIRE THE DOCTOR

#2 Eliminate gluten and all dairy from your diet

If you start feeling significantly better within a couple of days, you have your answer--no need for further tests.

Be aware that you may find yourself desperately craving gluteny items like bread. Hang in there--those cravings are a sign that you were addicted, and will lessen over several days, and be gone within a couple of weeks. Eat lots of rice, potatoes, meat, chicken, fish (protein is very filling), fresh fruits and veggies, and save Fritos and chocolate chips (dark) for the times when you have the worst cravings.

Avoid the gluten-free breads and cookies you see at the market--they are tough for gluten-damaged tummies to digest, but you can add them in (or better-tasting home-baked ones ) after a month or two when your tummy heals (if celiac is the problem for you).

Welcome aboard, ask lots of questions here, and best of luck!