Where To Start . . .

[skyddle27]

Hello everyone! I am new here and very new to living gluten-free. Many many years ago, my ex husband was very sick and I had heard the term Celiac Sprue tossed around a bit when doctors were trying to diagnose him. It was ruled out and so I never did any research on the matter. I have had on and off health problems for years. I think just about 2 years ago, my stomach started to give me trouble at least 3 days out of the week. I figured it was just stress. Then about a year and a half ago, it became constant. I never had a break from it. From June of '07 through Sept. '07 I went from a healthy weight of 135 to about 120. My doctor suspected my gallbladder and after a surgical consult, it was taken out last Nov. I felt a little better after the surgery, but as time went on, I started getting really sick again. My doctor was a real treat and finally this Aug., after go as far as accusing me of being bulimic . . . he decided that it was out of his hands and referred me to a GI doctor. An initial blood test was negative for Celiac but he was still pretty sure that I had it. He decided to do an endoscopy and biopsy just to see. Waiting for the results of everything, I got the stomach flu and lost more weight. My current PCP was on the brink of hospitalizing me because the day before I was put on a clear liquid diet, I weighed in at 103.

Just a couple months ago, I was told that my biopsy showed signs of Celiac disease and GERD. I was already trying to limit my gluten intake but now I am on doctors orders to be gluten-free.

My doctor was going to wait on a genetic Celiac test to come back before giving the diagnosis, but changed his mind while I was waiting on that test to come back. I still need to call and get those results, but since I am officially diagnosed, there doesn't seem to be much rush. I am maintaining my weight around 103 (102.9 at the last weight in). I feel slightly better, but I still have nausea on a daily bases. I am also having a lot of trouble keeping my energy up. The earliest I could get in with a Nutritionist is Dec. 2nd. I am hoping that makes all the difference. It has been a very exhausting experience though. Does it usually take so long for the digestive system to heal? I have read stuff about people feeling better within days. I have also read that as the system heals, many people discover other intolerance and allergies. Could that be my problem? Is there any way to test for them besides trial and error? I have so many questions about so many things so I am sure I will be hoping between topics. I am completely lost with all of it . . . not to mention the headache and depression that comes with grocery shopping now =( Any and all help is more then welcome.

Rhiannon

[*lee-lee*]

welcome to the board! you'll find a ton of info and get a lot of support here.

one thing i didn't realize at first when i started the diet is that gluten is hidden everywhere. at first i thought i'd be ok if i just avoided bread and pasta....not the case! there can still be traces of gluten, sometimes to do flavoring or spices. i personally look up every item before i buy it just to be sure (i'm kinda paranoid and still not great at interpreting labels). i've learned to plan a weeks worth of meals ahead of time so i'm prepared when i go to the store.

some people develop intolerance to lactose, soy, rice, corn, nightshades...you just have to start simple and then add foods in as you go along. it's a good idea to avoid processed foods at first and stick with naturally gluten-free foods. let your insides heal and then start introducing new foods.

it's all very confusing and discouraging at first but i promise it will get easier!