Itchy Back Without A Rash And Pins/needles In Feet

[Shanmegjilal]

Hi, I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago by biopsy and my main sx are pins and needles in both feet and a numb toe.I also have decreased sensation in my left hand and a very itchy back!Anyone else with this?How long on the gluten-free diet until symptoms resolved?I'm trying not to worry but read that these sx can be present in lymphoma and I know celiacs are at a greater risk for that.Please help!Thanks

[RiceGuy]

An itchy back with no rash was one symptom I had growing up. Nobody every knew what from.

For the tingling and numbness, I'd recommend a few supplements. A sublingual methylcobalamin (active form of vitamin B12), and magnesium are the two which seem to help most with such symptoms. Not surprising, since Celiacs are often deficient in both. A B-complex is also widely recommended. Zinc may also help.

Lastly, you may find it helpful to avoid a few other things while healing. Dairy is very often troublesome at first. Other top allergens like soy, corn, nuts, eggs, etc may need to be avoided as well.

You might want to start a food journal, to keep track of what you eat, and how you feel each day. Some patterns may emerge which you'd not recognize otherwise. It is not uncommon for symptoms to appear the next day, or even several days after eating a certain food.

[Shanmegjilal]

An itchy back with no rash was one symptom I had growing up. Nobody every knew what from.

For the tingling and numbness, I'd recommend a few supplements. A sublingual methylcobalamin (active form of vitamin B12), and magnesium are the two which seem to help most with such symptoms. Not surprising, since Celiacs are often deficient in both. A B-complex is also widely recommended. Zinc may also help.

Lastly, you may find it helpful to avoid a few other things while healing. Dairy is very often troublesome at first. Other top allergens like soy, corn, nuts, eggs, etc may need to be avoided as well.

You might want to start a food journal, to keep track of what you eat, and how you feel each day. Some patterns may emerge which you'd not recognize otherwise. It is not uncommon for symptoms to appear the next day, or even several days after eating a certain food.

[Shanmegjilal]

Thank you for all your info.I really appreciate the help.I had been receiving B 12 inj. for 3mnths prior to dx of celiac due to a low level and was also taking B-complex supplements and now my level is >1500!!So, now I'm off the supplements of course but I hadn't thought of Mg and Zinc....Should my Dr. check these levels?

This sounds crazy but if I eliminate soy,corn,eggs,nuts,etc what's left!!!!!This is sooooo hard!

[RiceGuy]

First, you may want to go over all your foods to make sure they're gluten-free. Also, check shampoos, soaps, skin/hair care products, cosmetics, etc. If you eat gluten-free breads, have you purchased a new toaster? Have you tossed out wooden spoons, cutting boards, etc? Scratched pots and pans can also harbor gluten, though stainless steel usually cleans up fairly well.

Have you eliminated dairy just to see how you feel? The diet does get easier, so hang in there. We all go through it, and it is soooo worth it! You'll get there!

As for the possible deficiencies, it is usually safe to try a magnesium supplement in the suggested doses on the label. If you begin to experience loose stools, cut back on it. For zinc, I'm not sure, but your doctor really should do a complete workup to check for all deficiencies. Just keep in mind that many have found supplementation helpful, even when their blood levels are in the normal range.

[Amber M]

Thank you for all your info.I really appreciate the help.I had been receiving B 12 inj. for 3mnths prior to dx of celiac due to a low level and was also taking B-complex supplements and now my level is >1500!!So, now I'm off the supplements of course but I hadn't thought of Mg and Zinc....Should my Dr. check these levels?

This sounds crazy but if I eliminate soy,corn,eggs,nuts,etc what's left!!!!!This is sooooo hard!

We all understand how hard this is for sure! I have been gluten free for over 8 months now and had to keep eliminating foods that had similar proteins as gluten, like corn, etc. I had already been allergic to soy for years, so I know how hard it is. I still have the itchy back off and on without a rash and the numbness in many areas of the body. I have a lot of neurological symptoms that I am still dealing with. I read about the "Grain Brain Connection" and it helped me understand that it may take a long time to heal or there could be permanent problems is some areas involving the nerve endings. I still suffer, but when I compare it to 6 months ago, it really is soooo much better now! Be patient, it takes time.

I agree with the food diary, I am working with that and writing the symptoms down to the right of the daily food intake. I has proven over and over what foods bother my body. I highly recommend doing this. Try not to get discouraged and think "Whole foods" when you shop. They are really better for you in so many ways! Best of luck, and we are here for you anytime you want to vent!!!