New To Gluten-Free

[firefightersgal]

I have been spending a lot of time in doctor's offices lately trying to figure out what is wrong with me. I thought that my issues were independent of each other, but now it looks an awful lot like Celiac.

I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday to look at my out of control 'eczema'. The day before, my husband worked for someone (not his usual day to work). One of the other firefighters was talking about how his children were very recently diagnosed with Celiac. My husband thought that their symptoms sounded eerily like mine, so he called and asked me to do some research on it. I was surprised to find all of my health issues listed as symptoms.

• 
  
  
• I have joint pain and weakness. I was tested for RA, but did not show the markers in my blood.
  
• I have a horrible rash that has been plaguing me for over 2 months.
  
• I have been battling infertility for almost two years and suffered one miscarriage. (My hormone levels are all normal, but I am not ovulating without the assistance of Clomid). My daughter was concieved over 4 years ago with no trouble.
  
• I sometimes have stabbing gas pains and a reoccuring ulcer
  

.

My doctor didn't seem overly enthused that I brought information in, but he did test me for celiac disease. He confirmed that my eczema is now accompanied by Dermatitus Herpitaformus. He told me that I could try a gluten-free diet, regardless of my test-result, so I did.

I'm glad to have found this group. I've already learned a lot and I've only been on here for a few minutes!

[tarnalberry]

You have DH and he said you "could" try a gluten free diet? Dumb doctor. DH is a positive marker for celiac disease. Not every celiac has DH, but everyone with DH has celiac. If you have DH you SHOULD remain completely gluten free.

[K8ling]

WELCOME!! We all have had experiences with doctors who make us wonder why they are doctors...it sounds like you just had one. DH is FOR SURE Celiac. Ugh

Like i said, welcome to the club, and we are all here to help!

[firefightersgal]

WELCOME!! We all have had experiences with doctors who make us wonder why they are doctors...it sounds like you just had one. DH is FOR SURE Celiac. Ugh

Like i said, welcome to the club, and we are all here to help!

Thanks very much for validating what I had read before--that DH=Celiac. My doc was thinking that I might have hepatitis, but I have no risk factors for it. I'm anxious to get my blood test back, but I have been gluten free for 2 1/2 days and will continue to do so.

[butterfl8]

Well, ditto K8ling and Tiffany, Dumb Dr! Welcome...To feeling a million times better. Reoccuring ulcer? That was me too. My Dr. and I both said that was due to my particular life stresses. Now we know better! Same stresses, only I either am dealing with them better; or, I'm not poisoning myself with gluten and therefore feel like a new woman. (And I'm not treating them by eating bagels. . . oops)

In any case, clean out your house as much as you can, free yourself of all gluten, including beauty products, and enjoy feeling better. Welcome to the forum! (Smart hubby too! Aren't they the best?)

-Daisy