Going Back On Gluten Diet

[navyguitar]

I have never been diagnosed with gluten related issues. I had an upper respiratory infection 3 years ago and have never been the same since. My symptoms include:

Chronic rhinitis (3 years)

Brain Fog (cognitive issues)

Lethargy

Fatigue

Visual snow

Inability to have dreams

I just haven't been the same. I make mistakes all of the time. Some of which include simple math mistakes (adding tips up wrong, bank deposits, etc.). This is concerning to me as I graduated with a math based degree. I've been to three different doctors, and they say it is allergy related. The only allergy symptom I have is a congested nose. I can live with that; it is the cognitive issues that are so bothersome. My family has even noticed an extreme difference in me. I just scheduled an appointment with a new doctor, and I plan on being more aggressive.

I have been trying a gluten free diet for about a month. I wasn't 100 percent gluten free the first two weeks, as I wasn't aware of how many things contained wheat. The past two weeks I have been very strict. Basically, eating chicken and rice and items that specifically state gluten free on them. I haven't had any change in my symptoms. I regret going on the diet now, as it may give me a false negative if a celiac panel is ordered. I'm planning on going back on a gluten diet today or tomorrow. How long should I stay on this diet before getting my blood work?

Also, do my symptoms relate to gluten issues? I do not have any bowel issues other than minor constipation. I used to be very regular and go every morning. Now, I go every other day. Sometimes I will go on the third day. I read that this is normal. I do not have any pain. I do remember seeing mucous type stool which could have been fat in my stool. Should I even pursue the gluten avenue with my doctor? What else could be causing my issues? I have heard depression/anxiety or lyme disease.

Thank you for your time

[cassP]

if you're going to get tested- you need to be eating at least 4 slices of bread worth of gluten a day (or more) for at least 6 weeks (or more). my doc put me on only a 2 week challenge- and most of my tests were "inconclusive".

recent studies report ONLY 1 in 6 Celiacs have Gut symptoms. many of us on here & many not on here have additional neurological issues from gluten. some Celiacs or people with gluten sensitivities ONLY have neurological effects. so, yes- your issues COULD be related to gluten of course- or not related too.

a lot of us also get "C" from gluten as opposed to the "D".

good luck with your decisions & testing.

ps- OH and YES- rhinitis could also be related to gluten! as many of us have experienced. &/or dairy &/or thyroid issues. (and of course dairy & thyroid issues often go hand in hand with gluten intolerance.

[ravenwoodglass]

recent studies report ONLY 1 in 6 Celiacs have Gut symptoms. many of us on here & many not on here have additional neurological issues from gluten. some Celiacs or people with gluten sensitivities ONLY have neurological effects. so, yes- your issues COULD be related to gluten of course- or not related too.

Yes and if you don't have gut symptoms the tests may come back a false negative. After you are done with testing give the diet a good 2 or 3 months to see if it helps.