Has It Been The Bread All Along?

[chronicowie]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading through these forums because it has been suggested to me by a doctor (who is also a registered naturopath) that I may be gluten intorlerant and/or celiac.

I've been doing the run around with doctors for about 2 years now after developing disturbing gastro-symptoms while living overseas. I had convinced myself that I must have contracted some stubborn parasite/bacteria that was some how escaping doctor's tests...which led me to this new doc.

After an hour's consultation about my medical history, symptoms, etc. the verdict was not as I'd suspected. Although she agreed that my gut was most likely a mess she felt about 90% sure it was because of gluten and not a sneaky worm. I had bloodwork for celiac done and it was negative...because of my other symptoms, however, the doc wanted me to have an endoscopy anyways. Problem is, I'm not living in my home country and simply can not afford this procedure. When I told her this, she recommended that I should do a 3 month elimination diet instead.

Anyways, I'm hoping to list my symptoms and get some adivce as to whether or not my efforts are in vain (I don't want to be celiac, obviously, but if removing gluten ends this horrible ordeal I am soooo down!)

Problems:

Gastro - A strange combination of both C and D...with terrible abdominal pain

Multiple vitamin deficiencies - low iron, B12, zinc, vitamin d (which I now am suppose to take 4 times the daily dose of!)

Borderline hypothyroid

Wonky periods - Completely off my whole life...never came monthly, have since basically stopped (only 24 years old, by the way)

Fatigue - Always so tired and sleep waaaay too much!

Thanks for reading and for any advice/opinions you might have!

[mushroom]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Kudos to your doctor for suggesting gluten intolerance. I second her suggestion that you eliminate gluten (and also lactose) for three months on a trial basis. Those are all indications of gluten intolerance. And you may have intestinal damage that will make digesting lactose difficult (you could try using Lactaid tablets if they are available where you are). I would anticipate that after three months you will notice a marked improvement.

[Cypressmyst]

I agree with your Naturopath, at least from everything listed here. 3 months is solid but you should begin to see improvement within the first few days with as severe as your stomach symptoms are. So take some comfort in that.

Get off the gluten. You will live a longer, healthier life for it and be amazed at all the little things that clear up that you never even realized were a problem.

Please keep us posted as to your progress!

I should add that this isn't a diet you can cheat on. It is 100% or bust, especially during the first month while your system gets to breath for the first time in your life.

Best of luck and use this forum for support whenever you need it!