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I'm Being Impatient, I Know I Am.

DJ Jess

By DJ Jess
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

DJ Jess Newbie
DJ Jess
Posted

I have not been officially diagnosed but have basically self diagnosed through my testing of eating gluten and how it affects my GI issues. Those symptoms are what led me to start reading up on it and that's how I learned about the connection to migraines.

I've basically had a migraine for a month now. (and overall it's been an issue for YEARS.) It got better for a few days about a week or so ago but this last week has been bad again. Prior to going strict gluten-free on Jan 1 I was sort of off and on/gluten light for the few months prior - maybe once or twice a week. (then the GI issues would make me vow not to eat it anymore, I'd decide THAT particular piece of cake looked small and innocent enough, and the cycle would continue.)

I do logically know this can take and will a while. I do. But I'm sitting here with this migraine right now not wanting to do my house work and just wondering why it hasn't gotten better in the two strict weeks I've been on the diet. (I realize how silly that sounds as I type it.)

So I guess I just want to know that the migraine stuff can/will recede eventually? I guess I thought that part would be better right away, without the regular poisoning? I'm not at ALL tempted to cheat though, not even a tiny bit, so that's good at least.

Thank you for taking the time to read me whine, basically. :)

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msmini14 Enthusiast
msmini14
Posted

Are you sure the foods you are eating are gluten-free? Everyone is different, your body might take awhile to heal.

Try eating just whole foods for right now, nothing else. meat, potatoes, rice, yams, veggies, etc.

Hope you feel better soon.

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I also suffered with migraines for years and years. There were times when I didn't have the headache but would still deal with the auras. For me they went away pretty quickly, like within the first month and the last couple years I haven't even had them on the rare times I get glutened.

What are you eating? Are you going with mostly whole unprocessed food? That will help you heal the quickest. It also is a good idea to avoid dairy for a while till you are well healed. Are you be careful to prevent CC? New toaster, colander, cutting boards and replacing scratched pans are things that have to be done. Have you checked all meds and supplements for gluten? Some supplements will have wheat and barley grass, which are not okay, and still put a gluten free label on them. Are you taking anything for the headaches? Make sure it is safe. If you take a script med for them check with your pharmacist and/or the maker to make sure it is gluten free. If you have been taking meds for the headaches regularly sometimes we can get a rebound effect if we stop them suddenly, don't know if that might be an issue for you.

I hope the headaches stop for you soon. I know how painful they are. Take it easy on yourself if the housework doesn't get done today. The dishes and dust will still be there tomorrow. If there is anyone that can help out that's great, if not just let things go today except for essentials like feeding pets or kids if you have them.

srall Contributor
srall
Posted

I agree with losing the dairy and keeping the foods unprocessed. It took 2 full weeks until I started feeling even a little bit better. I think I got worse before I got better. But when the fog lifted...oh boy...life completely changed and I wasn't going back for a king's ransom. I bet if you can be really strict with your diet you'll start to notice huge changes soon. Also, no caffeine, low sugar. The diet really isn't much fun, but feeling good makes it worth it.

DJ Jess Newbie
DJ Jess
Posted
  • Author

Thank you all so much for the replies, I really appreciate it.

I live with my boyfriend and we just have a dog. He's been very understanding and supportive. I did get new cutting boards, colander, muffin tins, non-stick pans and cooking spoons/spatulas. All the new ones are red so that it's easy for him to remember: red = gluten free.

I've only been out to eat once and had just an omelette, no sides. I didn't feel bad after that. I've been super careful at home, replacing the soy sauce, salad dressings, etc. I have had some gluten-free bread and pretzles, but not every single day. I guess I should just shelve those for a while too. I'm vegetarian (not vegan), so that does limit me further, but I'm not willing to budge on that. (Unless and until a doctor or other professional tells me I have to.) So while I do feel like I've been very careful, I also realize that there is a steep learning curve for both me and the boyfriend. (he's not gluten-free) I've been eating gluten-free oats (Bob's Redmill brand, to which I add frozen berries), veggie fritatas I make myself, plain brown rice and smoothies with gluten-free protein powder. That's basically it, with the addition of the occasional gluten-free crackers, etc as mentioned above.

I have not, however, given any thought to the OTC headache pills I've been taking and will call the companies tomorrow. I haven't been taking any RX meds because they make me feel crappy and don't really work. How ironic would it be for the OTC Tylenol, etc to be contributing. I do know about the rebound effect and have grown worried about that since it's been a month of this now and that is plenty of time for that to kick in. I guess I should just cold turkey those too and hope that it all clears itself out in another few weeks.

Again, thank you so much for the replies and help. I appreciate it so much. I don't want to brainstorm too much at my boyfriend about all of this since it's all new to him too and he doesn't have any experience with any of it.

Loey Rising Star
Loey
Posted

I have not been officially diagnosed but have basically self diagnosed through my testing of eating gluten and how it affects my GI issues. Those symptoms are what led me to start reading up on it and that's how I learned about the connection to migraines.

I've basically had a migraine for a month now. (and overall it's been an issue for YEARS.) It got better for a few days about a week or so ago but this last week has been bad again. Prior to going strict gluten-free on Jan 1 I was sort of off and on/gluten light for the few months prior - maybe once or twice a week. (then the GI issues would make me vow not to eat it anymore, I'd decide THAT particular piece of cake looked small and innocent enough, and the cycle would continue.)

I do logically know this can take and will a while. I do. But I'm sitting here with this migraine right now not wanting to do my house work and just wondering why it hasn't gotten better in the two strict weeks I've been on the diet. (I realize how silly that sounds as I type it.)

So I guess I just want to know that the migraine stuff can/will recede eventually? I guess I thought that part would be better right away, without the regular poisoning? I'm not at ALL tempted to cheat though, not even a tiny bit, so that's good at least.

Thank you for taking the time to read me whine, basically. :)

Welcome to the Forum! I'm somewhat new to Celiac (diagnosed in June 2010) and have an ulcer and IBS. For some people it takes a longer time to feel better. I agree that eliminating trigger foods are important. Right now I'm only eating rice, veggies and eggs as most other foods seem to affect me. I've actually had a flare since September and am looking forward to seeing a new GI this Thursday. Just hang in there and make sure everything is gluten-free. A lot of products that say they are gluten-free really aren't. This forum is the best thing that has happened to me since 2010 and my diagnosis. I've never met a wiser, kinder, more compassionate group of people.

Loey biggrin.gif

P.S. it's great that you're not tempted to cheat! Sometimes we can get CC'd by situations around us. Keep up the good work and know that we're all hee for you and whining is definitely allowed.

Loey Rising Star
Loey
Posted

Thank you all so much for the replies, I really appreciate it.

I live with my boyfriend and we just have a dog. He's been very understanding and supportive. I did get new cutting boards, colander, muffin tins, non-stick pans and cooking spoons/spatulas. All the new ones are red so that it's easy for him to remember: red = gluten free.

I've only been out to eat once and had just an omelette, no sides. I didn't feel bad after that. I've been super careful at home, replacing the soy sauce, salad dressings, etc. I have had some gluten-free bread and pretzles, but not every single day. I guess I should just shelve those for a while too. I'm vegetarian (not vegan), so that does limit me further, but I'm not willing to budge on that. (Unless and until a doctor or other professional tells me I have to.) So while I do feel like I've been very careful, I also realize that there is a steep learning curve for both me and the boyfriend. (he's not gluten-free) I've been eating gluten-free oats (Bob's Redmill brand, to which I add frozen berries), veggie fritatas I make myself, plain brown rice and smoothies with gluten-free protein powder. That's basically it, with the addition of the occasional gluten-free crackers, etc as mentioned above.

I have not, however, given any thought to the OTC headache pills I've been taking and will call the companies tomorrow. I haven't been taking any RX meds because they make me feel crappy and don't really work. How ironic would it be for the OTC Tylenol, etc to be contributing. I do know about the rebound effect and have grown worried about that since it's been a month of this now and that is plenty of time for that to kick in. I guess I should just cold turkey those too and hope that it all clears itself out in another few weeks.

Again, thank you so much for the replies and help. I appreciate it so much. I don't want to brainstorm too much at my boyfriend about all of this since it's all new to him too and he doesn't have any experience with any of it.

Hello again,

I'm posting a link to a list of medications that are "supposed" to be gluten-free. I still check with the manufacturer but i thought it might help you. Also, you mentioned that you had an omelet out. They might use the grill to cook sausages or other foods that contain gluten. I know how hard it it to give up everything but I know that I'd give anything right now to go a day without pain.

Loey

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Loey Rising Star
Loey
Posted

Thank you all so much for the replies, I really appreciate it.

I live with my boyfriend and we just have a dog. He's been very understanding and supportive. I did get new cutting boards, colander, muffin tins, non-stick pans and cooking spoons/spatulas. All the new ones are red so that it's easy for him to remember: red = gluten free.

I've only been out to eat once and had just an omelette, no sides. I didn't feel bad after that. I've been super careful at home, replacing the soy sauce, salad dressings, etc. I have had some gluten-free bread and pretzles, but not every single day. I guess I should just shelve those for a while too. I'm vegetarian (not vegan), so that does limit me further, but I'm not willing to budge on that. (Unless and until a doctor or other professional tells me I have to.) So while I do feel like I've been very careful, I also realize that there is a steep learning curve for both me and the boyfriend. (he's not gluten-free) I've been eating gluten-free oats (Bob's Redmill brand, to which I add frozen berries), veggie fritatas I make myself, plain brown rice and smoothies with gluten-free protein powder. That's basically it, with the addition of the occasional gluten-free crackers, etc as mentioned above.

I have not, however, given any thought to the OTC headache pills I've been taking and will call the companies tomorrow. I haven't been taking any RX meds because they make me feel crappy and don't really work. How ironic would it be for the OTC Tylenol, etc to be contributing. I do know about the rebound effect and have grown worried about that since it's been a month of this now and that is plenty of time for that to kick in. I guess I should just cold turkey those too and hope that it all clears itself out in another few weeks.

Again, thank you so much for the replies and help. I appreciate it so much. I don't want to brainstorm too much at my boyfriend about all of this since it's all new to him too and he doesn't have any experience with any of it.

Hello again,

I'm posting a link to a list of medications that are "supposed" to be gluten-free. I still check with the manufacturer but I thought it might help you. Also, you mentioned that you had an omelet at a restaurant. They might use the same grill to cook sausages or other foods that contain gluten. I know how hard it it to give up everything but I know that I'd give anything right now to go a day without pain. Feel free to PM me any time you need to have a sounding board.

Loey biggrin.gif

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DJ Jess Newbie
DJ Jess
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much Loey, I really appreciate it! :) I'll bookmark that list on my phone so I always have it.

Today I feel SO much better. Like, insanely better. :) My head basically doesn't hurt at all (just a little bit a few hours ago), my stomach is quite and calm and I have tons of energy. :) I even dragged my dog down the street for a few miles this morning. :) (meaning we went jogging but for some reason she hangs back some days. :)

I know there will still be ups and downs, and I think your point about the grill makes a ton of sense. I just assumed for some reason that they made omelets in a frying pan. Maybe that was it afterall. Or maybe I'm just still on the road to recovery. (I know I am, actually.) Either way, I so appreciate all the input and really am happy to feel good today.... even if I don't tomorrow for some reason. :)

jenngolightly Contributor
jenngolightly
Posted

Thank you so much Loey, I really appreciate it! :) I'll bookmark that list on my phone so I always have it.

Today I feel SO much better. Like, insanely better. :) My head basically doesn't hurt at all (just a little bit a few hours ago), my stomach is quite and calm and I have tons of energy. :) I even dragged my dog down the street for a few miles this morning. :) (meaning we went jogging but for some reason she hangs back some days. :)

I know there will still be ups and downs, and I think your point about the grill makes a ton of sense. I just assumed for some reason that they made omelets in a frying pan. Maybe that was it afterall. Or maybe I'm just still on the road to recovery. (I know I am, actually.) Either way, I so appreciate all the input and really am happy to feel good today.... even if I don't tomorrow for some reason. :)

Hi there - I get migraines too. They're a major symptom for me that I've been glutened. Just fyi - everyone's symptoms are different AND everyone's symptoms will last a different amount of time. Some people will have symptoms that last a day, some people's symptoms last 10 or more days. So, you may have gotten glutened once and it's just taking a while to feel better. When I get glutened, I get severe side effects immediately, but the lethargy and brain fog last for about a week.

Good luck!

possiblyglutensensitive Explorer
possiblyglutensensitive
Posted

I'm on day 12!

My digestion is much better, my crazy wheat cravings are gone, and yesterday I realized that I am no longer constantly nauseous!

Also I feel as though my pain in my shoulders and neck is a little less. Everything is not so tight anymore. Also the headaches haven't been here for a few days!

Still very irritable and quite depressed from PMS though.

Let's hang in there and give it a few months. :)

DJ Jess Newbie
DJ Jess
Posted
  • Author

Hi Possiblyglutensensitive,

I think you're attitude is right - notice what is better and realize/anticipate that the other stuff will be eventually.

One aspect that I've noticed that is greatly improved is the CRAZY itchiness on my legs that always resulted in me having horrible scratch marks/scabs on my shins and DEEP bruising on my thighs. For a while the bruises on my thighs were shaped like perfect finger marks, each about 4 inches long - that's how hard I was scratching. I don't know if that was DH, as it seems as though blistering is the most common element to that condition and I didn't have that, but for at least 8 years my legs have constantly looked like they went through a meat grinder (sorry, gross image), and now they just don't. No itchiness, no scratchy scabby marks. I can wear a dress without being embarrassed. When I told my doctor about that part she was basically ready to diagnose me right there but sent me for a blood draw anyway. (event though I doubt it will be positive as I was two weeks strict gluten-free at that point and gluten-free light for the few months prior.)

Anyway, it's great to hear other people's stories of discovery and recovery. It's just amazing to read how this one "little thing" can make such a huge difference in people's lives! (clearly I realize it's not a little thing. :) )

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Thank you so much Loey, I really appreciate it! :) I'll bookmark that list on my phone so I always have it.

Today I feel SO much better. Like, insanely better. :) My head basically doesn't hurt at all (just a little bit a few hours ago), my stomach is quite and calm and I have tons of energy. :) I even dragged my dog down the street for a few miles this morning. :) (meaning we went jogging but for some reason she hangs back some days. :)

I know there will still be ups and downs, and I think your point about the grill makes a ton of sense. I just assumed for some reason that they made omelets in a frying pan. Maybe that was it afterall. Or maybe I'm just still on the road to recovery. (I know I am, actually.) Either way, I so appreciate all the input and really am happy to feel good today.... even if I don't tomorrow for some reason. :)

Glad your feeling better. As to the omlette, any restaurant I worked at used the grill to make them as it is easier to fold them. Also some places add a bit of pancake batter to their eggs but they don't say that on the menu. You mentioned eating gluten free oats, not all of us tolerate them so it might be a good idea to drop those for a bit. If you really love oatmeal add them back in after you have healed and eat them daily for a week to check for a reaction.

domesticactivist Collaborator
domesticactivist
Posted

This probably goes without saying, but avoiding caffiene, even small amounts in decaf coffee, may help.

Loey Rising Star
Loey
Posted

I'm on day 12!

My digestion is much better, my crazy wheat cravings are gone, and yesterday I realized that I am no longer constantly nauseous!

Also I feel as though my pain in my shoulders and neck is a little less. Everything is not so tight anymore. Also the headaches haven't been here for a few days!

Still very irritable and quite depressed from PMS though.

Let's hang in there and give it a few months. :)

Hang n there and realize there are a lot of auto immune illnesses connected to Celiac. PMS might be exacerbated by it. We're all here and rooting for you!

Loey

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