Actually Praying That I Have Celiacs...please Read!

[zebaldwin]

Like many of the stories on here I have read, I have had many symptoms for a long time with no diagnosis or reprieve.

I really dont want to get my hopes up, but I have related a lot to these symptoms.

Here is my story (in brief)

I have had bad chronic daily headaches/migraines for years (cant remember when they started). They are a nauseous feeling headache, almost feel poisoned, or carsick or feverish (without a fever). Its almost like if you get the flu, that sick-feeling headache. More recently I have developed a "brain fog", diziness, out of it, feeling.

I have had some digestive problems for a long time as well, however I dont get sick after every meal or anything (not sure if this excludes me or not)

Other "symptoms" include sensitivity to light (especially at night), occasional weird circular rashes (mainly on my chest), my immune system is very weak (I get sick a lot) and because of it all I am pretty sure I at least have some anxiety.

There is a lot more to it, but that it is a nutshell.

Basically, does this sound like gluten could be my problem?

I plan on attempting to start a gluten free diet tomorrow. How long should I continue it before I can rule gluten out as my problem?

This may sound strange, but it will be the best day of probably my life if I find out gluten is the problem.

I appreciate any input!

Zack

[mcc0523]

I am so new to this that I cannot even say that it "sounds like" celiac. I just wanted to let you know that I completely understand that you wish you have celiac.

As you can tell by my signature, I have many health issues that have been diagnosed. The majority of them (especially the POTS, EDS, and osteoporosis) were just diagnosed within this past year. Before then, I was just psychosomatic, or even worse, making up my symptoms completely. While, with the EDS, there is nothing I can do to reverse it (or even treat it so much, except manage symptoms), being able to point to a specific reason why I feel so terrible all of the time is a huge relief by itself. If, by going gluten-free, I can even better manage my symptoms (especially joint pain), then I will be thrilled beyond belief.

[sb2178]

Weird circular rashes point to Lyme disease if I remember correctly, so whether or not you pursue gluten issues, be sure to investigate that.

Also, be aware that once you are on a gluten-free diet medical testing is INVALID. So, if you want formal testing, do that before going on a gluten-free diet. Diet trials and challenges, however, provide useful and very helpful information so I'm not saying don't do them!

[cassP]

sure! all your symptoms could be gluten related most definitely- but like above poster mentioned with Lyme disease (which i know nothing about)-> make sure you are also checking everything else.

and like said above- a celiac blood panel will not be accurate if you've been gluten free.

and yes- you dont have to get sick after every meal to have a gluten problem. in the past, i didnt always get sick. but, really- i always had some sort of symptom lingering around after eating it. and i also suffered from depression, anxiety, brain fog, and oversleeping amongst countless other symptoms.

hope you find some answers !!!

[zebaldwin]

I have been tested for lyme and I do not have it. I should have been more specific about the rash thing, they are not the bullseye rash and they are numerous.

As far as going gluten free before getting tested, I just want to do it and see if I get results. I dont care about it being official, I just want to feel good.

If I go gluten free for say a week, feel good, then want to get tested how long do I have to eat gluten again? Still for the full 3 months?

[zebaldwin]

also, can my general doctor do the test or do i need to see a specialist? (if i get the test) thanks for your quick responses so far!