What Is Cd..long Post

[louiesgirl2]

I just went back and re-read what celiac disease was. Amazing, I do not know about my family history of this disease as other than a half-brother, I have very little family left. My ancestory is German/Russian Jews, that I know of.

However, my personal history I have always had negative reactions to milk products. Terrible diahrrea, gas, bloating. When I would eat ice cream I felt like I was choking. I also noticed that when I ate, "whole wheat" products, oatmeal, and grains of that nature I would get the same along with fatigue, light headedness, nausea, dry skin, rashes on my eyes and under my breasts and other places on my body at various times. I am always borderline anemia or anemic, depending on if I am eating well and taking my supplements.

I have had more major surgeries that I can count, the last of which was a gastric bypass in 1999. In 2002 I had a very emotional traumatic (to me) event. Plus, I have had several auto accidents, and falls.

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in December of 2004, which was reconfirmed the following January under second opinion.

Now, both of these diseases have similiar symptom, and originally before the Fibro diagnosis, they thought it was menopause, as I have PMS, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, difficulty sleeping (Sleep apnea is also a problem).

My therapist who I am seeing for depression due to all of the above is the one who first suggest Fibro. Then recently, because my symptoms prevail, even with medication, (Welbutrin 150mg daily and provigil as needed), plus I am taking generic prilosec, suggested I get tested for celiac disease as she felt that might be the next course of action.

Of course both my GI and PCP are on vacation. I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy April 12 ( have these every 5 years). I had complained to my GI about my symptoms. All came back negative. Put me on prilosec, which helps a little where my tummy is concerned.

I decided to try gluten-free on my own because I could no longer take the symptoms. I stopped last Thursday 7/7/05. So far, diahrrea has subsided, still gassy (not like before, I am eating beans and veggies and fruit more than before). Some of the other symptoms are still there however, I notice other than the aches and fatigue are subsiding.

After reading lots on this board, I am thinking, gluten-free is the way to go for me even without the testing. If when I see my doctors they want me to go back on gluten so I can be tested, I will do that.

I am just so tired of being sick and tired. My poor DH. He is trying so hard to understand.

Thanks for everyones willingess to share and listen. Sorry this was so long, just so frustrated.

Yours for a gluten-free life,

Phyliss

[watkinson]

Hi louiesgirl2,

You sound alot like me. Definalty get the proper testing. Even if it comes out negative, if you feel better being gluten-free, go for it.

I went undiagnosed for over 20 years. I saw doctor after doctor, specialist after specialist. Was tested for every disease imaginable it seemed, until I did some research myself and found out about celiacs. Had the tests and sure enough.

I had eczema and itchy rashes since I was around 19. Saw many dermatologists over the years. I also have fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropothy (tingling and nubness in the hands and feet) I was so aneimic that when I was 17 and had to have my tonsills taken out. They didn't want to put me to sleep for fear that I would bleed to death, so I sat awake in a dentist like chair while they ripped my tonsils

out!

I thought maybe I was perimenopausal (starting menopause) because I was also having hot flashes and night sweats. Terrible fatigue, depression, sleeplessness, horrendous gastro attacks. After discovering I was a celiac and went gluten-free, everything got much better. A lttile more that a year later and all symptoms are almost gone. I am not even close to menopause, all those symptoms were because of gluten.

Also...see an allergist, maybe you have other food issues besides gluten... and make sure to check your medications to make sure they are gluten-free.

Try taking omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil in pill form) for the depression, I promise you will feel better once you are completely gluten-free.

Good luck, Wendy

[uclangel422]

In relation to what you said about family history, nobody in my family has been confirmed about having this although some refuse to be tested.

My background is Russian Jew on my mothers side where all the likely Celiac family members seem to be lurking.

Good luck with everything. I think i read a study that gluten-free is actually helpful for fibromyalgia too even if it isnt celiac.

[julie5914]

Yeah, I thought I was getting depressed because I had gained some weight, but once I went gluten free about a month ago, I started feeling much better, both digestively and emotionally. I am less anxious and less depressed, even though I do still feel a little depressed in the morning when I can't fit in my jeans! I have much more energy too, both because of the diet and because I am not anemic anymore.