Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Poor Pancreatic Function?

superfob

By superfob
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

superfob Contributor
superfob
Posted

Hi,

I've gone gluten free for 3 weeks now, and am starting to feel a different in terms of mood and energy (not significant, but its definately improving). I just had a thought today that I might be having problems with my pancreas. I've done all the celiac testing so far, everything was negative except my AGA IgA - so I guess I am gluten sensitive and not celiac.

I've noticed that I sometimes get pain under my left ribs (a little below the chest) after eating - especially if its a fattier meal. I also experience weird gurgling sounds in my stomach, sometimes its a gurgle, sometimes it sounds like something is shooting out of a duct, or if lie down before fulling digesting my meal I get a lot of strange sounds. I see signs of malabsorption or incomplete digestion in my stools, and also react badly to high amounts of carbs - increased brain fog and fatigue - if I down a large amount of sugars I'll feel horrible, kinda like prediabetic? I've had several fasting glucose tests and they have been normal, including a 2hr after meal glucose test.

I've read about a link between Celiac and pancreatic insufficiency, so I was wondering if that was causing me these problems (antibodies to the pancreas?). And also, can I expect to recover full function as I go gluten-free for longer and longer periods of time (I've actually eliminated a lot of other allergens as I am just eating meat, veggies, fruits, and rice)? I've read that I should take pancreatic enzymes, but I'm worried about possible side effects. Some people seems to experience pain when taking them, and I've also read that taking enzymes lowers your bodies ability to make them in the future.

Thanks

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cahill Collaborator
cahill
Posted

Hi,

I've gone gluten free for 3 weeks now, and am starting to feel a different in terms of mood and energy (not significant, but its definately improving). I just had a thought today that I might be having problems with my pancreas. I've done all the celiac testing so far, everything was negative except my AGA IgA - so I guess I am gluten sensitive and not celiac.

I've noticed that I sometimes get pain under my left ribs (a little below the chest) after eating - especially if its a fattier meal. I also experience weird gurgling sounds in my stomach, sometimes its a gurgle, sometimes it sounds like something is shooting out of a duct, or if lie down before fulling digesting my meal I get a lot of strange sounds. I see signs of malabsorption or incomplete digestion in my stools, and also react badly to high amounts of carbs - increased brain fog and fatigue - if I down a large amount of sugars I'll feel horrible, kinda like prediabetic? I've had several fasting glucose tests and they have been normal, including a 2hr after meal glucose test.

I've read about a link between Celiac and pancreatic insufficiency, so I was wondering if that was causing me these problems (antibodies to the pancreas?). And also, can I expect to recover full function as I go gluten-free for longer and longer periods of time (I've actually eliminated a lot of other allergens as I am just eating meat, veggies, fruits, and rice)? I've read that I should take pancreatic enzymes, but I'm worried about possible side effects. Some people seems to experience pain when taking them, and I've also read that taking enzymes lowers your bodies ability to make them in the future.

Thanks

Do you still have your gallbladder?? Have you had your gallbladder removed ??

deezer Apprentice
deezer
Posted

Is the pain any worse when:

- sitting

- driving

- moving around?

Do you feel any pain in your back?

I was diagnosed about 1.5 years ago and I took enzymes for awhile until my stool looked normal and I felt better. Not sure if they helped or not though... Problem is that now I feel bad again, the pain in my upper left quadrant is more intense. Possibly I ingested some gluten in a restaurant meal.

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Apparently the inability to properly absorb nutrients can affect the functioning of the pancreas, not allowing it to properly do its job of enzyme production. Many of us take digestive enzymes to aid digestion, as well as probiotics to promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine (and kill off the bad guys in the process). If your food is not being properly digested as it passes through (i.e., still recognizable as carrot or whatever, then I would think the digestive enzymes would be a big help to you. Find a good health food store with someone knowledgeable to help you with the selection of a good gluten free product. :)

superfob Contributor
superfob
Posted
  • Author

I do still have my gallbladder - never had issues with it in the past.

The pain does not seem to be influenced by what I'm doing - if anything it comes after I eat (but its usually pretty mild). I've had pain in my back previously, but I didnt really associate it with gallbladder/pancreas - cause I was getting pains randomly all over my body after starting to take methyl b12. No back pains really recently.

I get these pale looking stools, but its not everyday. Its weird because I will have stools where half of it is pale and half is brown, kinda strange.

Anyways, I will try experimenting with the enzymes, and hopefully the problem goes away, otherwise I'll pay a visit to the doctor.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,912
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    westman3d
    Newest Member
    westman3d
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Rogol72
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @klmgarland, My dermatitis herpetiformis didn't clear up until I became meticulous about cross contamination. I cut out gluten-free oats and all gluten-free foods, dairy and gluten-free rice. Additionally, getting the right amount of protein for my body weight helped significantly in my body's healing process ... along with supplementing with enough of all the vitamins and minerals ... especially Zinc and Magnesium. I went from 70kg to 82kg in a year. Protein with each meal 3 times daily, especially eggs at breakfast made the difference. I'm not sure whether iodine was a problem for me, but I can tolerate iodine no problem now. I'm off Dapsone and feel great. Not a sign of an itch. So there is hope. I'm not advocating for the use of Dapsone, but it can bring a huge amount of relief despite it's effect on red blood cells. The itch is so distracting and debilitating. I tried many times to get off it, it wasn't until I implemented the changes above and was consistent that I got off it. Dermatitis Herpetiformis is horrible, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.  
    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.