Just Started The Gluten Free Diet.

[akate]

I need some help. I'm 18, and I was diagnosed in February, but I would give in to the foods I love, but I am now completely gluten free (for the past two months).

Anyway, I have also been diagnosed with MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease) about a year before being diagnosed with celiac and haven't had any symptoms at all. For the past few days, my knee, hips and ankles have been sore (not all at the same time), I'm really tired and I've been getting depressed. I thought I was supposed to feel better emotionally as well as physically? I was going fine until the past month. Is that normal?

Also, is it true that I have to change my shampoo? Can shampoo have gluten in it?

I just want some help. I really hate feeling low, I always had low self-esteem, but its gotten worse lately. Thanks to anyone in advance who can shed some light.

[smc]

Hi, Do you think you might be getting some small amounts of gluten? Remember to check not only all foods but medications and vitamins as well. I have been gluten free for 2 years and was too doing great until a couple of months ago. I started having indigestion and reflux all day everday. I seem to be feeling much better the last week so I am wondering if I was glutened and am healing. I did this same thing last year for about the same number of weeks and it just went away. Remember cosmetics like chapstick-lipstick can contain gluten. Maybe give it a little time and see if you start to improve. I know it is so frustrating! When you feel good physically ,however ,you will feel good mentally. Many people when glutened feel crappy, nasty, anxious, depressed etc when they get gluten exposure. Also just dealing with this disease can be so overwhelming at times. As far as shampoo I used to use the Dove line because they claim to be gluten free. I was afraid of ingesting small amounts in the shower which is possible but I no longer do I am just very careful. I think that is your choice. I hope you start feeling better soon!

[mushroom]

Unfortunately yes, gluten lurks in the strangest places and you do have to ferret it all out. Some are more sensitive to trace amounts than others; it sounds like you could be quite sensitive. Don't forget to check all scrips and OTC meds for gluten as wheat is a common binder. If your pharmacist will not help you, email or telephone the manufacturer. Prescription drugs are not required to label their fillers, only their active ingredients, and sadly, even the manufacturer does not know if there is gluten in a given drug.

Also, it is possible that your MCTD is starting to express itself in overt symptoms. I would check back with the doctor who diagnosed you and seek his help.