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Constipation & Abdominal Pain/cramps

pondy

By pondy
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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pondy Contributor
pondy
Posted

I gather that most celiacs have the "big d" as a primary symptom of glutening - as opposed to constipation.

I'm looking for others like me who are dealing with painful, incomplete "evacuations". What helps?

Things I've tried include MiraLax, tons of water, pears, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts. I'm also taking 2 vitamin supplements - D and B12. I'm also cutting out dairy, just in case I've become lactose intolerant.

All the doctors I've seen said that my celiac disease presented as "atypical", which is why they didn't suspect it. Everywhere I read about celiac it seems like this particular symptom doesn't fit. There's no doubt that I have it. It was confirmed with an endoscope & blood work.

I just feel different & I'm seeking others with this particular symptom. Please, if anyone can relate I would so much appreciate some advice.

Thanks.

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shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

God,yes. Thats part of what i go through (along with severe indigestion). I increase my veggie/fruit intake and if that doesn't work i eat 4 prunes..... normally that'll get me going again.

Hawthorn Rookie
Hawthorn
Posted

That is one of my symptoms too. The big D happens, but only on occasion, and is usually followed by this. I'm strugglign at the moment with it to be honest, since being on the gluten challenge. My stomach is also very off, so I'm limited to what I can eat without that kicking up a fuss. All I am doing is plenty of fresh fruit and veg (non acidic), tons of water and exercising. Prunes would probably cure it for me, but honestly I would rather eat spiders. I can't abide the things :blink: I've also cut the caffeine out and switched to herbal tea (mainly chamomile since it soothes my stomach). If I notice an improvement after the caffeine had a chance to get out of my system I'll let you know.

After a year off the gluten for the most part, this had resolved and for the first time like ever, I was normal in that department. Gluten challenge messed it all up again for me *sigh*

I hope you see some improvement soon - try the chamomile tea. I find it helps somewhat with the cramps, although I found it was a bit of an acquired taste

stellinpa Newbie
stellinpa
Posted

My digestive system has always worked slowly. A year or so of abusing laxatives (Bulimia) didn't help the situation. I have not found anything that works but I haven't tried all the remedies. I'm still trying to figure what has caused a recent return of my symptoms so I'm eliminating things until I feel better then I will try things like Miralax and Flax seed.

pondy Contributor
pondy
Posted
  • Author

Thanks all!

I've been this way (constipated) for longer than I can remember - but during the past 2 weeks or so I've been extra crampy & backed up. It's embarrassing, not to mention painful.

I suppose the coffee I just drank isn't helping any....

I've tried to cut down my caffeine intake - just can't do it. I do love chamomile tea though - will try it tonight.

Exercise - I used to do this daily till this preoccupation with my health took over. My fault for letting that happen, I know. It does irk me that I'm paying for a gym membership that I use maybe once a week. Lately I simply feel terrible. No motivation, too ill, etc...

I needed a reminder to increase my veggie intake. I've been good with fruit, but not so much so with the greens.

Again, thank you for the advice.

tarnalberry Community Regular
tarnalberry
Posted

Dairy causes me constipation.

shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

Thanks all!

I've been this way (constipated) for longer than I can remember - but during the past 2 weeks or so I've been extra crampy & backed up. It's embarrassing, not to mention painful.

I suppose the coffee I just drank isn't helping any....

I've tried to cut down my caffeine intake - just can't do it. I do love chamomile tea though - will try it tonight.

Exercise - I used to do this daily till this preoccupation with my health took over. My fault for letting that happen, I know. It does irk me that I'm paying for a gym membership that I use maybe once a week. Lately I simply feel terrible. No motivation, too ill, etc...

I needed a reminder to increase my veggie intake. I've been good with fruit, but not so much so with the greens.

Again, thank you for the advice.

I also heard walking alot helps things 'get moving'

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Harpgirl Explorer
Harpgirl
Posted

Thanks all!

I've been this way (constipated) for longer than I can remember - but during the past 2 weeks or so I've been extra crampy & backed up. It's embarrassing, not to mention painful.

I suppose the coffee I just drank isn't helping any....

I've tried to cut down my caffeine intake - just can't do it. I do love chamomile tea though - will try it tonight.

Exercise - I used to do this daily till this preoccupation with my health took over. My fault for letting that happen, I know. It does irk me that I'm paying for a gym membership that I use maybe once a week. Lately I simply feel terrible. No motivation, too ill, etc...

I needed a reminder to increase my veggie intake. I've been good with fruit, but not so much so with the greens.

Again, thank you for the advice.

These are the symptoms that prompted me to go to my dr in the first place. When I get glutened, the cramping is so bad, I can't focus on much else. I too gave up exercise for the exact same reasons but now that I'm feeling better, I'll be picking it back up when I return from vacation (provided I don't get glutened during the trip :P ). Granted, my blood test was negative, but I only had the major symptoms for a month before being tested, and since my grandmother definitely has celiac, well...

josh052980 Enthusiast
josh052980
Posted

I get the abdominal pain/cramping, but not diarrhea or constipation. We all tend to personalize this though it seems. The trick is going to be finding something that works well for you to get over it. If you live in part of the country that's going through this hot spell right now, you may wanna try to stay more hydrated also.

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

I've read different articles that 30% of Celiacs present with constipation.

It has so many different symptoms and body types and doctors just miss the dignoses.

CourtneyLee Contributor
CourtneyLee
Posted

I get HORRIFIC abdominal pain and cramps. When I have first been glutened, I have the 'Big D' for around 1 or 2 days, and it then turns into constipation.

Bella001 Explorer
Bella001
Posted

I gather that most celiacs have the "big d" as a primary symptom of glutening - as opposed to constipation.

I'm looking for others like me who are dealing with painful, incomplete "evacuations". What helps?

Things I've tried include MiraLax, tons of water, pears, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts. I'm also taking 2 vitamin supplements - D and B12. I'm also cutting out dairy, just in case I've become lactose intolerant.

All the doctors I've seen said that my celiac disease presented as "atypical", which is why they didn't suspect it. Everywhere I read about celiac it seems like this particular symptom doesn't fit. There's no doubt that I have it. It was confirmed with an endoscope & blood work.

I just feel different & I'm seeking others with this particular symptom. Please, if anyone can relate I would so much appreciate some advice.

Thanks.

I have really bad constipation and large stools. The best thing I found is two large navel oranges every morning. I normallly just juice them and drink it. I've read it has something in it that helps move things along...hope that helps!

burdee Enthusiast
burdee
Posted

I gather that most celiacs have the "big d" as a primary symptom of glutening - as opposed to constipation.

I'm looking for others like me who are dealing with painful, incomplete "evacuations". What helps?

Things I've tried include MiraLax, tons of water, pears, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts. I'm also taking 2 vitamin supplements - D and B12. I'm also cutting out dairy, just in case I've become lactose intolerant.

I just feel different & I'm seeking others with this particular symptom. Please, if anyone can relate I would so much appreciate some advice.

Thanks.

I never had diarrhea, but had chronic constipation, which only decreased slightly after going gluten free. Even eliminating my 6 other allergies and treating 8 gut bugs (5 bacteria, 2 parasites and candida) did not completely resolve my constipation. I tried all the usual suggestions (fiber, fluids, probiotics, exercise, etc.), everything except laxatives, because I did NOT believe my constipation was caused by lack of a laxative drug. Last year I finally found a doctor who wanted to find the cause of all my gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. She ordered lots of blood tests.

She found I had low thyroid function, which was actually Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is highly correlated with (if not caused by) gluten intolerance. Low thyroid causes motility problems, which explains why all the fiber and fluids in the world could not resolve my constipation. After getting enough thyroid supplement (which took awhile to determine) I have normal regularity (no diarrhea, no constipation), no matter what I eat or drink.

So I suggest you get thyroid function tests (TSH, free T3, free T4 and thyroid peroxidase or Hashimoto's antibodies tests). You don't need to have abnormal results for all those tests to show you have low thyroid function. So you might want to see an endocrinologist. If you have low thyroid function, that would explain your constipation, which can easily be resolved with thyroid supplements.

Painful evacuation may also be caused by hemorrhoids. Most creams are ineffective, but sitzbaths in warm water can shrink hemorroids and stop the pain. I had hemorrhoid surgery afer years of chronic constipation, but I used the sitzbath device regularly until I resolve my constipation with thyroid supplements.

pondy Contributor
pondy
Posted
  • Author

I never thought of having my thyroid function tested - Great, great idea!! Thanks very much 'burdee'!!

My doc only found the celiac by accident - totally misdiagnosed me for a couple months prior to my endoscopy. I'm switching providers in December - hopefully then I find someone who has a clue.

Anyway, I just walked 2 miles & ate a few prunes on the way.

Again, I really appreciate all of your input!

THANK YOU!!!!

annegirl Explorer
annegirl
Posted

I've found that drinking warm prune juice before I go to bed is also very helpful. I love prunes and the like so it's not torture for me. And no, you're not alone with that symptom. :)

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