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Ibs And Celiac

Martyg

By Martyg
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Martyg Apprentice
Martyg
Posted

Diagnosed in '59 with colitis. Then in the '60's, 70's, 80's, etc. just plan old IBS.

Have recently been diagnosed with celiac. Not sure how long that has been going on. But still have the IBS. Can tell because when I get nervous, I still have to run to the bathroom. I also have Hashi's thyroid and am a vegatarian, which has made eating, especially out, very interesting.

Anyone have any suggestions. I thought that maybe when I went on the gluten free diet that would begin to settle some things down and am not sure how long that takes. Have been gluten free about 3 weeks.

Stomach still feels nervous and jittery, better in the evening.

Thanks.

Marty

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jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Marty-

First off, 3 weeks is still very new to the diet. Most people are on it for several months before they start noticing real improvement. However, some notice things before that time. It depends on the person. But since you have been suffering for a long time, you'll probably need to be patient and give it some time.

Second, are you sure you are completely gluten-free? Most of us thought we were at first and found other thing we hadn't thought of. It can get complicated! Is all your food gluten-free--including meats, beverages, spices, condiments etc. What about cooking utensils etc--is there a risk of cross contamination in your home? Do you eat out very often? And have you cked your products, any kind of lotions, soaps etc. or makeup (can't tell if you are a man or woman--sorry !) :)

One other thought, I would encourage you to keep a food/activity journal. Perhaps there is a link to why you feel a bit better in the evening. Do you think there is some anxiety involved in the 'jittery' feeling you get? Perhaps that is something else you should evaluate.

I had an IBS diagnosis years ago too. Many find their "IBS" symptoms were really Celiac and disappear, some find that a few IBS type symptoms linger. There is recent thread going on about Hashi's here--you could do a search for it if interested.

Something for you to keep in mind, with colitis (do you "technically" still have that as well as Celiac?), is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Several here have had great success with it. There is a thread discussing it here as well. Its also called the SCD diet.

I hope I didn't ask too many questions ! :D Just trying to help you think of things that may not have crossed your mind.

Martyg Apprentice
Martyg
Posted
  • Author
Marty-

First off, 3 weeks is still very new to the diet.  Most people are on it for several months before they start noticing real improvement.  However, some notice things before that time.  It depends on the person.  But since you have been suffering for a long time, you'll probably need to be patient and give it some time.

Second, are you sure you are completely gluten-free?  Most of us thought we were at first and found other thing we hadn't thought of.  It can get complicated!  Is all your food gluten-free--including meats, beverages, spices, condiments etc.  What about cooking utensils etc--is there a risk of cross contamination in your home?  Do you eat out very often?  And have you cked your products, any kind of lotions, soaps etc.  or makeup (can't tell if you are a man or woman--sorry !)  :)

One other thought, I would encourage you to keep a food/activity journal.  Perhaps there is a link to why you feel a bit better in the evening.  Do you think there is some anxiety involved in the 'jittery' feeling you get?  Perhaps that is something else you should evaluate.

I had an IBS diagnosis years ago too.  Many find their "IBS" symptoms were really Celiac and disappear, some find that a few IBS type symptoms linger.  There is recent thread going on about Hashi's here--you could do a search for it if interested.

Something for you to keep in mind, with colitis (do you "technically" still have that as well as Celiac?), is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.  Several here have had great success with it.  There is a thread discussing it here as well.  Its also called the SCD diet.

I hope I didn't ask too many questions !  :D  Just trying to help you think of things that may not have crossed your mind.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Martyg Apprentice
Martyg
Posted
  • Author

Sorry, got a little confused on trying to answer the message.

I've been very careful with regard to the food coming into the house. Even bought a separate toaster, and husband is eating same as I am. I read everything I buy, but then always did due to being a vegartarian and always concerned about what was "in" things.

My shampoo's check out as does my makeup and my medication. I only take Armour for my thyroid. When we go out I am quite vocal about what I can and cannot have (I usually call beforehand) and the places have been very accommodating.

I know that I need to give it time, but once you receive a diagnosis and you begin to make some changes, I believe your thought process begins with "okay, I should feel better now".....I know that is not logical, more hopeful.

I guess being new to this problem, just need some guidance and appreciate your feedback.

As far as the colitis...........after the bout in '59, was thereafter diagnosed with IBS. Still have rumblings and gas...........IBS or celiac??? Who knows. I will try to take it day by day and post questions here for needed help.

Thanks.

Marty

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Marty-

Well, we're glad you're here to join us. I understand the expectation... I had heard of people who felt better within a week--it does happen. I'm not one of those myself. I have been gluten-free for 6 mos, and have noticed few changes. I am not constipated like I was before for years--which is great, and I've noticed my fingers are growing really fast now ! Unfortunately the fatigue and fibromyalgia symptoms linger. But I am still fighting thru it. This past week I have felt energized in a new way that is hopeful. The gluten-free diet does seem to do wonders for most, however some of us have to try other things as well--additional vitamins, eliminating others foods b/c of intolerances (often times dairy, soy, yeast, egg), or trying something like the SCD diet. I definitely suggest the food journal--you may find something you weren't expecting. That's how I figured out I can't tolerate soy. It does seem like with your history that you've probably had celiac disease for years...that is how I am as well. It seems the longer you've had it, the longer healing time is required. Keep experimenting and asking questions! I'm sure others will give you some feedback as well. Nice to meet you :)

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