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Absorption Of Medication


Sorrow

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Sorrow Newbie

I'm curious to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 13 years ago. I was diagnosed with celiac this year. For the last ten plus years I have been taking the maximum pain medication (tramadol) that was legal, and my pain was still huge. After I went gluten free I was able to cut down my dosage by a third. However, if I have gluten I start suffering withdrawal from my opiate medicine because I stop absorbing it. Does anyone else have this problem?


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T.H. Community Regular

I have not, however, my GI has mentioned that celiacs' absorption of everything gets, well, pretty wacked when they eat gluten. From what I understand, we can stop absorbing some parts of our medication, but at the same time, we may also absorb MORE of some parts of the medication, too. I think that latter had to do with leaky gut issues.

Basically, he said that we have to be careful with medication when we have gluten.

Skylark Collaborator

I've noticed I'm more sensitive to medications in general. I wonder if I'm absorbing better?

love2travel Mentor

I'm curious to know if anyone else has had a similar experience. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 13 years ago. I was diagnosed with celiac this year. For the last ten plus years I have been taking the maximum pain medication (tramadol) that was legal, and my pain was still huge. After I went gluten free I was able to cut down my dosage by a third. However, if I have gluten I start suffering withdrawal from my opiate medicine because I stop absorbing it. Does anyone else have this problem?

I, too, was diagnosed with FMS and celiac. The maximum dose of Tramadol has not worked for me at all - just like eating candy or something. Same with the other 20 medications I have tried for chronic pain including Oxycontin and morphine. So far after being strictly gluten-free for six months I have even more pain than ever (but I also have major injuries from a few years ago so it is not just FMS). I am going to ask my doctor about Cymbalta again, though, as I have not tried it for three years and perhaps now it will help???!! I know I am absorbing things now because my calves are much better with magnesium and I just noticed the other day (finally) that I am having less fibro and celiac fog. Plus my celiac panel came back last week nearly perfect! YAY!

It does make sense that you would have malabsorption issues when you go back to eating gluten, though. Are you taking any supplements from your chronic pain doctor? Some people with FMS also swear that eliminating nightshades make a difference. I have not yet taken that step but know I should...

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    • trents
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    • Scott Adams
      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
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