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

Gluten Challenge: Tips?!

healinginprogress

Recommended Posts

healinginprogress Enthusiast
healinginprogress
Posted

So...8 months later and I'm FINALLY getting the colonoscopy and gastroscopy I need before I can get surgery. I've still been quite ill, despite going gluten-free, so there is some concern that more is going on, but it may just be the damage they are planning to repair. While they're messing around in there they want to do a biopsy do get the "DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS". So? Gluten Challenge! Well, after merely a day and a half, I understand why it's called a "Challenge"!!!

I'm wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with any of the symptoms? The nausea seems to be the worst for me so far (haven't got to the big "D" yet...), along with a migraine, fogginess, anxiety, and fatigue.

If anyone found great ways to cope with the challenge...please...SHARE!!! :)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


domesticactivist Collaborator
domesticactivist
Posted

I haven't done it, but I have a couple thoughts for you.

1. How long are they having you do the challenge before the biopsy? A few days is not enough for an accurate result.

2. Please record all your symptoms and what you ate in detail. That way if you can't stick with the challenge at least you'll have something to show your doctor.

Good luck!

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Keep a record of symptoms as the other poster stated. In addition if things get bad call the doctor's office and ask to speak with either the doctor or a nurse. They may need to call you back but most will. Then give them all the gory details if you are being woken up at night by the pain and D make sure they know that. Some doctors will advise you to stop the challenge if symptoms are severe.

Googles Community Regular
Googles
Posted

When I get glutened I get nausea for multiple days afterwards (once for 3 months). My doctor prescribed an anti-nausea med to help me be able to eat, as without it I couldn't keep food down. It helped a lot. You might want to look into that for the nausea. I was going to say make sure it is gluten free, but if you are on a challenge, that might not matter.

Monklady123 Collaborator
Monklady123
Posted

So...8 months later and I'm FINALLY getting the colonoscopy and gastroscopy I need before I can get surgery. I've still been quite ill, despite going gluten-free, so there is some concern that more is going on, but it may just be the damage they are planning to repair. While they're messing around in there they want to do a biopsy do get the "DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS". So? Gluten Challenge! Well, after merely a day and a half, I understand why it's called a "Challenge"!!!

I'm wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with any of the symptoms? The nausea seems to be the worst for me so far (haven't got to the big "D" yet...), along with a migraine, fogginess, anxiety, and fatigue.

If anyone found great ways to cope with the challenge...please...SHARE!!! :)

I have no suggestions, but I'm wondering why anyone feels they need a "definitive diagnosis"? seriously... if you feel good when you're off gluten and terrible when you're on it...well then why does it matter to you if you have a diagnosis? I'm using "you" in the general sense, not specifically to the OP. I don't understand why anyone would put themselves through this "challenge".

Googles Community Regular
Googles
Posted

I have no suggestions, but I'm wondering why anyone feels they need a "definitive diagnosis"? seriously... if you feel good when you're off gluten and terrible when you're on it...well then why does it matter to you if you have a diagnosis? I'm using "you" in the general sense, not specifically to the OP. I don't understand why anyone would put themselves through this "challenge".

I don't know if this is why the OP is doing it, but, sometimes people need it for accommodations, like for school or work. Without an official diagnosis from a doctor they don't have to provide those. Also sometimes it is easier for people to stick to the diet when they have an official diagnosis as it is so challenging. It is easier for some people than trying to wonder if it could be something else possibly. Also sometimes family is more accepting with an official diagnosis, and don't question that it is "in the person's head".

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

I have no suggestions, but I'm wondering why anyone feels they need a "definitive diagnosis"? seriously... if you feel good when you're off gluten and terrible when you're on it...well then why does it matter to you if you have a diagnosis? I'm using "you" in the general sense, not specifically to the OP. I don't understand why anyone would put themselves through this "challenge".

I put myself through the challenge because gluten did not make me sick at all. Nil. So, I truly did not believe I had celiac until the biopsies came back positive. So, I needed it to prove that I have the disease otherwise I likely would not have done anything about it. I frankly LOVED the challenge, getting to eat all the yummy gluten I wanted to for three whole months. I made a gigantic list of my favourites and crossed them off as I had them one last time. If I felt terrible on gluten it would likely be a very different story.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


healinginprogress Enthusiast
healinginprogress
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for the responses! Now, I am not a quitter, so I feel a little like I "wimped out", but the intensity of my migraine the 3rd morning definitely changed my mind about the "challenge". I will call the doctor on Monday and see what he says. He did, after all, give me the option. And if I was asymptomatic then I could see staying on the challenge for sure. But I puked so many times yesterday that my throat is sore and that's just not healthy. The pain and the fatigue are not worth it, either. After they do the colonoscopy/endoscopy they are scheduling me for surgery, so I'm going to need to be as healthy as possible going into that. I think this is all the proof I need that I am indeed Celiac!

Why did I want the definitive diagnosis? I'm the type of person who needs to KNOW things. I thrive on information, numbers, facts...not so much theories and probabilities. I like certainty. I know life isn't about certainty, it's just what makes me comfortable. I feel weird saying I have Celiac Disease when I don't have the data to back it up, aside from a very positive blood test and very telling symptoms. I just graduated from university, so I guess I'm used to having to prove things.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      9

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    5. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,322
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Moooey
    Newest Member
    Moooey
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      I might suggest you consider buckwheat groats. https://www.amazon.com/Anthonys-Organic-Hulled-Buckwheat-Groats/dp/B0D15QDVW7/ref=sr_1_4_pp?crid=GOFG11A8ZUMU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bk-hCrXgLpHqKS8QJnfKJLKbKzm2BS9tIFv3P9HjJ5swL1-02C3V819UZ845_kAwnxTUM8Qa69hKl0DfHAucO827k_rh7ZclIOPtAA9KjvEEYtaeUV06FJQyCoi5dwcfXRt8dx3cJ6ctEn2VIPaaFd0nOye2TkASgSRtdtKgvXEEXknFVYURBjXen1Nc7EtAlJyJbU8EhB89ElCGFPRavEQkTFHv9V2Zh1EMAPRno7UajBpLCQ-1JfC5jKUyzfgsf7jN5L6yfZSgjhnwEbg6KKwWrKeghga8W_CAhEEw9N0.eDBrhYWsjgEFud6ZE03iun0-AEaGfNS1q4ILLjZz7Fs&dib_tag=se&keywords=buckwheat%2Bgroats&qid=1769980587&s=grocery&sprefix=buchwheat%2Bgroats%2Cgrocery%2C249&sr=1-4&th=1 Takes about 10 minutes to cook. Incidentally, I don't like quinoa either. Reminds me and smells to me like wet grass seed. When its not washed before cooking it makes me ill because of saponins in the seed coat. Yes, it can be difficult to get much dietary calcium without dairy. But in many cases, it's not the amount of calcium in the diet that is the problem but the poor uptake of it. And too much calcium supplementation can interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in general because it raises gut pH.
    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
×
×
  • 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.