Help Needed!

[meg6784]

I'm thinking about going gluten free because I'm out of ideas as to what is causing my issues. For at least 10 years I can remember having some of these symptoms. I usually alternate between constipation and diarrhea all the time. It seems that rarely do I have a normal stool. I get canker sores at least once a month. I have been plagued by chronic yeast infections for at least the last 12 years. I am currently taking probiotics and I still have yeast infections. A lot of times after eating I would get stomach cramps and uncomfortable bloating. I have gas constantly sometimes so painful that it hurts to stand up straight. These are just some of the things that are concerning me. I'm really at a loss. I thought that what I was going through was just normal for me, but now I'm starting to think otherwise. I would love for some input from others.

[adab8ca]

I'm thinking about going gluten free because I'm out of ideas as to what is causing my issues. For at least 10 years I can remember having some of these symptoms. I usually alternate between constipation and diarrhea all the time. It seems that rarely do I have a normal stool. I get canker sores at least once a month. I have been plagued by chronic yeast infections for at least the last 12 years. I am currently taking probiotics and I still have yeast infections. A lot of times after eating I would get stomach cramps and uncomfortable bloating. I have gas constantly sometimes so painful that it hurts to stand up straight. These are just some of the things that are concerning me. I'm really at a loss. I thought that what I was going through was just normal for me, but now I'm starting to think otherwise. I would love for some input from others.

Have you had any testing at all? Have you talked to your doctor? I would assume that after 10 years you have, sorry, just wondering what they may have said.

The stomach pains and troubles can definitely be celiac but can also be other food intolerances ie dairy. The canker sores can be a symptom of celiac.

I guess at this point, you have 2 options regarding gluten:

1)Go back to your Dr and get tested for the antibodies and see what happens. . Unfortunately, these can sometimes be falsely negative and you still may have celiac or some form of gluten sensitivity. If positive, you can decide to go for a biopsy but again, these can be falsely negative. I almost think I am one of the lucky ones (in a very backhanded way) in that my antibodies were SCREAMING high and my biopsy showed total villous atrophy (the GI could see damage while doing the biopsy).Get checked out for B12, Vitamin D, Iron at minimum. Poor absorption of nutrients shows up in many, many deficiencies. If all comes back positive (or even SOME comes back positive-either antibodies or deficiencies) go gluten free and see if it helps

2) If you have already gone down this road, I would say go gluten free and give it a very very good try. I have a friend that does not appear to have celiac but she has TERRIBLE problems with wheat, symptoms like you describe. Excruciating stomach pains, etc. Eat whole foods, don't try to find gluten-free replacements for bread etc, at least not yet. Fruit, veggies, meat if you eat it. And when I say good try, I mean a few months. I saw a dietician when I was first diagnosed and she said I probably had at least a year before I was significantly better...And she was right....Not to discourage you at all, just that it can take time. Or you may find that you feel fantastic quickly and you have your answer! Again, I was probably lucky with a definitive diagnosis because even though I have felt like crap much of the last year, I knew I had no choice...and yeah, it DOES slowly get better!

Good luck!

[meg6784]

Thanks so much for your insight. The doctors have told me that as far as my yeast infections go, that it's normal and they usually tell me to do the usual Monistat treatment and I've also been prescribed Diflucan once. I am currently on birth control and I know that can cause yeast infections, but I had them even when I wasn't on birth control. I don't feel that having yeast infections for this long is normal at all. I guess I'm just tired of getting the run around.

My son's pediatrician is a more holistic doctor and she deals a lot with food allergies/sensitivities. I intend on asking her for some insight because I feel she'll be more receptive to what I have to say. I also plan on asking her if there's a practitioner like her that deals with adults.

I used to think that my issues were just dairy related, but then my problems continued once I cut out dairy. My doctors that I've had have told me that my symptoms are normal. It's frustrating. Until I find a doctor that will listen, I feel like I'm on my own.

[Melissa B.]

I would definitely consider going gluten free 1-2 weeks to see how you feel. I have two friends that didn't have a normal stool and always had a stomach ache. I suggested they go gluten free and they were also inspired by my story. Within 1 week, they felt great! They continue the diet and now it's so much fun going out to eat together! Also, don't be afraid to try things without a doctor's approval. If you feel good, do it!

[Melissa B.]

Oops forgot something....make sure your birth control and all the other meds you're on (if any), even allergy meds, are gluten free!!!

[adab8ca]

[i used to think that my issues were just dairy related, but then my problems continued once I cut out dairy. My doctors that I've had have told me that my symptoms are normal. It's frustrating. Until I find a doctor that will listen, I feel like I'm on my own.

[meg6784]

I haven't had a steady doctor because of moving around a lot so I've pretty much been dismissed. I haven't had any GI testing done yet. I have also been reading up on the yeast free diet as well as I'm hoping that it will help with my yeast infections. I need to do some more reading before I start that though. I am glad I came here because I really just needed a place where I could be heard. Thanks for listening everyone!

[beachbirdie]

I haven't had a steady doctor because of moving around a lot so I've pretty much been dismissed. I haven't had any GI testing done yet. I have also been reading up on the yeast free diet as well as I'm hoping that it will help with my yeast infections. I need to do some more reading before I start that though. I am glad I came here because I really just needed a place where I could be heard. Thanks for listening everyone!

You might try going completely grain-free/lactose-free. Something like the Open Original Shared Link or the Open Original Shared Link. They are very restrictive, but they can help control the sugar that feeds the yeast.