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Thinking I Need To Be Gluten Free

lesliev523

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lesliev523 Rookie
lesliev523
Posted

Hello-

I have had stomach issues for a few years now. I am a 38 year old female, and for the past four years or so, I have had trouble with constipation (to the point where my doctor felt I was becoming dependant on laxitives). I have been extremely bloated, with indigestion and acid reflux. Three years ago, I had appendicitis. Then about four months ago, I started to get gall bladder issues. At least we think. My HIDA scan was normal, but I showed polyps on my ultrasound. I did have an endoscopy, which resulted in some biopsies. As far as I know, the biopsies were normal.... although at the time I was focused on the gall bladder, so I am wondering if I should ask more questions on those results. I had my gall bladder out on Friday 9/16/11. I still feel like crap, although it could be a result of the surgery.

I am thinking of trying to go gluten free because while I was watching what I ate for my gall bladder, I noticed other things. Going low fat didn't necessarily make a difference. I did notice that ice cream, pizza, and burgers made me feel ill. But when I had a plain old order of french fries, I was fine. Beer also triggered me, but not in a stomach issue way... if I had a few beers, I noticed I was extremely stuffed up and congested the next day.

Does this sound like it could be gluten allergies? I am going for a follow up tomorrow, and am going to request a blood test for celiac.... as well as to be tested for other food allergies. I would love some feed back.

Thanks!

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Marilyn R Community Regular
Marilyn R
Posted

It definitely sounds like you're headed down the right road. Can you ask your GI for a copy of the radiology report from the endoscopy biopsies? I've had doctor's offices fail to report abnormal labs...

lesliev523 Rookie
lesliev523
Posted
  • Author

It definitely sounds like you're headed down the right road. Can you ask your GI for a copy of the radiology report from the endoscopy biopsies? I've had doctor's offices fail to report abnormal labs...

That is a good idea. I asked my doctor about it today, and she said there was nothing indicating celiac. I am so frustrated.

So do I try to go gluten free until they decide to do the allergy tests? I have to wait a few more weeks before I can have that done because they want to make sure I am fully recovered from having my gall bladder out first. UGGH!! HELP!!

Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted

I wouldn't think having your gallbladder out would affect the celiac blood tests.

lesliev523 Rookie
lesliev523
Posted
  • Author

I wouldn't think having your gallbladder out would affect the celiac blood tests.

I agree.... but they think that I should start feeling better and that the issues I am having currently are related to the surgery. Honestly, I don't think it is. It is almost like I feel worse than I did before surgery. Sure, I am still surgery sore. But the nausea, cramping, and gas are so much worse than before. And I really don't think that those symptoms are surgery related.

I almost think that my doctors think I am silly for questioning gluten, and that they keep putting me off.

So should I just go gluten free and to hell with the testing?

Bubba's Mom Enthusiast
Bubba's Mom
Posted

If you're still eating gluten I'd ask for a Celiac blood panel to be done at the very least. In some people (about 30%)the blood tests come back normal even with Celiac disease..and..you could still have a sensitivity/intollerance if not full blown Celiac.

Your symptoms sound like you have a problem with gluten.

If your Dr doesn't want to run the test, or if it comes back negative you can still try eliminating gluten on your own and see how you feel.

GB problems/symptoms are pretty common in Celiacs. Most Dr.s have a very narrow range of symptoms they think of in regards to the disease and are relunctant to test or DX it. Keep pushing for answers.

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    • 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.  
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      By SilkieFairy · Posted

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