Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • 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

Could These Be Symptoms Of Celiac?


Nami

Recommended Posts

Nami Newbie

Hi, I am new to the forum here and have a few questions.

For quiet a long time I have always had problems with bad cramping (since I was a teenager, I am 39 now) Over the past two years this seems to have gotten worse. Over the past month I have been having constipation problems, I wont be able to go for 5-6 days, when I do go its a all day process, with severe cramping (to the point of almost passing out) and diarrhea. I have tried alot of things, metamucil, probiotics, yogurt etc. I decided to try the gluten free diet. I have been on the diet now for 3 weeks.

I was doing ok, I was not cramping as much. I still had some problems with constipation but took something for it.

This past weekend I had the worst episode that I have ever had. I was back and forth to the bathroom for over 8 hours. I finally got some sleep, when I woke up the next morning I was still cramping went to the bathroom and had diarrhea. When I looked in the toilet I noticed what appeared to be a blood clot with bright red blood around it. This scared the hell out of me and I went to the ER. The doctors there told me it looks like I have IBS, sent me home with a bentyl prescription for cramps (which by the way gave me panic attacks) and told me to see a GI.

Before this episode started I had eaten some soup with chicpeas in it. I don't know if they were CC with gluten. But when actually the cramps started is when I was cooking some ramen noodles for my daughter. I had went to go strain the noodles and the steam hit me in my face, this is when my cramping started and it went all down hill from there.

Can you get gluten from noodle steam? (sorry, may sound wierd?)

Does it sound possible that I may have Celiac? or does it sound like IBS.

Being off the gluten has made me feel a bit better, but I now have symptoms of being dizzy and not being able to focus well.

I have a doctors appt next week with a GI.

Is there any specific tests that I should ask for?

Thank you for any advice or input that you can give.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



beebs Enthusiast

Hi, I am new to the forum here and have a few questions.

For quiet a long time I have always had problems with bad cramping (since I was a teenager, I am 39 now) Over the past two years this seems to have gotten worse. Over the past month I have been having constipation problems, I wont be able to go for 5-6 days, when I do go its a all day process, with severe cramping (to the point of almost passing out) and diarrhea. I have tried alot of things, metamucil, probiotics, yogurt etc. I decided to try the gluten free diet. I have been on the diet now for 3 weeks.

I was doing ok, I was not cramping as much. I still had some problems with constipation but took something for it.

This past weekend I had the worst episode that I have ever had. I was back and forth to the bathroom for over 8 hours. I finally got some sleep, when I woke up the next morning I was still cramping went to the bathroom and had diarrhea. When I looked in the toilet I noticed what appeared to be a blood clot with bright red blood around it. This scared the hell out of me and I went to the ER. The doctors there told me it looks like I have IBS, sent me home with a bentyl prescription for cramps (which by the way gave me panic attacks) and told me to see a GI.

Before this episode started I had eaten some soup with chicpeas in it. I don't know if they were CC with gluten. But when actually the cramps started is when I was cooking some ramen noodles for my daughter. I had went to go strain the noodles and the steam hit me in my face, this is when my cramping started and it went all down hill from there.

Can you get gluten from noodle steam? (sorry, may sound wierd?)

Does it sound possible that I may have Celiac? or does it sound like IBS.

Being off the gluten has made me feel a bit better, but I now have symptoms of being dizzy and not being able to focus well.

I have a doctors appt next week with a GI.

Is there any specific tests that I should ask for?

Thank you for any advice or input that you can give.

Your symptoms absolutely could be celiac. Are you in the states or somewhere else? The reason I ask is because over here in Oz you can get the genes test bulk billed but you can't in the states and I believe its very pricey.

Do you actually eat gluten? If you don't the tests will come back negative regardless of if you are Celiac if you are gluten free.

So ask for a celiac panel, genes test depending on where you are, plus ask for Full blood count, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc etc. These were all out of whack with my family before they were diagnosed!

Blood in the stool can also be a symptoms of Crohn's. So make sure you mention it to the Dr.

I'm sure I have forgotten something but the others will be on to tell you what else to do..

ravenwoodglass Mentor

First if you have been on the diet for 3 weeks you would need to go back on gluten for a bit to get tested. Many of us become more sensitive after we have gone gluten free and the symptoms become worse when we get CC'd. That is a good sign that the diet is what you need. CC can come from a variety of places in a mixed household, shared toaster, condiments, nut butters, handling gluten foods and then our food without washing our hands first is also enough to get us.

The best test is how we respond on the diet and how we react when gluten sneaks in. Whether gluten is an issue for you I can't say for sure but it does sound like your in the right place.

Nami Newbie

@Beebs

I am in the states. I have not eaten anything with gluten in it for 3 weeks or at least that I am aware of. There are 5 other people in the house who eat gluten, so the house/kitchen is not gluten free. I will be sure to mention the blood to the doctor. Although at the ER this did not seem to concern them (go figure).

@ravenwoodglass

I am really afraid to go back on the gluten. If it is absolutely necessary I will go back to eating it and hope that I don't end up back at the ER. My symptoms were already severe before I stopped the gluten, if being off it and then going back on it makes it worse, then that is definitely a scary thought.

beebs Enthusiast

@Beebs

I am in the states. I have not eaten anything with gluten in it for 3 weeks or at least that I am aware of. There are 5 other people in the house who eat gluten, so the house/kitchen is not gluten free. I will be sure to mention the blood to the doctor. Although at the ER this did not seem to concern them (go figure).

@ravenwoodglass

I am really afraid to go back on the gluten. If it is absolutely necessary I will go back to eating it and hope that I don't end up back at the ER. My symptoms were already severe before I stopped the gluten, if being off it and then going back on it makes it worse, then that is definitely a scary thought.

My symptoms escalated badly when I went of gluten and then 6 weeks later ate gluten again. I ended up in emergency and now there is just no way I can do the challenge. Its up to you if you feel like you need a diagnosis or not? Your really need to be eating gluten to be tested - otherwise you'll never really know anyway? Was it negative because you aren't celiac or because you weren't eating gluten? Its a tough place you are in - me personally wish I had of been tested while eating gluten. I just thought I'd do a gluten challenge and was quite looking forward to eating KFC - hahah! Funny - didn't even eat it when I ate gluten - but now I can't have it I really want it! Anyway - that is not an option for me as my reactions are severe.

Good luck!

Bubba's Mom Enthusiast

If you passed a clot and some bright red blood, that would indicate it came from the colon or rectum(lower part of the intestines). You could have a hemmorhoid, or you could have a couple of other issues going on. (Crohn's, diverticulitis,polyp, or an AVM [bleeding vein])from going to the bathroom a lot or straining to go.

Don't panic, but go to your Dr. and tell him all of your symptoms. Sometimes it helps to write everything down so you don't forget when you talk to the Doc.

Nami Newbie

If you passed a clot and some bright red blood, that would indicate it came from the colon or rectum(lower part of the intestines). You could have a hemmorhoid, or you could have a couple of other issues going on. (Crohn's, diverticulitis,polyp, or an AVM [bleeding vein])from going to the bathroom a lot or straining to go.

Don't panic, but go to your Dr. and tell him all of your symptoms. Sometimes it helps to write everything down so you don't forget when you talk to the Doc.

Thank you for your input. After reading your reply I did some research. It seems like my symptoms may be more closely related to Chrons. I wonder though if there still may be some type of gluten intolerance as well. I guess I will find out soon enough. The not knowing is killing me.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



beebs Enthusiast

Apparently some people with crohn's do improve on a gluten free diet. So best to get a GI asap.....good luck I hope its not that!

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      130,938
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Moni74sl
    Newest Member
    Moni74sl
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):




  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Wheatwacked
      This is not a weakness.  It is a serious threat to your health.  I once read an interview with a representitive of a large company.  He proudly stated that his wheat based product is more addictive than potato chips.  The other issue is cultural.   Perhaps this book will help Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together.  It is published here on Celiac.com free to read.  Chapter 1 starts here Gluten-Centric Culture: The Commensality Conundrum - Chapter 1 - Are You Kidding? At first I ate anything, regardless of nutritional value. Fritos, M&M Peanuts, potato chips, fruit, steak; anything else. Like most habits, it takes about thirty days create the gluten free habit. Pretend you've moved to another country where the food is entirely different.  Don't try to recreate your old diet based from commercial gluten free foods.  Gluten free foods are not fortified, so be aware of vitamins and mineral intake, especially vitamin D.  Vitamin D deficiency is practically a given.  You probably already have deficits from the malabsorption caused by villi damage. Some symptoms respond immediately, others take time to heal.  I counted 19 different symptoms that got better.  Some, like permanent stuffed nose, I was told was normal for some people. Welcome aboard @Crossaint !  
    • cristiana
      Great advice from @trents.  A couple of other tips. Firstly, always try to have a good stock of gluten-free alternatives in the house so you aren't tempted to give in when there is nothing else available. Secondly,  as you will have noticed, gluten-free bread does taste quite different from regular bread.  But I think it was my GP who said making toast with it makes it taste much more like the usual stuff - and I would agree there. If you haven't already I suggest you give it a try. But remember, you will either need to toast it under a clean grill, or your Mom will need to buy you your own dedicated gluten-free toaster.
    • trents
      Welcome to the forum, @Crossaint! Are you living in the same home with your mother? Your experience with the cravings is very common in the celiac community, especially among the recently diagnosed. It might surprise you to hear this but gluten has addictive qualities much like opiates. It plugs into the same pleasure sensors as gluten in the brain and so for some people, there can be a significant withdrawal experience. It usually begins to subside in a matter of weeks but is perpetuated with inconsistency.  I think three major things need to happen for your to get on top of this: 1. You need to understand that more is at stake here than the number of bathroom trips you make if you can't stick to your gluten free diet. There can be some serious long-term health consequences such as osteoporosis, neurological damage, a host of medical conditions related to poor vitamin and mineral absorption and even small bowel lymphoma.  2. You need to help your mom understand how serious this is and how important it is to your long term health to be consistent in eating gluten free. Both you and she need to understand that celiac disease is not just a matter of inconvenience or discomfort from a little GI distress. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the small bowel that can have serious health consequences over time. 3. You need to redirect your mom's baking skills toward creating delicious gluten-free creations. Challenger her with it. Gluten-free does not have to mean "it tastes awful!" One good place to start is with a good gluten-free carrot cake recipe. Another is gluten-free zucchini bread. These are two things that taste just as good made with gluten-free flour as they do with wheat flour. There are a ton of good gluten-free recipes on the Internet. Not everything can be made to taste as good with gluten free ingredients as it does with wheat flour but many things are pretty close. And you know what? After a while, you adjust and many gluten-free foods become the new norm for you. You don't miss the wheat ones so bad anymore. Yes, you may still have flashbacks of "I remember what this or that wheat thing used to taste like and I really miss it" but not so often as time goes on. Check out the relevant sections on this forum for some good recipes and get your mom going on it for the sake of her kid.
    • Crossaint
      Was recently diagnosed with Celiac after almost 16 years of suffering. The first week gluten free was amazing, my brain was working, i wasnt as bloated, i even started to not have to use the toilet 12 times in an hour. Excellent! But i keep having uncontrollable cravings for gluten. My mom is an amazing baker, woth no sympathy for my weakness and live for food, so of cohrse i ended up eating a bunch of gluten today. i dont know how to stop, i know its poison but at the end of the day i just feel like i need it. Will be re attempting gluten free tomorrow, but im scared that i wont be able to stop myself from eating the deliciously poisonous devil that gluten is. 😞
    • Awol cast iron stomach
      I wanted to say hello, and add that  early in eating gluten free I had  to avoid processed foods due to too many ingredients. I also had additional intolerances that needed time to subside. My team suggested I limit gluten free processed foods, as I was having issues with items with too many ingredients. I see Trents explained some of the culprits when he responded.  I found it helpful to go whole foods  diet. When I need inspiration I found Paleo and AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) recipes helpful to offer variety to my palate.  Often our bodies in the early stages prefer we go whole foods/ minimal processed foods. In turn, I realized I prefer freshly made salad dressing which I still make to this day. My pocketbook also finds making my own has its benefits.    Best wishes.  
×
×
  • Create New...