Does This Sound Like Gluten Intolerance?

[Vagabond]

Howdy all,

I'm sure there are quite a few posts like this - but I'm looking for an opinion from all you experts. Am I crazy for thinking I may have a gluten sensitivity? This is me:

Hashimoto's (hypothyroid)

nasal congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip - since I can remember

last several months with major bloating/gas/abdomen distension

fairly frequent constipation

major fatigue in the afternoons

crazy itchy calves and tailbone area in the winter

last several months of severe hip pain upon standing after sitting

last several months of plantar fasciitis, both feet

reactive hypoglycemia

depression/anxiety issues last several years

Other than the above, I'm a pretty healthy, active 46 year old female. I don't know if the above can all be tied together in one diagnosis, but several of those seemingly unrelated symptoms all began at the same time, a few months ago.

Went to the gastro doc yesterday, still waiting for labs to come back. His money is on lactose intolerance - but I'm not sure I buy that..... Maybe I'm just cynical, but I don't expect much from the doc. He didn't seem to buy that anything other than gastro symptoms could point to gluten.....and he wasn't interested in my diet at all, which I found weird, considering I was there for stomach issues....

Any thoughts?

Thanks so much!!

[Lori2]

I am definitely no expert and can only give you my opinion. When I went to the GI doc a year ago (after a negative celiac panel) for my diarrhea and 15# weight loss, his solution was to eat what I want and take Imodium. I tried it for about six months and felt like garbage. When I finally went on a gluten free diet the first thing I noticed, besides the diarrhea clearing, was that my life-long nasal congestion, post nasal drip, cough was gone. Other neurological things have also changed--neuropathy, depression, fatigue, sleep--but it takes time and, aside from helps like this forum, you're basically on your own.

[Vagabond]

I am definitely no expert and can only give you my opinion. When I went to the GI doc a year ago (after a negative celiac panel) for my diarrhea and 15# weight loss, his solution was to eat what I want and take Imodium. I tried it for about six months and felt like garbage. When I finally went on a gluten free diet the first thing I noticed, besides the diarrhea clearing, was that my life-long nasal congestion, post nasal drip, cough was gone. Other neurological things have also changed--neuropathy, depression, fatigue, sleep--but it takes time and, aside from helps like this forum, you're basically on your own.

Thanks for your input - I do appreciate it! I've made the commitment to go gluten free, and I'm really hoping for the best. I know it will take some time - but I do believe I already feel some benefits at the one week mark.....

[mushroom]

Thanks for your input - I do appreciate it! I've made the commitment to go gluten free, and I'm really hoping for the best. I know it will take some time - but I do believe I already feel some benefits at the one week mark.....

One thing to be aware of -- if your blood work comes back positive your doctor might refer you to a GI for an endo with biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This procedure should be done while you are still eating gluten or you risk a false negative result.