Help! Am I Normal?

[jcronan]

HELP!

I am new to the forum and to the Gluten Free lifestlyle. I am still waiting to hear back on the genetic testing. I had an Endoscopy & Colonoscopy done last month and they were inconclusive for Celiacs, but confirmed Chron's. My GI seems to feel based on my symptoms and medical history that there is a good possibility that it is either Celiacs or some other related intolerance. It has been 2 weeks since I took the blood test and I am going crazy waiting. I was told this often has to be sent out to an out-of-state lab and it could take longer than most tests.

I have many of the symptoms of celiacs including a diagnosis when I was an infant. It was never explained to my mother at the time and when I started eating solid foods she simply included wheat/gluten based products in my diet. I have had severe headaches (including migranes) and sinus issues- however my stomach issues have been off & on until the past few years. Now I have issues after almost everything I eat. Additionally, I have had a great deal of weight gain in the past 2 years, desipte a healthy diet & regular exercise. I even ran my first marathon a few months ago. As soon as my training stopped, the pounds came on like crazy even though I still run and cross train frequently.

After reading a great deal on going Gluten free I decided that I would take the plunge and started a few days ago. I do not eat meat (only fish) so it has not been all that easy.

I am looking for any advice from those who have had similar experience. Should I stick to the gluten-free diet? Should I introduce some meat back into my diet? And most of all, will I stop obsessing over this once I learn more?

[Korwyn]

If you had a diagnosis as an infant, you have Celiac Disease. It doesn't go away and you don't get over it. Yes, you MUST stick to the diet. See previous statement. And I've always considered fish to be meat! And probably no, you won't stop obsessing! =) Depends on how seriously you take this disease I guess. I don't think that having an ongoing, continuing interest in your longterm health and extending your life is an obsession. But that is just my opinion. I may be obsessed with it myself and so not the best judge for that answer.

[jcronan]

  On 1/25/2012 at 11:03 PM, Korwyn said:

If you had a diagnosis as an infant, you have Celiac Disease. It doesn't go away and you don't get over it. Yes, you MUST stick to the diet. See previous statement. And I've always considered fish to be meat! And probably no, you won't stop obsessing! =) Depends on how seriously you take this disease I guess. I don't think that having an ongoing, continuing interest in your longterm health and extending your life is an obsession. But that is just my opinion. I may be obsessed with it myself and so not the best judge for that answer.

thanks for the information. I should clarify, although I was diagnosed as a child, my mother doesn't believe they ever tested me. Her fading memory & the lack of records going back that far (I am 41 now) is the reason I can't be sure they were accurate. As far as the fish-- I don't claim to be a vegetarian (although I was for many years). I haven't had meat other than fish for over 20 years so it is usually easier to explain that way. Again, I appreciate the advice. I hope that my obsession will help me to keep focused.

[Korwyn]

Well if you were diagnosed as a child there must have been some significant indicators sufficient for a diagnosis at the time.

On another note, while not a vegetarian (opposite in fact as I eat mostly meat), there are a number of vegetarians and vegans on the board here. What specifically is it that is causing you to feel it will be difficult to maintain a gluten-free life as a low or non meat-eater?

[jcronan]

  On 1/26/2012 at 3:28 PM, Korwyn said:

Well if you were diagnosed as a child there must have been some significant indicators sufficient for a diagnosis at the time.

On another note, while not a vegetarian (opposite in fact as I eat mostly meat), there are a number of vegetarians and vegans on the board here. What specifically is it that is causing you to feel it will be difficult to maintain a gluten-free life as a low or non meat-eater?

I agree the childhood diagnosis does probably mean that it is very likely going to be positive. It amazed me that the doctors would give such a serious diagnosis with so little information to my parents. My mom felt terrible when I told her all of the typical Celiac symptoms that I have dealt with for years and not having thought about going back to the doctors about it.

I think my concern about keeping the meat out of my diet is not having much left to eat. I could imagine if I did eat meat that it would be easier. I do dine out and and travel quite a bit for my job, so I am concerned about that adjustment in those situations. I don't plan on rushing into anything either way. I was just given the name of a highly recommended nutritionist who I plan to consult with before making further changes. I will also looked to connect with some of the vegetarians on the board to see how they have been managing.

Thanks for the support