Question

[lichjen]

Ok, first off I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE so i can only see the health dept and you don't get good care there. I am speaking with a doctor soon but I would like opinions.

Ok, I have never been tested for celiac, but I am ALWAYS tired after I eat, unless I eat low carb. Recently I have had rapid weight gain, and how I have this HORRIBLE rash on my stomach. I am tired of being tired -even after good sleep.

I googled my symptoms and Celiac came up but I never thought of it before!

Here are my daily symptoms

excessive tireness

rash

weight gain

constant bloating

even more sleepiness after eating *unless low carb*

Ok, WWYD, should I try to cut out gluten or am I way off here. Having no insurance stinks LOL

[rosetapper23]

You'll have nothing to lose if you go gluten free, because you'll know you've made the right choice when you start feeling better. If you don't go gluten free, there's the possibility that you will lose what good health you have left.

You may have other symptoms that you haven't thought might be related to celiac or gluten sensitivity, such as muscle pain, joint and connective tissue pain, carpal tunnel pain, neurological problems (migraines, dizziness, seizures, neuropathy, etc.), anemia, frequent illnesses, weak tooth enamel, infertility, etc.

It might really be worth it for you to try the gluten-free diet for a while, but keep in mind that you might have other food sensitivities, too.

[lichjen]

actually, i am always hurting muscle wise esp in neck, i have migraines and recently out of now where started having seizures

[mommida]

just keep in mind, gluten free is all or nothing. Don't think that 'gluten lite" is something to play around with. People who had no symptoms before going gluten free now have reactions. if you experience better health on a gluten free diet, you will never do a gluten challenge for medical testing.

Go easy on your wallet and stick to naturally gluten free foods. IMO the processed gluten free breads really aren't that great. To get used to eating them toast or grill them.

[lichjen]

well the health dept refused to test me for it, looks like I'm going to have to wait to be tested til I get insurance. But I am going ahead and starting tomorrow.

[rosetapper23]

Good for you! Now is the beginning of your new life....

[maximoo]

go to the director! start with an email. I too have county ins & had a little bit of a hard time with them but I persisted & eventually got tested. So put on your toughest armor,& go get' em!( it duzn't hurt to exaggerate a little --for the purposes of getting tested of course)

I know you are anxious to feel better but you need to consider holding off on going completely gluten-free--b/c if you finally convince them to test you, you'll want to have the best chances for a positive result & that means staying on gluten--but you can certainly lighten up on ur daily consumption. There are false negatives too so be prepared for it. Even if you get tested & its negative you can then still try a gluten-free diet for awhile & see how you feel--u might be gluten intolerant but not a celiac. Lots to think about so consider your choices carefully. Good Luck!

[Skylark]

If you're in the US or Canada you can order a GlutenPro home celiac test kit. Open Original Shared Link In Europe the kit is marketed as Biocard and it should be available in pharmacies.

Do not go onto the gluten-free diet yet if you want to do a home test or pursue testing through the health dept. The test will not be reliable. I wouldn't recommend changing the amount of gluten in your diet at all - it's HARD to get a positive and you don't want to throw it off.

Once you've gotten some testing, give the diet a go. It may help.

[lichjen]

Ok, I have been doing this for a few days (I did not see the post on it not being reliable if I started) My scalp - which has itched, DAILY since I was 12 (I am 31) has NOT - besides the cold I am getting (since I was in the health dept all day Thursday) I am feeling better

I go back on the 16th of March and I am going to report to the doctor on how things are going (I only saw the PA then)

I hate my county - they do things the cheapest way possible. they give NO samples, even if you are homeless making no money they still charge to see you (i was this way a while back) I have a bunch of issues to talk with them about and I have to go see them for EACH issue -

oh yeah, I had a rash on my abdomen - they wanted to give me a cream - which cost $50 (I did not pick it up) - since starting gluten free, it's clearing up!

My SIL was right! She suggested years ago I had this