Coping With Gluten For Endoscopy

[raemckee]

After a few years of uncomfortable cramping and flatulence and limiting dairy in my diet, I experienced fecal incontinence in December. Since then my symptoms of diarrhea, cramping, flatulence, nausea and acid reflex have increased dramatically. At the suggestion of my primary care physician, I tried a gluten free, dairy free diet for a couple of weeks and felt better, although the symptoms didn't go completely away. The stool and blood samples ordered at that time have come back normal. I did not have a blood test for Celiac though. I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy (for collagenous colitis) biopsies in 10 days. I have to follow the Drs. orders to eat a gluten diet in preparation for the testing. Otherwise I will not be covered by my employers sick pay and health insurance benefits. I am experiencing acute symptoms and the prescibed Imodium isn't helping. Any suggestions in how to cope with the diarrhea and pain during this pre-test period will be appreciated. I am not able to go to work while experiencing diarrhea and the cramping. My previous health history includes treatment for hypothyroid for about 25 years and scalp psoriasis for 2 years. I recently developed scleritis in one eye which responded to prednisone drops.

[ukdan]

Just a thought about the imodium, I started off using the standard range until I realised that they have lactose in them. If you are sensitive to it (you mentioned cutting out dairy) then that might be causing some problems. In the UK Imodium Plus (not sure if it has the same name elsewhere) doesn't have lactose and also contains simeticone which might help with the bloating and cramping?

[raemckee]

I have now had the biopsies taken. I have been in a lot of abdominal pain. They also found diverticula in my sigmoid colon and polyps in my stomach. I made it to the appointment with the Opthamologist today and they ruled out scleritis but said I have glaucoma! Please tell me how this happened. Also, please let me know if you've found a diet reference book that helps you get the nutrition you need while you are also eliminating foods that may be causing your symptoms. Does anyone else have large, puffy sacks under their eyes? I've just developed these since becoming ill. If so, what are you doing to reduce the swelling there. Now that it is warm outside, my ankles and lower legs are swelling too. Are these all symptoms of this disease? I am not overweight and my blood pressure is normal.