Symptoms

[racheldeniseh]

Hi everyone, I am new here but I would really appreciate any help or advice. I am a 20 year old female and have been having chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, and pain for about 7 years. Around the same time that my GI problems began, I also began getting eczema really bad on my neck and arms. I used to have really oily skin and acne and now my skin is dry and painful no matter how much fluid I drink or how much lotion I put on. My lips are almost always chapped and cracking at the corners. Well I never really was treated or talked about any of my problems except the eczema. Now that I am in college, I know that what has been going on is not normal and I want answers. I went to my nurse practitioner who said I had IBS and gave me antispasmodic medicine that did not help at all. In a separate visit to the health services doctor on campus, I was diagnosed with "angular cheilitis" which explains the cracking of the lips. I seriously do everything I can to eat healthy, drink plenty of water, and take care of my skin but I feel that everything is out of my control. The rash has spread to my eyelids and my lips are so red and painful, and I am so embarrassed even to go out in public or talk to anyone that I know. I went to a different doctor again today who said that she thought it sounded like celiac, and she did a blood test for celiac. My question is, do any of these symptoms sound like celiac? If so, does the rash and angular cheilitis go away on a gluten-free diet? Thanks in advance for any help!

[ravenwoodglass]

Welcome to the board. Yes it does sound like you may be celiac. Do make sure you don't go gluten free until all testing is finished. However even if your test results are negative you should still give the diet a good strict try as false negatives do happen.

If you do have problems with gluten then yes the problems you are having should hopefully resolve. You may want to get some stress level B vitamins as that may help a bit.

[basilicious]

Hi racheldeniseh,

I can't add to what ravenwoodglass already said, but just wanted to say hang in there! I'm sure it's difficult to juggle these health issues with schoolwork and your social life, but it sounds like you're taking good care of yourself and you're on your way to getting some answers. Good for you! Hugs!

[LOWNskater52]

You certainly sound like a typical celiac from the symptoms you described.

Be happy your're a typical celiac and not a celiac like I am. I have some digestive problems(gas, poor digestion) but the bulk of my celiac symptoms or neurological and psycological. Crippling Anxiety, and messed up hormones. Blows. The eczema I can relate with. I have eczema on my right achilles heel, right hand, and belt area of my stomach. Its minor when I am gluten free but when I eat something with gluten it literally explodes.

Go get a test I suppose but some people can be extremely gluten intolerant and not show up on a Celiac panel. Thats my case. I can't even eat the Gluten Free Food products.

Couple of questions

You mentioned skin. Do you get dandruff? I had terrible dandruff with my overall dry, cracked skin. Getting better though.

DId you have some sort of trauma that caused these symptoms to start back 7 years ago? Physical/Mental Trauma/Stress can cause gluten intolerance to appear. Did for me.

Main Advice: Go gluten free. Fruits, Veggies, and meat only. Its not that Bad. You get used to it. Also remember to stay with it and don't get discouraged and cheat. It could take months or even years for your body to repair itself. Its been 4 months gluten-free for me and I am alot better but not everything is back to normal. Stay the course kiddo.

[racheldeniseh]

Thank you so much everyone for your responses! It makes me feel good that I have support and people that can relate to what I am going through. To Lownskater52: I do have really bad dandruff.. My entire body is just always dry. I do not think I had any trauma during that time, but I cannot remember that time period very well. I wish I would have sought help sooner about all of this. Hopefully my results come back soon. I am still eating gluten as of now, but I will talk to my doctor about what to do next if it is positive or negative.

[LOWNskater52]

Bingo. You sound just like me.

Get tested and whatnot then go gluten free. Whole Foods = Mecca. I guarantee some improvement but I do not guarantee being back to 100%. I'm not even there yet and I've been gluten-free for 4 months.

[LOWNskater52]

One more thing. DO you have dark circles/bags under your eyes? I do and its a sign of overall toxicity.

[racheldeniseh]

YES! I always have dark circles under my eyes!! Everyone always tells me how tired I look. What does overall toxicity mean? Thanks Lownskater52!!!

[LOWNskater52]

Hahaha. Sounds like we have the same thing going on.

Dark circles are a sign of toxicity or hormonal imbalance. Most likely both. Your body prob sees the gluten as a toxin and you develop these bags under your eyes. In addition to this, this toxicity in your blood also causes hormonal imbalances (in your adrenals, thyroid, pituitary, ovaries etc...) for the double whammy effect.

Going gluten free will help. Idk if it will get you to 100% but i know it will help. hormonal imbalances also can take years to correct so stick with it.

Keep it up. I know how it is. When I got sick with this disease for the first time 1.5 years ago, I was in my last semester of college.

[racheldeniseh]

I will let you know how my test turns out.. All my favorite foods have gluten but I would happily sacrifice if it meant I didn't have to suffer anymore. P.S. Are you a male or female?

[LOWNskater52]

Aw you're a a cutie.

I'm a macho man.

We'll get you well. Can't be sick for the college experience.