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New To Gluten Free

bjaded

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bjaded Newbie
bjaded
Posted

Good morning all! I am 22 years old and 99.9% sure I have a gluten intolerance. I was born with a lactose intolerance and quite honestly I've always had tummy problems. (bloating, constipation, gas, diarrhea etc.) For the past year I've wondered if I had gluten problems but everything came to a head this month. I was sick immediately after eating anything with gluten. I developed stabbing pains in my stomach and headaches. There were times I would have to leave my desk at work 4 times or more do to an upset stomach.

I started doing research and kept a food journal and took pictures of my swollen tummy after eating gluten. I noticed with in 30 mins I would have awful symptoms. This week I have been eating gluten free to the best of my ability (only gluten free foods! hopefully I'm not accidentally digesting it.) But this is the best that I have felt in weeks!

My fiance still wants me to get testing because he is concerned but I know they are not all 100% conclusive. I've thought about just a dietitian. Where do I go from here? I'm not crazy am I? ha!

Thank you for your help!!

Jade

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Celiac Mindwarp Community Regular
Celiac Mindwarp
Posted

Not crazy!!

If you can stand it for a bit longer it is worth carrying on with gluten to get blood work and a biopsy done.

I had been off wheat for years when I realized I had stacks of celiac symptoms, so blood work came back negative, and to be honest I expect my biopsy to be negative too.

I did do a gluten challenge, but only lasted 3 weeks, not the 6 weeks needed. The lab lost my results, so I tried again but lasted 5 days - it seems many people react more once they start gluten free, on the journey to sorting things out.

I think it is harder sometimes without a full diagnosis to get other things like annual blood work. I am struggling to get my kids tested, for example.

So - I would say do the tests, on gluten if possible, if you can.

It is also worth seeing a doctor to rule other conditions out.

That said, you wont be alone if you end up self diagnosed.

Hang in there and good luck

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

Hi Jade,

I don't know if you are crazy or not, but many people do have celiac. :D It is much easier to get the blood antibody test panel done now, before going gluten-free. It is likely you would need to do a gluten challenge fora while if you do it later, and that could be very painful. Reactions to gluten seem to intensify after going gluten-free.

By the way, did you see which way the big white rabbit went? :)

Some starting the gluten-free diet tips for the first 6 months:

Get tested before starting the gluten-free diet.

Don't eat in restaurants

Eat only whole foods not processed foods.

Eat only food you cook yourself, think simple foods, not gourmet meals.

Take probiotics.

Take gluten-free vitamins.

Take digestive enzymes.

Avoid dairy.

Avoid sugars and starchy foods.

Avoid alcohol.

FAQ Celiac com

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/forum-7/announcement-3-frequently-asked-questions-about-celiac-disease/

Newbie Info 101

What's For Breakfast Today?

What Did You Have For Lunch Today?

What Are You Cooking Tonight?

Dessert thread

Easy yummy bread in minutes

How bad is cheating?

Short temper thread

Non celiac wheat sensitivity article

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