New To Gluten Free

[bjaded]

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

[Celiac Mindwarp]

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]

Hi Jade,

I don't know if you are crazy or not, but many people do have celiac. 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/

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