I Just Want To Make Sure I'm Not Crazy

[BlackStar]

My mom called me a couple of weeks ago and told me that she had read in a few places about a connection between depression and gluten. I didn't think too much of it at the time since she likes to bring up lots of different things that could help with depression. I googled it later just to see if she was on to something.

And it makes WAY too much sense. I have:

1. Depression

2. Brain fog (which I had attributed to the depression)

3. Fatigue. I am ALWAYS tired, and am prone to insomnia. I can remember being tired even as a little kid. I use all my energy up at work, and am too tired to do much else when I get home.

Between those three, it was a miracle I graduated college.

4. Asthma

5. Back pain - I've thrown my back out a few times, and I'm only 25. Occasional random hip and knee pain too.

6. Bloating/gas (the bloating isn't as major as I've read on here, though)

7. Heartburn pretty much daily

8. Occasional unexplained D (not enough to worry me before now)

7. Various skin issues (though nothing that sounds like DH to me, so maybe that's moot. I guess the acne at least could be a symptom)

Also, my family: one grandpa has had bowel cancer, but that's not the side I'm most worried about. My mom's side, however, is rampant with high blood pressure, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, depression... I can trace my depression straight back to my grandma. My mom says that her depression and mine look eerily similar. Also, I have a cousin (very early 20s) with arthritis already.

I already have an appointment with my doctor to talk about getting tested. Fortunately, my husband and parents are all very supportive, though I'm not sure my husband really knows what it means yet.

I'm doing my research now to make the transition easier. I'm thinking I'll go gluten free, positive result or no. I'm actually finding myself a bit scared that this isn't the answer. I know hoping for celiac seems a bit weird, but a change of diet in exchange for being a functional human being sounds like a really good deal. How could it possibly be that simple? I'm so afraid I'm wrong, and I'll have to go back to just trying to be not depressed (anti-depressants make me TOTALLY non-functional), though I cope better now.

The only problem is I'm paying the rent right now by baking. Stopping baking won't lose me my job, but I'll get less hours, and still be working in a gluten-filled sandwich kitchen, and finding a job around here is not exactly a simple thing. (also, my husband loves homemade bakery. Breaking it to him that the flour has to go will not be fun. But maybe I can break it to him with gluten-free pie?)

So I guess I just need to hear it from someone besides my mom that I'm not crazy for thinking this.

[GottaSki]

You are not crazy for thinking this or for hoping that it may be the answer to resolve many of your health concerns.

Make sure you keep eating gluten until all testing is complete. The blood tests measure antibodies that are produced when gluten is consumed - remove gluten and the tests are not accurate.

Take it one step at a time - the great news is you can already bake - you can learn to make fresh gluten-free bread. Keep reading and take a written list of your symptoms with you to your doctor's appt - it helps to have it in front of you when discussing the need for testing.

Make sure your doctor orders a full celiac panel. Blood tests for nutritional deficiencies are also important. Celiac disease interferes with proper absorption of nutrients, so vitamin/mineral testing can be a strong indicator of Celiac Disease.

Should all your tests be negative, it is a great idea to remove ALL sources of gluten for at least three months (six is better) to monitor symptom improvement. This will be tough given your job, but elimination is the only test for Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance which can cause many of your symptoms.

Good Luck

[BlackStar]

Thank you, GottaSki! I've been making extra sure to eat gluten recently for just that reason. I really want the positive diagnosis if for no other reason than to be able to give a heads up to my family. I really doubt I'm the only one that should be considering going gluten free!

Thank you for all the advice! It's good to know how best to proceed. It makes it a lot less scary, for sure!

[1desperateladysaved]

" I'm actually finding myself a bit scared that this isn't the answer. I know hoping for celiac seems a bit weird, but a change of diet in exchange for being a functional human being sounds like a really good deal. How could it possibly be that simple? I'm so afraid I'm wrong, and I'll have to go back to just trying to be not depressed (anti-depressants make me TOTALLY non-functional), though I cope better now."

I hope you will find a major root so your depression will come to an end. I can relate to "hoping" that you have celiac. Yeah, it really isn't hoping to have it, but hoping for the ability to get to the root of the problem If it is celiac, you can improve by a new diet plan. You can have some control. I admit I had trouble to open my e-mail with the news about my celiac when it came. I had tears in my eyes after I opened it. But it was a mix of regret and hope for the future.

It sounds like it could be celiac to me. ****Get well****

Diana

[kate1]

Get your thyroid checked too.

Lots of those symptoms there too!

I have both.

[BlackStar]

Thank you, 1desperateladysaved and kate1!

Yeah, I think I will be very nervous to get actual results! Right now I am coping by over-researching, so at least I should be prepared, right?

And I will add Thyroid to the list of things to bring up during my doctor's appointment. Thank you again!