Gluten free/celiacs? TMI warning, bodily functions.

minervacullen · April 2014

My Dr. suspects I have celiacs. My grandma has it and I've had various health issues that point toward it. I've been gluten-free for a week and am having serious GI issues. I'm feeling soooo much better otherwise. My moods improved, I'm not as tired, I have more energy, my joints aren't ask sore... But my gosh I have the worst gas ever! It's so raunchy. I also have diarrhea. Day 3-4 it was terrible, I couldn't leave the house. Is this normal? I figured someone on here has dealt with GF and can give some insight. The dr office just said to keep it up and it will get better. I certainly hope so, I feel bad for my family and am embarrassed to go out.

lildevil968 · April 2014

Have you been diagnosed by a GI Doc, or are you just going GF because you think you have celiac?

Both DS and I have confirmed cases of Celiac. He was diagnosed in the E.R., and then confirmed with a GI scope, same for myself. When I first went GF, i suffered from headaches, vomitting, and some stomach issues. Your body basically goes through a gluten withdrawl for a few weeks. What you are describing sounds like what we went through, but the doc warned me this would happen.

minervacullen · April 2014

My DH just started a new job, so we are waiting for diagnostic tests until our new insurance starts.

I'm allergic to several foods, rice is one and seems to be in many processed gf items. Because of my rice allergy I've pretty much avoided all bread items, except these yummy gluten-free vegan cookies that don't have rice.

I have been eating more dairy... I've always had issues with milk, but I just thought it was random. Hmmm.

Thanks for your responses!

lildevil968 · April 2014

minervacullen said:

My DH just started a new job, so we are waiting for diagnostic tests until our new insurance starts. I'm allergic to several foods, rice is one and seems to be in many processed gf items. Because of my rice allergy I've pretty much avoided all bread items, except these yummy gluten-free vegan cookies that don't have rice. I have been eating more dairy... I've always had issues with milk, but I just thought it was random. Hmmm. Thanks for your responses!

When you schedule your appointment for the scope, they may want you start consuming gluten again before the test, so be prepared.

SimpleJane · April 2014

Gluten withdrawal sucks and can cause all kinds of GI discomfort. It does go away in a week or so. Also by cutting out gluten you are typically introducing more fruits, vegetables, lentils, dairy, ect. The shift cam take a while for your body to process.

DebateThis · April 2014

lildevil968 said:

minervacullen said:

My DH just started a new job, so we are waiting for diagnostic tests until our new insurance starts. I'm allergic to several foods, rice is one and seems to be in many processed gf items. Because of my rice allergy I've pretty much avoided all bread items, except these yummy gluten-free vegan cookies that don't have rice. I have been eating more dairy... I've always had issues with milk, but I just thought it was random. Hmmm. Thanks for your responses!
When you schedule your appointment for the scope, they may want you start consuming gluten again before the test, so be prepared.

Yep, this is correct. They can't properly diagnose you w/o you actually consuming gluten. I'd bet you've consumed more veggies or fruits or you've eaten some GF substitute that's causing the GI upset. Or it could be from cross-contamination. If you made GF toast in your regular toaster, used Teflon pans or plastic spatulas or cutting boards in the kitchen it's likely you got hit with some stuck on gluten. My sister was dx'ed with severe CD in December and her doc/nutritionist both highly recommended that she get a new toaster, cutting boards etc and keep separate pots and pans if she uses nonstick stuff. Stainless steel isn't an issue.

Also, it's Celiac, not plural.

spotco2 · April 2014

I have been dealing with food allergies.intolerance for almost 25 years. One allergy Dr says I'm allergic to 20+ foods including gluten, soy, eggs, lactose, etc,etc. Another allergy Dr says I have no allergies. GI doc says it's intolerance and have been checked for Celiac, Crohns and Irritable Bowel but all were neg. The only real thing that anybody ever found was my gall bladder was petrified and had probably never worked. Since it was taken out the GI just ruled part of my issue as dumping syndrome. I also have gotten scoped from both ends each year for the past 15 years.

Long story short, if I eat I get sick for 2-4 hours with extreme cramping, gas and explosive bodily functions.

The allergy Dr that said I have actual food allergies is known to be a quack in the local medical community, but as long as I stay away from what he said I hardly ever have issues.

He basically put me on what's known as a cave man diet. Fresh meat, vegetables and fruit that I almost have to prepare at home to make sure there is no cross contamination during prep or cooking. I also have a couple of vitamin deficiencies due to my eating habits.

There is very little that anyone can diagnose over the internet when it comes to these things. I would suggest a GI Dr visit as soon as you have the ability. Until then, keep a food and health diary. List everything that you eat (with details on how it was prepared and seasoned), when you eat it and when and what reactions (good or bad) that your body is having.

After a week or two you should be able to look back and see a pattern of what is bothering you and what is not. The only issue is that some food allergies will not present reactions for up to 48 hours from the time of consumption. This diary will also be very helpful when you visit your GI Dr.

Some things that I have found to be extremely helpful for the gas is simethicone. It's the same thing in most baby gas drops, but adults take it in the form of something like Gas-X. Read up on it. It's very safe and is actually nothing more than an anti-foaming agent that breaks the surface tension of gas bubbles formed in your gut. It will help reduce any bloating and it helps the gas escape your body quicker. Loperamide (Imodium AD) works wonders for diarrhea. If you are having solids in your stool, don't take it until you start passing almost only liquids, then take 1 per movement until they subside. Be careful and make sure you are taking in plenty of water also to make sure you are staying hydrated but water also helps move things through your colon.

Fiber content also plays a huge role in normal digestion and normal movements. If you are not getting enough fiber because of trying to avoid things that bother you, it can create issues such as diarrhea because of the lack of bulking agents in your system. Benefiber works very well, it dissolves clear with no taste in water and can be used in basically any uncarbonated beverage or even in cooking.

Also watch your sugar intake as it can be difficult for your body to break down if you have some specific issues.

Best of luck to you and I hope you can at least rule out a few trigger foods and get some relief, even if it's just temporary. More people than you think have GI/digestive issues of some sort due to todays screwed up dietary habits that have been created by modern restaurant cooking processes and the fast food industry.

minervacullen · April 2014

Thank you for all of your help. I'll ask for a GI referral when the new insurance starts.

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Gluten free/celiacs? TMI warning, bodily functions.

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