need a little help please...kinda long.

kirlin19 · July 2014

Hi ladies. So, I need some help with something not totally related to pregnancy. My mom and dad passed away 2 years ago, 5 months apart from cancer. Ever since then, I live in a constant state of fear of cancer. I guess you could say I'm a little bit of a hypochondriac. We moved to South Carolina in October and for right now my insurance only covers maternity. Before I got pregnant, I started going gluten free with my food and started experiencing indigestion A LOT! Seemed weird to me since that is suppose to be something that goes away after Gluten free, not start. Then, when I got pregnant, after a few weeks, I started getting back pain. In the same spot. The chiropractor hasn't helped much at all. To make a long story short, I am terrified that something is terribly wrong and I of course cannot go to the regular doctor to have some peace of mind. My husband gets so mad at me for goggling all of these terrible cancers and constantly thinking I'm dying. I have a OB appointment this coming Tuesday. Do you think it would be silly to tell her about how I have been feeling mentally?? I need some reassurance but I'm afraid all she is going to do is tell me to go see my Doctor, which I don't have, and insurance wont cover. Sorry for making this so long!!!! What do you all think?

BrideLinds · July 2014

The back pain is likely pregnancy related. I say try not to stress about it too much. If it's going to drive you crazy go see a doctor about it and pay out of pocket. I'm really sorry to hear about your parents. I'm sure that would cause you to worry a lot more about sickness. Just remember they were much older than you are now.

MaineMama · July 2014

I agree with PP that the back pain can pretty much be explained away with pregnancy.

As for indigestion with going gluten free, if you just went gluten free because it is "healthier", that was not the best idea. Gluten free replacement products are highly refined, and have to include higher amounts of fats or emulsifying ingredients because naturally gluten free foods (rice, corn, potato, ect) don't stick together naturally. This is why gluten free bread can be very crumbly. Xantham gum and other emulsifiers can cause gastro-intestinal distress for many, many people. You also may have had issues because of cutting your fiber intake, as gluten free products have less soluble fiber than their traditional counterparts.

I was diagnosed with Celiac almost 10 years ago, but eat almost no gluten free replacement foods. Stick with whole foods and you'll be fine.

mlee116 · July 2014

Well, I don't a lot about gluten free foods or celiacs disease, so I'm just going to leave that alone.

As far as the indigestion and back pain, I would ask your OB about it first. They could very possibly be pregnancy related. I mean, it could just be as simple as pregnancy heartburn, but it could also be your gallbladder (which a lot of pregnant women have issues with), you know? I would also tell them your fears. They may be able to look into some of this for you to avoid having to go to another doctor and I think its a good idea for them to know about these fears.

Finally, if they can't give you the answers you need, pay out of pocket and get it checked out, even just for peace of mind. Some offices offer a discount if your insurance does not cover the fees, so ask about that up front.

kirlin19 · July 2014

MaineMama said:

I agree with PP that the back pain can pretty much be explained away with pregnancy.
As for indigestion with going gluten free, if you just went gluten free because it is "healthier", that was not the best idea. Gluten free replacement products are highly refined, and have to include higher amounts of fats or emulsifying ingredients because naturally gluten free foods (rice, corn, potato, ect) don't stick together naturally. This is why gluten free bread can be very crumbly. Xantham gum and other emulsifiers can cause gastro-intestinal distress for many, many people. You also may have had issues because of cutting your fiber intake, as gluten free products have less soluble fiber than their traditional counterparts.
I was diagnosed with Celiac almost 10 years ago, but eat almost no gluten free replacement foods. Stick with whole foods and you'll be fine.

I started going gluten free because my son was diagnosed with ADHD. Gluten free has helped him a TON! I stay away from as many gluten free foods as possible because of those reasons you mentioned. Today for example, I had protein shake (rice protein) and within an hour, my stomach was achy, and gurgly. It only lasts a few hours, but still there. IT almost seems like the more raw veggies I eat..ie spinach or kale mostly, the worse it is. Its silly. Im starting to think that it could also be stress related. OF course its a catch 22 since being terrified of being sick causes stress, with causes issues, which causes stress. Ugh. And of course crazy hormones don't make this any easier!

JCM285 · July 2014

I think that a lot of things could contribute to back pain. Maybe its even stress related. I'm surprised the chiropractor isn't able to help you though. Are you in a lot of pain? If so, if might be time to seek out a new chiro. before you go to the doctor since I doubt they will be able to do much for you. If your back is just sore, why not splurge on a prenatal massage? That would help you destress and with your back. Good luck!

JoyfulW&M · July 2014

It sounds like you may have your own food allergies that are exasperated because you are eating them more to help fill up the gluten gap.

And sweety you need counciling. You need help to overcome these fears before the stress ruins your health.
I think counciling will help more then any dr visit at this point.

kirlin19 · July 2014

JoyfulW&M said:

It sounds like you may have your own food allergies that are exasperated because you are eating them more to help fill up the gluten gap. And sweety you need counciling. You need help to overcome these fears before the stress ruins your health. I think counciling will help more then any dr visit at this point.

Absolutely agree that I need to talk to someone who can help! But, that's where the problem lies...insurance wont cover it, and at an average of $150 a session...aint gonna happen. ugh

megbmeg · July 2014

kirlin19 said:

JoyfulW&M said:

It sounds like you may have your own food allergies that are exasperated because you are eating them more to help fill up the gluten gap.

And sweety you need counciling. You need help to overcome these fears before the stress ruins your health.
I think counciling will help more then any dr visit at this point.

Absolutely agree that I need to talk to someone who can help! But, that's where the problem lies...insurance wont cover it, and at an average of $150 a session...aint gonna happen. ugh

You might try calling around. Many therapists offer sliding scales. And you might google a bit to see if their are any low cost or non profit therapy options where you live. And if you belong to a church or temple, maybe there is someone you can talk to there, or they may have suggestions!

Good luck!

Cheekers2010 · July 2014

Definitely talk to your OB. A competent one should be at least able to help allay your fears. I'm so sorry. My dad died 11 months ago and I have many fears related to his death. Also, it sounds like the gluten free diet isn't good for you even if it is for your son. Everyone is different. Try adding some foods with gluten back in and eat as many whole foods as you can. GL!

ColeyCannoli · July 2014

I hope your OB will be decent enough to recognize you have some real anxiety issues (completely justified ones at that!) I can't imagine how hard it would be to lose your parents so close together like this.
You may need a counselor to talk about all of this. Anxiety will make every pain hurt more and your stomach much more sensitive. Your OB should know some counselors that work on a sliding scale that won't cost too much without insurance.

Just to say, gluten is not bad for you unless you have an intolerance to start with. I have a friend with an intense allergy to animal protiens and he will eat blocks of gluten in order to supplement nutrients. He's as healthy and thin as anyone could be.

ColoradoBoat · July 2014

I agree on the therapy. Check with local hospitals re: cancer support groups. Many also offer grief counseling. I bet you can find something for free or at least lower cost. Maybe even start calling county offices and government or nonprofit options. There is help out there, but the free or low cost options can be very difficult to find. You can do it though!! Stress is harmful to you and baby, so practice meditation and other stress-reducing behaviors. Best of luck!

kirlin19 · July 2014

Thanks you guys!! I'm going to talk to my OB first and hopefully she can suggest something.
I know that stress aggravates these things so I really need to work on it. Thanks bunches!☺️

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