WHY I STOPPED EATING GLUTEN (PART 1)
- By loramarie03
- 19 March, 2012
- 20 Comments
I’ve been writing this post in my head for a few days, trying to make sure I have it organized the best way. This is the first in a series of three posts describing my experience with finding out if I have a gluten allergy.
I posted a few weeks ago that I went to a GI doctor because I was having some issues. What issues you may ask? Well without going into all the details, think of any GI symptom out there (minus acid reflux), and I was experiencing it. For the past six months. It would flare up at times, and then, I would tell myself I would go see a doctor. See, I really hate going to the doctor and try to avoid it at all costs. I think it’s a time suck and most often, a waste of money because they never really tell you anything, in my experience (I used to get strep a lot and they would insist it was a ‘virus’ so I would have to fight for antibiotics. One time, I went in for strep and they refused to give me medication, but the doctor said he could give me a tetanus shot instead. Mm-kay). Anyways, I had this doctor’s name written down for about two months before I finally called him.
Another red flag for me was when I was measured for my wedding dress. My body measured at a size two, and my stomach measured at a size eight! Granted, I do not eat healthy to a T, but I feel like I eat pretty healthy and plus, I work out more than the average person. So wow, what’s up with that? And, remember when I thought I had the flu? I don’t think it was really the flu, but another symptom. I didn’t have that aching, stuffy nose, coughing, hot sweats, etc. that goes along with the flu. I had nausea, lost my appetite and also a tiny fever, but as Dr. WebMD, I found out that this could be related to some GI issues. So off to the doctor I went.
My experience was AWFUL, first of all, I had to wait for one-and-a-half hours PAST my appointment before I was able to get in (I scheduled it at 12:30 and expected to be back in the office within an hour – you know, over my lunch break – but no, I had to push back a 2:30 meeting because I was still there). And, this was only because I went up to the receptionist and asked for my co-pay back. So I finally get to see him and tell him my symptoms, and he ordered every test in the book. Blood work, CT scan, poop test, endoscopy, colonoscopy… and said in about three weeks, hopefully we’d have an answer otherwise “I guess it’s just IBS.” I was kind of annoyed because he didn’t ask anything about my diet or exercise routines, nor about my grandma dying from colon cancer, and I thought those were important.
So I played along and did the blood work and the CT scan the next day. In a matter of two days, I sat in doctor’s offices for nearly six hours. My results were supposed to be back for both tests the next morning.
To be continued…
Copyright © 2013
I have a gluten allergy too! (As well as to all dairy and nuts…) It's hard sometimes but I feel so much better. It was to the point where I could not even stand due to stomach pain. I was miserable to put it nicely. After too many doctor appointments to count (and I HATE the doctor too. I am terrified) and shedding enough tears to fill the Atlantic Ocean, they finally found the source. I had to completely change my diet. I miss gluten foods occasionally (especially Guinness. Omg I loved Guinness!!) but being pain-free is so worth it. If you need any good foods to try let me know
I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better! I never could have imagined that FOOD could make you feel so awful. I know beer is going to be a tough one for me, but it's so not worth the pain!
I'm really glad you're writing about your experience. It's nice to read about people's medical experiences. I rarely go to the doctor, so knowing that, I just assume that they should know when I'm there, it's because it's a big deal. So the brush-off, come-back-if-it-still-hurts-in-two-weeks does not go over well with me. When you already waited and analyzed for months before going in, you expect to be taken seriously. I'm hoping since you are writing this now that means you got your answers.
And that is a ridiculous wait time! I just took all four of my kids to the dentist (with a packed waiting room), and we were in and out in just over an hour. That's with exams and cleanings and collecting stickers and goody bags. And they apologized for taking so long. To me, this says it can be done. You can get people through appointments in a decent time and be efficient and nice. Sometimes the customer service part of medical care gets bypassed.
That is amazing about the dentist — sounds like a keeper! Thanks for your kind words — I think it just shows that our healthcare system needs a MAJOR overhaul.
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I'm really glad you did this post and I'm really interested to read parts 2 and 3 to this! I've been wondering about the same thing – I exercise lots and eat pretty healthy, but have been having some nausea and stomach issues for a while, as well as low energy and tiredness. My sister experienced very similar symptoms and was eventually diagnosed with gluten intolerance and I've been wondering if I might have it too. Looking forward to reading more!!
Those are definitely among the symptoms for gluten intolerance and I think it would be worth getting checked out (but don't stop eating gluten before you get the test done because it won't show up). Even if your tests come back negative, you could always do an elimination diet just to see if it makes you feel better.
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