So, I found a specialist to help with my tummy issues. I went this morning - which was a field day having to take both kids. The thing was they had a cancellation and were able to fit me in, otherwise I would have had to wait another 2 weeks. We talked about all my issues and he did a battery of tests. Oddly enough, it looks like I might have been correct in my self diagnosis. He said that it does indeed sound like Celiac Disease (CD). In order to determine this however I have to follow a strict diet for 4 weeks...this diet includes gluten. I have to record everything I eat and what time I eat it, and then return for more blood work and test. The first 4 weeks is basically to see just exactly how sick it makes me. Then I will be put on another strict gluten free diet in which I record everything again and return for more bloodwork and tests. This is how they diagnose CD. I told him I would start this process in April. The truth is, we should be closing on the house on Friday (CROSS YOUR FINGERS....UGH!!!), then we have Logan's party at the end of the month, and I just can't deal with getting that sick right now. So, if I have to be sick, I guess it will be during the month of April, and by the end of May I will hopefully have a diagnosis and a way to end the torture. I am SOOOO not looking forward to having to live gluten free. It seems like soooo much work. I will have to be very careful to read labels. I am hoping that once that part of it starts, I will be able to find some good recipes that I like and I can stick with some basic meals. He also recommended having the kids tested at different times in their lives, because apparently CD is one of those things that you are born with but can be dormant for a while and then appear, which is why at 28 I am just learning about it. I am awaiting the results of the tests, he wanted to rule out gall bladder troubles and some other issues, I also have to have a colonoscopy, so YAY! sounds like fun. I know it sounds silly to put off getting the diagnosis, but I am really so busy, and I just can't afford to be that sick right now. I will do it in April, if for no other reason (other than the fact that the pain is terrible) the consequences of going untreated are pretty scary.
What's funny (but not really) is that I mentioned in my last blog that I felt really undernourished. Well, apparently that may just be the case. Apparently CD causes damage to the villi in the small intestine which are resposnible for absorbing nutrients in food. So if I am not absorbing the nutrients....well, I am malnourished. This is what some of the tests run today were for, and is most likely the reasoning for my constant state of anemia, especially since I eat lots of iron rich foods, AND take iron pills. The kicker in all of this is that he said that being pregnant is what could have triggered my CD...thanks kids. I called my mom and told her to get tested as well because it is genetic and she has some issues as well, but like me she was diagnosed with IBS. I have never talked about it in detail with her, but who knows, I think she should talk to a specialist as well. Anyway...in a way I am hoping that this isn't what's wrong with me, but at the same time I hope it is just so that I have an answer! The crazy things is that if this is what is wrong with me....it explains EVERYTHING...the fatigue, the joint aches, the muscle aches....everything that I have been plagued with for YEARS...I can't believe these are all symptoms connected to a digestive disease. So...my goal for now is to try to eat food that don't contain gluten....kind of a mini-trial, before going through the 4 weeks of hell...so no wheat, barley, or rye for me! I am hoping that grocery shopping wont be too difficult since I have noticed quite a few things recently that say gluten free. Now I just hope I can actually make complete meals....ughhh, why does this have to be soooo frustrating?
On Saturday JR and I took the kids to the Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary. It was actually a really small place which had both its advantages and disadvantages. For one...it was small, so we didn't have to be there for hours and feel as though we didn't see everything. On the other side of that...there were no elephants:( There were lions, and a tiger, and leopards, and monkeys so that was cool. The best part (at least for the kids) was the petting zoo. That area was huge and they really enjoyed it...I however kind of felt..eh - I mean really how many diffents types of goats can you really get excited about. Well apparently the answer is 90! LOL I will get some pictures up soon.
4 comments:
Oh no. I hope it's not celiac disease either! That would SUCK. I know someone who has that and whenever we have potluck, she makes gluten free food. It's not bad! You just have to shop for it, like you said. On a related note, did you know that hairspray contains gluten? Inhaling it can agitate your symptoms. So if you ever use hairspray, you might look into the gluten-free brands. LOL!
GOOD LUCK.
Oh and I can't believe joint pain is a symptom of this! That would be so great! I just could not believe that you had arthritis at your age. Maybe all this will be taken care of this year. =D
Nikki, I don't use hairspray, so at least I dont have to worry about that...but geez, to think that I would have to look at everything is a little disheartening. GRRRR
I couldn't believe that bone and joint pain was a symptom either...when he asked my symptoms I just told him about the tummy troubles...then he brought up bone and joint pain and fatigue. Apparently these are typical symptoms. He said that some people show very little stomach problems but have the fatigue and anemia and are misdiagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Others only show bowel problems and are misdiagnosed as IBS. But seriously, who would have thought fatigue and joint pain would be related to a digestive issue... if this turns out to be what is wrong with me...I feel like someone should do a PSA to iinform others...I can't believe that people are suffering when there is such an easy fix...I mean, no pills, just a change in diet...who would have thought??
Wow, good luck! Get that colonoscopy as soon as you can, as that is the only real test for celiac. I have had one, along with 5 Gastro Scopes. I have BILE Reflux and they thought it may be developing into celiac down the line (in digestion so to speak), but luckily not yet. It is such a big balance act with gastric problems. I finally found an excellent specialist in the medical center for my issues, makes all the difference. Thank goodness for him! In the meantime, you could try taking acidophilus to counteract some of your issues. It really helps balance your system, but takes a good 2 weeks to see results.
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