Gluten Free

I went to the doc back in the summer thinking I had a gallbladder issue. I was hurting severely under my sternum. After every meal I would become lethargic and just need to lay still. My first attack came July 4 weekend, after eating pork BBQ (pizza and sandwiches) for four days in a row. I had an ultrasound which came back negative, and an unwanted bill at this point. ugh! All my lab work came back normal. My PCP said she felt I needed to see a gastroenterologist. So...here I went. After describing my symptoms, he felt it was an ulcer. I mentioned to him (and my PCP) could this be a gluten thing? Both said not likely, but wouldn't rule it out. The gastroenterologist said he would like to do some blood work while I was there just to check for celiac disease. His nurse called me back a few days later and said my immunoglobulin A was deficient and Dr. P wanted to schedule an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) (aka scope in my stomach) to get a biopsy from my stomach/intestines. That is the only 100% conclusive way to know for sure if I have celiac disease.

With a deductible of $2500 and 2 months before Christmas, an EGD isn't going to happen right now. I turned in my letter of intent to take a full time position at the hospital. If/when that takes place Nov 28 and my insurance goes into effect, I'll schedule an EGD then. Should be next to nothing in cost.

I asked the nurse if I could go on a gluten-free diet right now and she said NO. They suggest eating foods high in gluten 3-4 weeks prior to the EGD so the biopsy is more effective. If you have no gluten in your system, it's hard to tell if you have an intolerance to it.

Knowing I wasn't going to have the EGD soon, I began buying a few items at the store that are gluten free. I noticed a difference OVERNIGHT! I have barely had any bloating. Little to no pain. I have not gone completely gluten-free, but I haven't eaten much wheat at all. I ate Bob's Mill gluten free oatmeal this morning, it was delicious and NO bloating. Last night I ate GF penne pasta (light Alfredo sauce/sautéed chicken). Have I found my problem?? I sure hope so. I'm going to continue to eat as gluten-free as possible and see if the positive results continue.