Suzy-Q's Blog

I know how hard this is going to be. I have been gluten free for 22 years. I just read some information saying that the difference in cost of my gluten-free food could be a tax write off IF I have a medical diagnosis.

I had the medical diagnosis 22 years ago. The doctor didn't give me any documentaton at that time, (at least I don't think so), and they don't keep medical records that long. Only 7 years. So if I want the diagnosis I too will have to go back on gluten for a while.

Don't want to do this because before I was diagnosed I dropped down to 100 pounds and nearly starved to death. Not to mention the other uncomfortable intestinal symptoms of classic celiac disease.

I'm not sure how to answer your question about how much gluten to eat. It depends. The intollerance is different for different people. Some people can tollerate small amounts with no problem and others can't even tollerate the slightest bit of cross contamination.

What kind of symptoms do you get when you eat gluten? That might be a place to start.

Good luck.

[quote name='Mary Blackburn' date='Oct 10 2009, 09:53 AM']I know how hard this is going to be. I have been gluten free for 22 years. I just read some information saying that the difference in cost of my gluten-free food could be a tax write off IF I have a medical diagnosis.

I had the medical diagnosis 22 years ago. The doctor didn't give me any documentaton at that time, (at least I don't think so), and they don't keep medical records that long. Only 7 years. So if I want the diagnosis I too will have to go back on gluten for a while.

Don't want to do this because before I was diagnosed I dropped down to 100 pounds and nearly starved to death. Not to mention the other uncomfortable intestinal symptoms of classic celiac disease.

I'm not sure how to answer your question about how much gluten to eat. It depends. The intollerance is different for different people. Some people can tollerate small amounts with no problem and others can't even tollerate the slightest bit of cross contamination.

What kind of symptoms do you get when you eat gluten? That might be a place to start.

Good luck.[/quote]

Thanks so much Mary for your comments. First of all, I couldn't eat gluten but for 5 days--whimped out!! It took me 1 1/2 days to start feeling bad and it kept getting worse each day and I was eating less gluten every day. I called my dr. and he told me to go back gluten-free and to come in Monday for the genetic test. From what I've read that may not give me an answer.

A little history. I was diagnosed with IBS 31 years ago and with medication kept it under control most of the time. Then 10 years ago diagnosed with acid reflux and that medication didn't really help. Went to a new dr. this March and he did an endoscopy which revealed gastritis and bile reflux (don't have my gall bladder). I went gluten-free 4 mons. ago on my own and felt 100% better within weeks. My dr. was actually very pleased about this but think he feels the need to know if it is celiac more than I do. No matter what the results are Monday, I will NEVER eat gluten again.

You asked about my symptoms. Pretty much for the last year I have had bad gasiness, bloating, constipation (occasional D) and some leg muscle aches and joint pain. All of that came back when I went back on gluten last week!!! Also I've been ostopenia for probably 8 years.

I will let you know what my results are next week.

Suzy-Q

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