I’m Done and Feel Like Giving up

[Wheatwacked]

On 3/29/2022 at 3:38 PM, LindaLee68 said:

doctors have a tendency to treat women my age complaining of anything that sounds like IBS like hysterical,

Not unlike doctors treating an alcoholic. It's lack of "self-control and all in your head". Funny how an abnormal number of alcoholics get seriously sick by the time they get their second Alcoholics Anonymous anniversary token.

Good luck with you appointments.

 

[knitty kitty]

Constipation is a symptom of Thiamine Vitamin B1 deficiency.  

Magnesium will help because it works with thiamine, but thiamine is needed also.

This article explains how thiamine deficiency effects the part of the brain that controls automatic body functions like pooping.

https://www.hormonesmatter.com/sibo-ibs-constipation-thiamine-deficiency/

 

Edited April 11, 2022 by knitty kitty
Add more information

[Blue-Sky]

Dietary fiber (soluble and insoluble)  can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings, and it is something that most people do not get enough of.

[LindaLee68]

On 3/11/2022 at 12:09 PM, Ginger38 said:

I just don't know how much longer I can do this. I am really really struggling with foods. I’ve been really trying to stick to the gluten free diet all the time… I’ve only messed up a couple times, which is a huge improvement for me. I have insulin resistance and have issues with my blood sugar bouncing around. Since going gluten free my A1C jumped up just over the diabetic level. So I’m trying to make changes to bring that back down but the struggle is real!!!! I don’t know what to eat, how to eat and there is like nothing that is quick and easy. I’m a single parent and have a very demanding job so I don’t have a ton of time to do cooking at every meal. I need some easy meals and quick fixes that meet a a lot of dietary needs needs… I need a lot of protein due to my sugar issues but I also need carbs. I have found that the gluten free breads and things are not filling and are just empty carbs basically and a lot of times they make my sugar go high and then bottom. If it’s good for me sugar wise I can’t have it bc of gluten.. if it’s gluten free I can’t have it bc of sugar issues. I’m so tired of fighting this battle and to be honest I feel like giving up!!!! I’ve gotten so annoyed and depressed over my foods  lately I went several days and just didn’t eat much of anything … this is way harder than I’d thought it be… especially breakfast and lunch 

I hear you!  I suffer from gluten sensitivities and I’m allergic to rice and almonds.  Ha ha.  Try finding anything for a gluten free diet that’s not rice or almond based.  I’ve found some pasta made from garbanzo beans, but it’s not very tasty.  Kinda like cardboard with sauce on it.  I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. I have Chrons, and I weigh 95 pounds ordinarily, lately, but I’m down to 88 pounds without my bread and pasta.  

[Wheatwacked]

Potatoes?

[Ginger38]

21 hours ago, LindaLee68 said:

I hear you!  I suffer from gluten sensitivities and I’m allergic to rice and almonds.  Ha ha.  Try finding anything for a gluten free diet that’s not rice or almond based.  I’ve found some pasta made from garbanzo beans, but it’s not very tasty.  Kinda like cardboard with sauce on it.  I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. I have Chrons, and I weigh 95 pounds ordinarily, lately, but I’m down to 88 pounds without my bread and pasta.  

Wow, that is a challenge- so sorry to hear. If you don’t mind me asking, what do you eat? 

[NikkiD]

On 4/18/2022 at 8:13 PM, LindaLee68 said:

I hear you!  I suffer from gluten sensitivities and I’m allergic to rice and almonds.  Ha ha.  Try finding anything for a gluten free diet that’s not rice or almond based.  I’ve found some pasta made from garbanzo beans, but it’s not very tasty.  Kinda like cardboard with sauce on it.  I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. I have Chrons, and I weigh 95 pounds ordinarily, lately, but I’m down to 88 pounds without my bread and pasta.  

You should try Happy Campers bread. Since I found out I had Celiacs, I’ve been on a mission to find a whole grain gluten free bread that didn’t taste like a pine cone or sand and had both good flavor and texture.  They have four flavors; Hemp Hemp Hooray, Classy Slice, Buckwheat and Molasses, and Cinnamon Raisin.  I’m currently making my way through a loaf of Happy Campers Hemp Hemp Hooray bread which is excellent.

The first bite I took of a slice lightly toasted and topped with some avocado and onions, was a party in my mouth. I have found my go to bread without having to bake it myself, which I was not looking forward to doing. As a long time lover of whole grain bread, Happy Campers’ loaves have satisfied that ache I had for a sandwich on some good whole grain bread. It even works great for grilled cheese and peanut butter & jelly. 

[trents]

1 hour ago, NikkiD said:

You should try Happy Campers bread. Since I found out I had Celiacs, I’ve been on a mission to find a whole grain gluten free bread that didn’t taste like a pine cone or sand and had both good flavor and texture.  They have four flavors; Hemp Hemp Hooray, Classy Slice, Buckwheat and Molasses, and Cinnamon Raisin.  I’m currently making my way through a loaf of Happy Campers Hemp Hemp Hooray bread which is excellent.

The first bite I took of a slice lightly toasted and topped with some avocado and onions, was a party in my mouth. I have found my go to bread without having to bake it myself, which I was not looking forward to doing. As a long time lover of whole grain bread, Happy Campers’ loaves have satisfied that ache I had for a sandwich on some good whole grain bread. It even works great for grilled cheese and peanut butter & jelly. 

NikkiD, where do you get this product? Never heard of it before. Can you post a pic of the ingredient list and nutritional label?

[RMJ]

I just looked them up - they’re even certified gluten free! Each product has a spot to click to get a list of ingredients and nutritional information.

Allergen information

Products

[NikkiD]

7 hours ago, trents said:

NikkiD, where do you get this product? Never heard of it before. Can you post a pic of the ingredient list and nutritional label?

You can get them online at https://happycampersgf.com/

Depending on where you are located, you can sometimes find it in some stores. Some of the products are available at gluten free mall and on Amazon.

[trents]

Yikes! The price for a 4 pack of their bread is $46 on Amazon.

[NikkiD]

1 hour ago, trents said:

Yikes! The price for a 4 pack of their bread is $46 on Amazon.

I got mine directly from the site and built my own pack with 3 loaves of bread and 3 bars for $30. I think they have a 20% off coupon on their website for first time buyers.

[NikkiD]

8 minutes ago, NikkiD said:

I got mine directly from the site and built my own pack with 3 loaves of bread and 3 bars for $30. I think they have a 20% off coupon on their website for first time buyers.

It’s not cheap, but it was was worth it for me to be able to have a sandwich on bread I liked that was similar to what I used to eat with whole grain bread

[Bonnie mench]

On 3/13/2022 at 5:09 PM, LindaLee68 said:

Thank you for sharing this.  I’m at my wits end too!  I suffer from gluten sensitivity but also chronic idiopathic constipation.  Everything that’s gluten free as far as bread, pasta, etc. goes is made with constipating foods like rice, tapioca, millet, which would have me so constipated I would be in agony.  Please, anyone who would good naturedly offer constipation advice, this is WAY BEYOND flax, fiber, Mirilax and others like it.  
I really need help and no doctors or anyone else has been able to help me!

I understand your constipation.  Finally after 5 years of it my GI doctor told me to try Benefiber.  Start drinking it every morning in water because it has no taste.  Wow what a difference.  Now I can go normally.  Celiac disease is awful and people don’t realize it unless they have it.  Anyway good luck and try it it worked for me.

[Wheatwacked]

Small red beans, pinto beans and garbanzo beans are a good source of fiber, protein and potassium. Try eating a cup a day for a week or two and you will feel better.

[Ginger38]

On 3/19/2022 at 10:38 PM, Donna-1 said:

Ginger, maybe it would be helpful to consult with a nutritional counselor who can help you come up with meals and snacks that will satisfy your palate as well as your celiac and diabetic requirements.  It shouldn't take more than one or two consultations.  And I do think they can help you with options that do not require much effort.  I don't bake anything and rarely even use my stovetop yet I manage my dietary requirements and restrictions and keep my A1C and celiac under control.  I admit it was not easy at first.  I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2013 and it took a couple of years to figure out what I could eat and make all the necessary adjustments.  Now, I don't even think about it anymore.  I have not knowingly eaten gluten in at least 5 years and no longer experience the daily diarrhea and stomach pain I endured for decades.  I don't eat fast food, I don't go to restaurants, and I rarely eat at friends' houses.  But freedom from pain is well worth it.

I’m curious what kind of things do you eat? 

On 3/13/2022 at 12:45 AM, MADMOM said:

mission makes delicious gluten free wraps i use them in place of bread for tuna wraps turkey wraps and egg wraps - there are many gluten free products out there - don’t give up - it can be frustrating at first but i’ve even got my kids eating alot of gluten free things and they really can taste the difference and enjoy it -

What kind of wraps? I have never seen these but we don’t have tons of options where I live 

[Ginger38]

On 3/20/2022 at 1:02 AM, MADMOM said:

i agree - i’ve been on this journey for 13 months now and at first felt frustrated having to read labels and felt limited to what i could enjoy but after several months i found so many great options and i have gotten so much healthier and gotten my levels almost under the normal range after only 8 months of eating gluten-free ( i will be checking my levels again soon).  my blood work was perfect - iron level in normal after 48 years of being anemic - vitamin b and d levels all normal as well - you will find that there are so many gluten-free options out there - even frozen pizza and pretzels - don’t give up!  your health is most important 

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issu

On 3/20/2022 at 1:02 AM, MADMOM said:

i agree - i’ve been on this journey for 13 months now and at first felt frustrated having to read labels and felt limited to what i could enjoy but after several months i found so many great options and i have gotten so much healthier and gotten my levels almost under the normal range after only 8 months of eating gluten-free ( i will be checking my levels again soon).  my blood work was perfect - iron level in normal after 48 years of being anemic - vitamin b and d levels all normal as well - you will find that there are so many gluten-free options out there - even frozen pizza and pretzels - don’t give up!  your health is most important 

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issue

On 3/20/2022 at 1:02 AM, MADMOM said:

i agree - i’ve been on this journey for 13 months now and at first felt frustrated having to read labels and felt limited to what i could enjoy but after several months i found so many great options and i have gotten so much healthier and gotten my levels almost under the normal range after only 8 months of eating gluten-free ( i will be checking my levels again soon).  my blood work was perfect - iron level in normal after 48 years of being anemic - vitamin b and d levels all normal as well - you will find that there are so many gluten-free options out there - even frozen pizza and pretzels - don’t give up!  your health is most important 

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issue

[Ginger38]

On 3/19/2022 at 10:38 PM, Donna-1 said:

Ginger, maybe it would be helpful to consult with a nutritional counselor who can help you come up with meals and snacks that will satisfy your palate as well as your celiac and diabetic requirements.  It shouldn't take more than one or two consultations.  And I do think they can help you with options that do not require much effort.  I don't bake anything and rarely even use my stovetop yet I manage my dietary requirements and restrictions and keep my A1C and celiac under control.  I admit it was not easy at first.  I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2013 and it took a couple of years to figure out what I could eat and make all the necessary adjustments.  Now, I don't even think about it anymore.  I have not knowingly eaten gluten in at least 5 years and no longer experience the daily diarrhea and stomach pain I endured for decades.  I don't eat fast food, I don't go to restaurants, and I rarely eat at friends' houses.  But freedom from pain is well worth it.

I am curious, what things do you eat? 

[MADMOM]

2 hours ago, Ginger38 said:

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issu

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issue

Maybe if I felt I was getting healthier on this gluten free diet or saw some results like a little weight loss from not eating little Debbie cakes and breads and crackers or just felt like a million bucks I would be motivated. Unfortunately everytime I try to stick to a gluten free diet I lose no weight and my glucose /A1C always goes up. I don’t know what’s worse keeping my sugar in check and not having all things gluten free or being 100% gluten free and diabetes and it’s nasty complications being an issue

i gained 18 pounds which i’m struggling to lose however i feel so much more energetic and healthier and i am told that my skin eyes and face look “alive”  weight gain came from early menopause as well - plus i don’t have lots of time to exercise but i’m making time now - your health is #1 - you can  do this 

[Ginger38]

10 hours ago, MADMOM said:

i gained 18 pounds which i’m struggling to lose however i feel so much more energetic and healthier and i am told that my skin eyes and face look “alive”  weight gain came from early menopause as well - plus i don’t have lots of time to exercise but i’m making time now - your health is #1 - you can  do this 

Thanks, I think I am very overwhelmed In general and adding this to the mix is a lot. I don’t know why I don’t care more about my health. It’s frustrating. I want to be healthy but I guess I get side tracked on the negative things and cost and I give up and make myself sick. Also I’m very short so there’s no where for my weight to go and I had a C-section, so I carry most of my weight in the mid section. I’m scared to gain any more weight. I already don’t like the way I look and that makes me feel bad physically and mentally. I just wish I had more energy /felt significantly better or something more solidified as to celiac disease and this is all worth it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[knitty kitty]

@Ginger38,

Have you looked into the Autoimmune Protocol Diet?  

The AIP diet has really helped me.  I have Type Two Diabetes in addition to Celiac.  The AIP diet excludes dairy, grains, nightshades, and legumes which gives the intestines time to heal.  It's basically meat and vegetables.  For fast dinners, I throw a ground beef patty and some frozen vegetables in a pan and steam salute until tender.  Takes twenty minutes.  Easy peasy.  

We seem to be built similarly with short waists.  My abdominal fat wouldn't shift until I was on the AIP diet.  The AIP diet shifts our bodies from burning carbohydrates to burning fats and proteins for fuel.  Including healthy omega three fats in the diet is really important.  My diabetes is now under control without medications.  My body handles sugar spikes after carbohydrate consumption much better now.  

Another thing that helped me is I supplement the eight essential B vitamins and take additional thiamine in the form of Benfotiamine.  High calorie malnutrition is the result of eating carbohydrates without consuming enough thiamine to turn them into energy.  Gluten free facsimile foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Supplementing with the B Complex and extra thiamine in the form Benfotiamine is important to ensure we are getting enough of these building blocks for health.  Up to 79% of diabetics are thiamine deficient.  We need to cut out the empty calories from processed gluten free foods and concentrate on eating nutrient dense foods.  Perhaps your doctor could refer you to a dietician or nutritionist who could help guide you to making better choices.  

Supplementing with Benfotiamine, magnesium and the B Complex has helped me lose weight and keep my blood glucose levels stable, but I also noticed an improvement in my mental health.  I had been through the same apathy (lack of feeling about anything), but that resolved quickly as I supplemented with the B Complex and Benfotiamine.  The B vitamins cannot be made in our bodies so we have to consume them every day.  They all work together intricately.  They are nontoxic and water soluble, so any excess is excreted in urine.  Discuss with your doctor the benefits of supplementing.  

Hope this helps! 

Edited May 18, 2022 by knitty kitty
Typo correction

[MADMOM]

On 5/16/2022 at 10:47 PM, Ginger38 said:

Thanks, I think I am very overwhelmed In general and adding this to the mix is a lot. I don’t know why I don’t care more about my health. It’s frustrating. I want to be healthy but I guess I get side tracked on the negative things and cost and I give up and make myself sick. Also I’m very short so there’s no where for my weight to go and I had a C-section, so I carry most of my weight in the mid section. I’m scared to gain any more weight. I already don’t like the way I look and that makes me feel bad physically and mentally. I just wish I had more energy /felt significantly better or something more solidified as to celiac disease and this is all worth it 🤷🏼‍♀️

[MADMOM]

where can we buy Benfomatine?  if i even said that right - i take thiamine -B12 and iron plus vitamin D - i gained 18 pounds as i am healing and went through early menopause during this process- most of the weight has gone to my stomach and thighs - i can’t seem to take any of it off - did the AIP diet help you lose weight? 

[knitty kitty]

Yes, the AIP diet and Benfotiamine helped me lose weight.  I take one 100 mg capsule with each meal.  I take a B Complex once a day.  And a magnesium citrate supplement which is needed for Thiamine (Benfotiamine) to function properly.

The B vitamins need each other to function properly.  Taking just one of the B vitamins can throw some of the other B vitamins out of balance.  For example, supplementing just B12 can use up all the folate B9 causing the whole system to slow down.  Taking a B Complex ensures there's plenty of all eight.  Any excess your body doesn't need or can save is simply excreted.  

Benfotiamine is available online from Amazon, as well as in some brick and mortar stores, available over the counter.  I use the Life Extension brand.

https://www.lifeextension.com/vitamins-supplements/item00920/benfotiamine-with-thiamine?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuv3A2KHo9wIV2DytBh1Nggc5EAQYAyABEgI7Z_D_BwE

[Ginger38]

On 5/17/2022 at 11:55 PM, knitty kitty said:

@Ginger38,

Have you looked into the Autoimmune Protocol Diet?  

The AIP diet has really helped me.  I have Type Two Diabetes in addition to Celiac.  The AIP diet excludes dairy, grains, nightshades, and legumes which gives the intestines time to heal.  It's basically meat and vegetables.  For fast dinners, I throw a ground beef patty and some frozen vegetables in a pan and steam salute until tender.  Takes twenty minutes.  Easy peasy.  

We seem to be built similarly with short waists.  My abdominal fat wouldn't shift until I was on the AIP diet.  The AIP diet shifts our bodies from burning carbohydrates to burning fats and proteins for fuel.  Including healthy omega three fats in the diet is really important.  My diabetes is now under control without medications.  My body handles sugar spikes after carbohydrate consumption much better now.  

Another thing that helped me is I supplement the eight essential B vitamins and take additional thiamine in the form of Benfotiamine.  High calorie malnutrition is the result of eating carbohydrates without consuming enough thiamine to turn them into energy.  Gluten free facsimile foods are not enriched with vitamins like their gluten containing counterparts.  Supplementing with the B Complex and extra thiamine in the form Benfotiamine is important to ensure we are getting enough of these building blocks for health.  Up to 79% of diabetics are thiamine deficient.  We need to cut out the empty calories from processed gluten free foods and concentrate on eating nutrient dense foods.  Perhaps your doctor could refer you to a dietician or nutritionist who could help guide you to making better choices.  

Supplementing with Benfotiamine, magnesium and the B Complex has helped me lose weight and keep my blood glucose levels stable, but I also noticed an improvement in my mental health.  I had been through the same apathy (lack of feeling about anything), but that resolved quickly as I supplemented with the B Complex and Benfotiamine.  The B vitamins cannot be made in our bodies so we have to consume them every day.  They all work together intricately.  They are nontoxic and water soluble, so any excess is excreted in urine.  Discuss with your doctor the benefits of supplementing.  

Hope this helps! 

Thanks! I am going to try the supplement you mentioned. I purchased some yesterday.. so it should be here tomorrow. I am HOPING it will help. If I could just feel better, it would be so nice. I don't know if this is common for anyone else but I have such tenderness, that I am guessing is my muscles.. like I can't stand a massage because the pressure hurts. If I put pressure on my legs or sides it hurts. I a just sort of a mess I feel like. 

It would be nice to go off of medicine and manage my diabetes without it, but I am not very hopeful.. 

I am 5'1 and had a csection.. and I am overweight/obese ... I hate it. 

I am not familiar with the AIP diet but it seems like there is not much you can eat.