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Symptoms- Brain Fog?

Kwx525

By Kwx525
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Kwx525 Apprentice
Kwx525
Posted

Good Morning,

Looking for some advice on how to deal with a doctor. I've been going to a doctor that has been overall fairly nice and understanding. I'm dealing with a situation where a need a statement from the gastroenterologist stating that when I have a Celiac/gluten attack or issue there is associated brain fog as one of the symptoms (among other obvious symptoms). I just heard back from the office, and they said brain fog is not related to the gut (GI) and is not a symptom, therefore they could not make this statement. I was kind of shocked at first and didn't really know how to respond. I managed to get the office worker to re-submit the request and just confirm this was the case. Does this seem right to anyone? I feel like if this is the case, I may need to just find another doctor. Appreciate and insight or thoughts those of you may have.

 

Thanks

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RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

I wonder if your request actually went to the doctor or was just denied by other staff.  

Perhaps some references to scientific articles would help to make your point:

Gluten induced cognitive impairment (brain fog) in coeliac disease

Cognitive impairment in celiac disease…

Celiac Disease and Neurological Manifestations: From Gluten to Neuroinflammation

Kwx525 Apprentice
Kwx525
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for the links to the articles. You would think you wouldn't have to send articles to a GI doctor about these symptoms. I did mention that maybe there was some confusion as to when I have these symptoms. Normally, gluten free, I do not typically have these issues. However, when I get glutened I get the whole array of symptoms that most people get, to include brain fog related issues. I feel like if they come back with the same response I'll have to try and get another opinion, which isn't really ideal.

 

Thanks

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Brain fog in celiac disease is often linked to nutrient deficiencies. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs.

 

 

 

knitty kitty Grand Master
knitty kitty
Posted

@Kwx525,

One of my doctors excused my brain fog as a type of migraine.  Not 100% scientifically and technically accurate, but more acceptable to the uneducated masses and doctors clueless about Celiac. 

Do consider supplementing with vitamins and minerals.  Subclinical deficiencies in Thiamine B1 Pyridoxine B 6, and B12 Cobalamine can help clear brain fog and improve migraines both! 

 

Kwx525 Apprentice
Kwx525
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the responses. It’s hard to describe to doctors and people sometimes. I just use brain fog cause that makes sense to me and most people who deal with these issues. This usually happens specifically when glutened. I guess you could use terms like decreased ability to focus and/or concentrate. It has always resembled flu like symptoms to me.

Thanks 

Scott Adams Grand Master
Scott Adams
Posted

Here is some more reading on brain fog and celiac disease in case you are interested:

https://www.celiac.com/search/?&q="brain fog"&type=cms_records2&quick=1&search_and_or=and&search_in=titles&sortby=relevancy 

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      Sainsbury's Free From White Sliced Bread - Now Egg Free - Completely Ruined It

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      @HAUS, I was at an event in the UK a few years back. I remember ringing the restaurant ahead to inquire about the gluten free options. All I wanted was a few gluten free sandwiches, which they provided and they were delicious. The gluten-free bread they used was Warbutons white bread and I remember mentioning it on this site before. No harm in trying it once. It's fortified with Calcium and Iron. https://www.warburtonsglutenfree.com/warbs_products/white-loaf/ The only other gluten-free bread that I've come across that is fortified is Schar with Iodized salt, nothing else.
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      Thank you. 
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