Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Depressed - Troubles Eating

Genie75

By Genie75
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Genie75 Rookie
Genie75
Posted

Hello,

Just dropping by for support. I posted a bit around Xmas time. A month before Xmas I became a SelfDiagnosed Celiac. Before that I didn't know there was such thing. I had been eating fairly gluten free for 10 years, as it was the only thing that got the diarhea under control. Unfortunately, I don't know why, things got substantially worse last November. My body was rejecting almost all food I put into it. I didn't want to eat because I couldn't see the point of it if everything made me run to the bathroom. Unfortunately, even eating gluten free was not helping me this time. So I got very scared, because I did not know what was wrong with me. I have had the diagnosis of IBS for the past 12 years, and I have never obtained any positive test results for Celias disease, because I am unable to eat glutens for long enough for the test results to show positive results.

So at the advice of the Canadian Celiac Association, they told me to accept that I will never get a positive diagnosis for it in my whole life, and to eat gluten free, since even eating small amounts make me sick. I do follow their advice now.

However, my IBS has gotten really really bad. So much so that not only can I not eat glutens, but now I get a bad pain in my left side when I eat any food that is too rough. Like brocolli, red peppers, brown rice, etc.

So I've been pretty depressed about it all. I can see the paleo diet is the way for me to go. Troubles is I have troubles sticking to it.

I have bought Acacia Tummy fibre which has helped tremendously in reducing diarhea bouts. To that's a major plus. Unfortunately if I get too much fibre , I get these god awful pains in the left side. I have been told that they are colon spasms. I had a CT scan done and everything, and nothing was found. So that's what they are assuming I have.

So I'm a bit depressed about this. My options for what I can all eat are so limited. I don't know what to do about the pains in the left side when I get them. I just sort of wait it out, and try to just drink gingerale and the RAT diet (or whatever it is called).

Really it's the emotional part that is the hardest for me. If I could live in a shell and not have to interact with anyone else, I could just feed myself as I see fit. Then I think I would get better, but am not sure. Anyways, I'm down today because I had the pains in the left side again this morning. So now I'm scared to eat for fear they will come back again. I will just pare down on to gingerale, rice pablum, boullioun, etc. It is so frustrating. Thanks for listening.

Janet

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

Anytime Janet. I hope you feel better soon. I am on a restrictive diet by most standards.....but I eat well and am feeling very good of late. So there is hope!

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I get really depressed when I am glutened. It isn't just because I feel bad, it is because celiac messes with your neurotransmitters. Really watch for all those hidden gluten sources like medications, vitamins, envelopes, cross contamination with processed foods. If you get yourself really free from gluten you just might find that all those other bad things go away. I hope so.

Bridy Apprentice
Bridy
Posted

I am so sorry to hear you are feeling so badly.

Genie75 Rookie
Genie75
Posted
  • Author

Hi ShayFl,

It is good to hear from you! If you can do it, I can do it! You have no idea how good it feels to hear of someone else who is on a very restricted diet. That is my main problem. I do not have enough support around me to eat the way my body feels best. And I suffer dearly for it. I have the gluten free thing under control, as I have been doing that for years. I don't really have a problem eating gluten free anymore.

What I am experiencing now is very bad reactions to anything too fibrous. So I am leaning in the direciton of the paleo diet. Although even that is hard for me, because vegies that are too rough cause problems for me too. I do the best on root veggies. I thrive on potatoes. Eat at least one potato every day. And I am a big meat eater as well. And I seem to do really well on most fruits.

It is hard for me to get that assertiveness in me, and to drop the people-pleasing, and the feeling of guilt when I have to turn down so much perfectly good food. I have had to remove red peppers out of my scrabbled eggs medley and put them in my bf's plate. He objected at first, but I explained to him that they cause me pain in my left side. He really doesn't understand.

At times I feel like the little kid who is sneaking food to the dog under the table because I cannot eat it.

I do not have the desire to go out to restaurants much. Yet people keep asking me, no matter how many times I explain the difficulties I have!

I am tired of people trying to fix me! They have no idea that I have tried almost everything on this planet (ok I'm exaggerating a bit), and that everyday is a huge struggle for me, in coping with food and how to eat. They don't realize that it exhausts me. They don't realize I can't be what they want me to be. I had this one woman at work who brought me a hot chocolate, when I was desperately sick and losing weight like crazy. And she was upset because I declined the hot chocolate! Her and I are not friends and I can't be friends with someone like that who doesnt' understand.

I used to go out of my way to spend time with people, and not look after myself. And they would eat while we were out, and I'm sitting there, hungry, and they're eating and I can't eat because the coffee shop sells nothing I can eat. Anyways, sorry for complaining.

I have gotten the hang of carrying food I can eat everywhere I go. Because I never know when I'm going to get hungry, and the choice of foods for me out there are pretty slim pickings for me

I'm tired of people trying to switch me to "healthy" foods. It's disconcerting that I have to tell them that I also react to Soy! Or whatever else solution they have for me. Unfortunately. I react to almost anything.

What should I do! Wear a big placard that says "Please do not feed me!!!!"

Ok I'm sorry. I'm dumping . I'm making things out to be way worse than they are. But I am just so frustrated I needed to vent.

Anytime Janet. I hope you feel better soon. I am on a restrictive diet by most standards.....but I eat well and am feeling very good of late. So there is hope!
ShayFL Enthusiast
ShayFL
Posted

I know what you mean. Most of my friends dont bother anymore. I always bring my own food. I bring enough to share and I am a pretty good cook (so that helps). I have a few good friends who like cooking for me. One good friend recently made me and my family dinner. Bless her heart. She used tin-foil on everything even the glass bakeware. She didnt make anything that required a cutting board. Used metal spoons (not wooden). Cleared every ingredient with me beforehand including the spices, oils and salt. She made a delicious herb baked chicken and sweet potatoes. I brought a salad and some of my homemade dressing. Sorbet for dessert. It was awesome and I didnt get sick at all. I dont expect anyone to cater to me, but I have found really good friends actually want to and they dont want me to get sick.

If I ever find myself surrounded by buttholes....I limit my time with them and spend more time with the people that care and dont treat me like I am weird. Including my family. I spend time with people that lift me up.....not bring me down. And these days I am pretty blunt about it....."Mom if you are going to keep saying those things, I am going to hang up and not speak with you until we can have a conversation without that material. I will hang up everytime. Ok?" and it works!!

I have discovered in life that not everyone will like me, but most respect me. It is good enough for me. :)

Take a look around and ask yourself why you are trying to people please? Most women need to learn to care for themselves and put themselves first now and again. You deserve it.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,080
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    young
    Newest Member
    young
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      69.9k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Rice, corn, and other gluten-free grains.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your approach is spot-on—trusting reliable sources like Mayo Clinic and sticking to a gluten-free diet that works for you is the best way to navigate all the noise out there. The claim that rice and corn contain forms of gluten harmful to celiacs is indeed a misconception. While these grains do contain proteins that may technically be referred to as "glutens" in a broader scientific sense, they are structurally and functionally different from the gliadin found in wheat, which is the specific protein harmful to those with celiac disease. Scientific research overwhelmingly supports the safety of non-contaminated rice and corn for celiacs unless there’s a separate sensitivity or allergy involved. Some opinion pieces or alternative health sources may blur the lines by conflating these proteins, which can cause unnecessary worry. You're absolutely correct to focus on the distinction between scientifically validated information and anecdotal claims. It's also important to note that some people with celiac disease may develop sensitivities to other grains over time, but this is individual and not a universal rule. If you’re asymptomatic and thriving on a diet that includes certified gluten-free products with rice and corn, there’s no reason to change what’s clearly working for you. The internet is a breeding ground for well-meaning but misguided advice, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your instinct to validate claims through reliable research is exactly the right way to go. Keep enjoying your gluten-free meals, stick with trusted certifications, and don’t feel pressured to adopt restrictive diets that aren’t backed by science or tailored to your specific needs. Happy New Year to you too!
    • Scott Adams
      Enegy level extremely low

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Healing and regaining energy after a celiac diagnosis can be a frustratingly slow process, but you're not alone in feeling this way! Everyone's healing journey is different, and factors like age, how long celiac was undiagnosed, and the extent of intestinal damage can all play a role. In general, villi can begin to heal within a few weeks to months after starting a strict gluten-free diet, but for some adults—especially those diagnosed later in life—it can take a year or more to see significant improvement. Studies suggest that older adults may heal more slowly, but it does happen with consistent gluten avoidance. Since you're already taking iron, vitamin D3, and a multivitamin, you're on the right track. Here are a few additional tips that might help: Be Patient with Your Body: It’s hard to wait, but healing takes time. Track your progress in small ways—maybe energy levels on a scale of 1-10 each week—to notice gradual improvements. Check for Other Deficiencies: Sometimes celiacs have trouble absorbing other nutrients, like B12, magnesium, or zinc, which can also affect energy levels. Your doctor may want to test for these. Consider Other Conditions: Fatigue can be linked to other issues like thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, or even sleep disturbances, which can sometimes occur alongside celiac disease. It might be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider. Stay Active, but Pace Yourself: Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can help improve energy levels, but don’t push yourself too hard—listen to your body. Hydration and Balanced Meals: Make sure you're drinking enough water and eating a balanced gluten-free diet with plenty of whole foods. Sometimes highly processed gluten-free products can leave you feeling sluggish. Remember, healing isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. You’ve made a huge, positive change by going gluten-free, and your body is working hard to repair itself. It’s okay to feel impatient, but know that you're moving in the right direction. Hang in there—you’ll get there!
    • Lotte18
      Can food allergies like milk and soy flatten villi?

      By Lotte18 · Posted

      Hi Scott, I thought I'd be like "most people" and could go back to having dairy once my villi had healed.  But after dealing with neurological problems that cropped up long after my gut had healed it turned out that this just wasn't true.  I have no idea if celiac influences pancreatic enzyme production or if it's the other way around--for some of us-- but there is a very real relationship that isn't being discussed with patients.  The article just reiterates information that can mislead you if your real problem is pancreatic not villi related.  
    • Scott Adams
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      One of our current sponsors sells gluten-free nuts: https://www.tierrafarm.com/
    • trents
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Amyinwyoming! Answers to your question that you might receive may not be helpful to you as an individual since sensitivity levels vary significantly within the gluten sensitive/gluten intolerant/celiac community. The other complicating factor is that low levels of gluten in a product may not cause obvious symptoms but may still generate low level inflammation in the small bowel. When in doubt, it is best to pass on the product. I'm not a particularly sensitive celiac so I might allow myself to eat something at a guest's house that was made from a food product with the kind of disclaimer label you describe but I typically shy away from buying them or consuming them when I have a choice.
×
×
  • Create New...