New Diagnosis

[Roda]

Nov. 29, 2008

I am new here on this forum and thought if I can share my experiences and others, it might make a difference.

I was diagnosed in 2000 with an underactive thyroid and Hashimoto's disease after two miscarriages. I now have two beautiful sons born Feb. 2001 and Dec. 2004, but the rest of my Celiac disease story begins in Feb. 2006.

I started having episodes of tachycardia that sent me to the ER twice. I couldn't understand why my heart was racing. The only time I had symptoms was during the last trimester of my pregnancies and I knew I was not pregnant! After some tests and consulting with a cardiologist for four months, the episodes became less frequent and bothersome. Then I started feeling fatigued, tired all the time, my hair was falling out and had more frequent heartburn. So in the course of the year I saw my GP two or three times for my symptoms. I thought the symptoms (or at least some of them) were related to my thyroid. Each time, my thyroid tests were normal and I was left to think it was from working full time and taking care of two boys. Since my symptoms were still lingering, on the last visit, I told the doctor that something was not right. I was asked if I was depressed. I said, "no, but I will be if we can't figure out what is wrong." More blood test later I found out I was anemic. I was told it could be caused by GI bleeding, a malabsorption problem or menstrual periods and given my age (33 at the time), it was probably the latter. I was prescribed iron pills and was to follow up with blood work in three months.

Three months later (early 2007) blood work was normal. I wasn't anemic any more. However, my symptoms kept lingering so I decided to see an endocrinologist for my thyroid. I went over everything with her. She ordered the same blood work as my GP but added in a bunch of iron tests. The thyroid tests were borderline and my ferritin level wad really low (ferritin wad 4 and low normal is around 12). She adjusted my thyroid medications and prescribed cromogen for the iron deficiency. I could not tolerate the iron supplement. I had acid reflux so bad I had to quit taking it. I began to see her regularly about every four months or so with repeated blood work continunually showing the iron deficiency.

In Spring 2008 I tarted looking up iron deficiency and Hashimoto's disease, and a lot of information I was reading had a link to celiac disease. There was reference to celiac disease and Hashimoto's disease being they are both autoimmune disorders. I went back to see my endocrinologist in Sept. and asked what she knew about the relationship between them. She told me that when you have one autoimmune disease you are at an increased risk for others. I asked if she would order a test for celiac disease since no one had fornd a reason for the iron deficiency. I was asked if I had any GI symptoms. I had been having frequent heartburn since 2006 and boating and constipation since as long as I can remember.

I had a positive IgA tTG and consulted with a GI doctor in Oct. I had an EGD with biopsy that showed acute and chronic inflammation, villi blunting, and mild intraepithelial lymphocytes. On Oct. 28th I received my diagnosis. I have been gluten free since Oct. 30th. I have already noticed some benefits: No heartburn and the abdominal bloating and constipation have improved.

Research shows that a trigger can set celiac disease in motion in suseptable people. Maybe it was the pregnancy with my second son whom I breastfed until Apr. 2006. Maybe it was the emotional stress from my husband's traumatic vasectomy in June 2005. To this day he suffers from chronic post vasectomy pain. I dont know, and may never know. But one thing I do know is that I am grateful that I was diagnosed.

Roda

Newly diagnosed celiac disease Oct. 2008 by IgA tTG and biopsy

[ravenwoodglass]

Welcome to the boards. You found a great place for info and support. The gluten free lifestyle can take some getting used to but you should start healing and feel better soon. If you are still having GI issues it might be a good idea to drop dairy also for a while if you haven't already. Ask any questions you need to and be sure to check all your meds and supplements as well as toiletries.

[mftnchn]

I add my welcome. Good for you for doing your own research and persisting for an answer! Many people have gone a lot longer before finding an answer. Anemia should have been a red flag to check celiac.

Good advice given. Also there could be vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies. Thcse can linger or right themselves fairly quickly depending on how quickly you heal.

Villi produce lactase to break down lactose, hence the advice about milk. They also produce a couple of other carbohydrate enzymes. If you notice problems with carbs, take a look at the SCD diet for a jump start on healing.

[Amber M]

Nov. 29, 2008

I am new here on this forum and thought if I can share my experiences and others, it might make a difference.

I was diagnosed in 2000 with an underactive thyroid and Hashimoto's disease after two miscarriages. I now have two beautiful sons born Feb. 2001 and Dec. 2004, but the rest of my Celiac disease story begins in Feb. 2006.

I started having episodes of tachycardia that sent me to the ER twice. I couldn't understand why my heart was racing. The only time I had symptoms was during the last trimester of my pregnancies and I knew I was not pregnant! After some tests and consulting with a cardiologist for four months, the episodes became less frequent and bothersome. Then I started feeling fatigued, tired all the time, my hair was falling out and had more frequent heartburn. So in the course of the year I saw my GP two or three times for my symptoms. I thought the symptoms (or at least some of them) were related to my thyroid. Each time, my thyroid tests were normal and I was left to think it was from working full time and taking care of two boys. Since my symptoms were still lingering, on the last visit, I told the doctor that something was not right. I was asked if I was depressed. I said, "no, but I will be if we can't figure out what is wrong." More blood test later I found out I was anemic. I was told it could be caused by GI bleeding, a malabsorption problem or menstrual periods and given my age (33 at the time), it was probably the latter. I was prescribed iron pills and was to follow up with blood work in three months.

Three months later (early 2007) blood work was normal. I wasn't anemic any more. However, my symptoms kept lingering so I decided to see an endocrinologist for my thyroid. I went over everything with her. She ordered the same blood work as my GP but added in a bunch of iron tests. The thyroid tests were borderline and my ferritin level wad really low (ferritin wad 4 and low normal is around 12). She adjusted my thyroid medications and prescribed cromogen for the iron deficiency. I could not tolerate the iron supplement. I had acid reflux so bad I had to quit taking it. I began to see her regularly about every four months or so with repeated blood work continunually showing the iron deficiency.

In Spring 2008 I tarted looking up iron deficiency and Hashimoto's disease, and a lot of information I was reading had a link to celiac disease. There was reference to celiac disease and Hashimoto's disease being they are both autoimmune disorders. I went back to see my endocrinologist in Sept. and asked what she knew about the relationship between them. She told me that when you have one autoimmune disease you are at an increased risk for others. I asked if she would order a test for celiac disease since no one had fornd a reason for the iron deficiency. I was asked if I had any GI symptoms. I had been having frequent heartburn since 2006 and boating and constipation since as long as I can remember.

I had a positive IgA tTG and consulted with a GI doctor in Oct. I had an EGD with biopsy that showed acute and chronic inflammation, villi blunting, and mild intraepithelial lymphocytes. On Oct. 28th I received my diagnosis. I have been gluten free since Oct. 30th. I have already noticed some benefits: No heartburn and the abdominal bloating and constipation have improved.

Research shows that a trigger can set celiac disease in motion in suseptable people. Maybe it was the pregnancy with my second son whom I breastfed until Apr. 2006. Maybe it was the emotional stress from my husband's traumatic vasectomy in June 2005. To this day he suffers from chronic post vasectomy pain. I dont know, and may never know. But one thing I do know is that I am grateful that I was diagnosed.

Roda

Newly diagnosed celiac disease Oct. 2008 by IgA tTG and biopsy

Welcome Roda, I have been gluten free since the end of July of this year. Still not well, but I have improvement. I have gluten ataxia which appears to be slow to improve. My heartburn is almost gone completly and many other things are slowly improving. You will notice your head will clear, the "Fog" will begin to lift. It is amazing!

I figured mine out myself too. You really made the connection, that is great! You will find so much information on ingredient lists and receipes and anything else you need here and on other sites.

Have you considered the gene test for your kids? Read around here about it. I think it is important to consider. Good luck, and we are all here for eachother!

[Mother of Jibril]

Welcome to the group!

Thank goodness for libraries and the Internet... like you, that's how I learned about the connection between autoimmune hypothyroidism and gluten intolerance.

I also had a pregnancy loss in November 2006. I don't know why... but that literature has VERY little information about autoimmune disorders in pregnancy. I'm sure I would have picked up on it because I was really desperate for answers.

[Roda]

Welcome Roda, I have been gluten free since the end of July of this year. Still not well, but I have improvement. I have gluten ataxia which appears to be slow to improve. My heartburn is almost gone completly and many other things are slowly improving. You will notice your head will clear, the "Fog" will begin to lift. It is amazing!

I figured mine out myself too. You really made the connection, that is great! You will find so much information on ingredient lists and receipes and anything else you need here and on other sites.

Have you considered the gene test for your kids? Read around here about it. I think it is important to consider. Good luck, and we are all here for eachother!

[Roda]

Welcome Roda, I have been gluten free since the end of July of this year. Still not well, but I have improvement. I have gluten ataxia which appears to be slow to improve. My heartburn is almost gone completly and many other things are slowly improving. You will notice your head will clear, the "Fog" will begin to lift. It is amazing!

I figured mine out myself too. You really made the connection, that is great! You will find so much information on ingredient lists and receipes and anything else you need here and on other sites.

Have you considered the gene test for your kids? Read around here about it. I think it is important to consider. Good luck, and we are all here for eachother!

Hi! You will have to pardon me, I am new to these forums and really dont' know how to navigate all that well.

I have two boys age 7 and 3. I had their allergist/immunologist order screening for them. They both have had issues. Long story short for the past 1 almost 2 years they have both dramatically improved and are hardly getting sick. My oldest had a total serum IgA of 54 with a reference range of 22-157 and an IgA tTG of 2 with a reference range of normal low < 20 normal high. The youngest had a total serum IgA of 89 with a reference range of 22-157 and an IgA tTG of 1 with a reference range of normal low < 20 normal high. I have a copy of their labs work but the doctor has not informed me officially of the results. I do not believe they have a problem at this time. I did not have the genetic testing done on them because my insurance will not pay for it. Anyway even if they had the gene/s that does not mean they will develop it. I also have not had the gene test for the same reason and even if I do, it probably won

[Amber M]

Hi! You will have to pardon me, I am new to these forums and really dont' know how to navigate all that well.

I have two boys age 7 and 3. I had their allergist/immunologist order screening for them. They both have had issues. Long story short for the past 1 almost 2 years they have both dramatically improved and are hardly getting sick. My oldest had a total serum IgA of 54 with a reference range of 22-157 and an IgA tTG of 2 with a reference range of normal low < 20 normal high. The youngest had a total serum IgA of 89 with a reference range of 22-157 and an IgA tTG of 1 with a reference range of normal low < 20 normal high. I have a copy of their labs work but the doctor has not informed me officially of the results. I do not believe they have a problem at this time. I did not have the genetic testing done on them because my insurance will not pay for it. Anyway even if they had the gene/s that does not mean they will develop it. I also have not had the gene test for the same reason and even if I do, it probably won

[Roda]

Lets put it this way, there is enough auto-immune diseases and related issues in your family to warrant the high possiblity of these genes. Do not be fooled by negative celiacs tests. Mine were negative (the blood test and biopsy). I was gluten free at the time and I knew that could be a problem, but I knew from the "challenge diet" that I had a problem with gluten. My gene test showed 2 genes (one from each parent, making it more severe), a gluten intorerance which causes gluten ataxia (I have very seriously), lower colon problems and causes all of the auto-immune diseases as well. Had I gone by the celiac test, I could have continued to poison myself. I and my Allergist are very skeptical about the celiac tests not covering the intolerance issue.

I had symptoms as a child and then they subsided for several years. I developed other health problems like migraines, sleepers paralysis, fybromialgia, fatigue and other things until it came out full blown this last 5 years. I am 51 now.

The red rash and other symptoms your brother has sounds seriously related. I hope they get tested, but the diet will tell the truth. Stop gluten for a month or so, then start. I did, and got instantly sick upon restarting. It was very convincing.

I understand the money issue. I have many times ignored health issues for that reason. If I were rich I would give gene testing away! Best Wishes. Keep talking to your family.

I wish getting through to my family was a little easier. I think my dad will get screened since I believe he thinks he has nothing to worry about anyway. My mom just gets mad at me anytime I mention it to her like I am blaming her for me. That is just not true. I just think she is in denial and has an unconscienous fear that she may have it and does not want the restrictions that have been imposed upon me. For my brother I think he is a lost cause. When he had the sarcoid he spirled into a deep depression that did not lift for 6 months. He put on alot of weight that he still has not lost. He smokes, occasionally dips and virtually gets no exercise. He very much identifies with his food and even told me he would rather not know than to give up his favorite beer! I can't believe he has such "oh well" attitude. He has a wife and three teenage kids.

As for my two boys, right now I don't believe they are showing any signs of intolerance. However I have been wrong. I had to go virtually dairy free with the my oldest son and I breastfed him till he was 14 mo. old. He would get gassy and have belly pain. He did have constipation problems since born. At about 18 mo. I was told to give him apple juice to help it. I told the pediatrician if he drinks any more juice he will turn into an apple. Then we started him on mineral oil and that did not help. We did suppositories and fleets enemas with little relief. So at 2 1/2 he had a gastrographin enema (same as a barium enema x-ray just with different material in the colon). His exam was normal except for the large amount of retained stool. It filled up his entire colon. The good thing about the exam it was theraputic. It cleaned him out. Then he started on miralax and took it for about a year. Now he does not seem to have any problems unless he consumes to much dairy. He is good about eating lots of fruit and veggies. He had to have his tonsils and adnoids out at 4 due to having strep and tonsillitis so much. At around 5 !/2 he had chronic sinusitis that he had for 6 months. I finaly took him to an allergist and found out he has seasonal allergies to several weeds and is allergic to dustmites and cockroaches. Now food allergies were found. He has been healthy since 6 with no more sinus infections and has only been to the doctor for being sick once since then. He does do allergy shots once a week.

I also went virtally dairy free with the second one also. I breastfed him until he was 16 mo. old. The dairy would make him gassy and have belly pain also. He had reflux until he was about 8-9 mo. I was told to give him some rice cereal to help hold his milk down. He broke out on his head with a rash from the rice cereal and also from oatmeal cereal. Barly cereal was the only only one that did not cause a rash. So I did not knowingly consume rice and oats either. I also avoided tree nuts because I ate something with pecans in and he got hives. He also had problems with rhinosinusitis starting at three months. His belly button stump did not come off until he was 10 wks old and that was with a lot of help. He started wheezing and rattling around 9 mo. I took him to an allergist at 14 months (alot of family hx of asthma and allergies). He was diagnosed with RAD. He also was allergy tested (skin and rast). No positive allergy tests then but dr. felt he still had significant allergy symptoms. Went home with a barage of meds to give him. At 19 mo. he had his adnoids removed due to so many infections. It did help. At 2 !/2 he had a three mo. battle with tonsillitis from MRSA. He has not had any more trouble with them since. Since then he has only been sick a few times and is doing great now. He was retested for allergies at 3 1/2 years and was negative. He was taken off several of his medicines and the hope is next summer he will be medication free.

The boys are consuming less gluten but they are not gluten free and neither is my husband. I cook all our meals gluten free for the family. I think it is silly to cook to order. They will go out and get things though. Both the boys follow up with the allergist, one in Jan. and the other in Mar., should I question if they are intolerant? They seem allright to me.

Roda

[Roda]

I wish getting through to my family was a little easier. I think my dad will get screened since I believe he thinks he has nothing to worry about anyway. My mom just gets mad at me anytime I mention it to her like I am blaming her for me. That is just not true. I just think she is in denial and has an unconscienous fear that she may have it and does not want the restrictions that have been imposed upon me. For my brother I think he is a lost cause. When he had the sarcoid he spirled into a deep depression that did not lift for 6 months. He put on alot of weight that he still has not lost. He smokes, occasionally dips and virtually gets no exercise. He very much identifies with his food and even told me he would rather not know than to give up his favorite beer! I can't believe he has such "oh well" attitude. He has a wife and three teenage kids.

As for my two boys, right now I don't believe they are showing any signs of intolerance. However I have been wrong. I had to go virtually dairy free with the my oldest son and I breastfed him till he was 14 mo. old. He would get gassy and have belly pain. He did have constipation problems since born. At about 18 mo. I was told to give him apple juice to help it. I told the pediatrician if he drinks any more juice he will turn into an apple. Then we started him on mineral oil and that did not help. We did suppositories and fleets enemas with little relief. So at 2 1/2 he had a gastrographin enema (same as a barium enema x-ray just with different material in the colon). His exam was normal except for the large amount of retained stool. It filled up his entire colon. The good thing about the exam it was theraputic. It cleaned him out. Then he started on miralax and took it for about a year. Now he does not seem to have any problems unless he consumes to much dairy. He is good about eating lots of fruit and veggies. He had to have his tonsils and adnoids out at 4 due to having strep and tonsillitis so much. At around 5 !/2 he had chronic sinusitis that he had for 6 months. I finaly took him to an allergist and found out he has seasonal allergies to several weeds and is allergic to dustmites and cockroaches. Now food allergies were found. He has been healthy since 6 with no more sinus infections and has only been to the doctor for being sick once since then. He does do allergy shots once a week.

I also went virtally dairy free with the second one also. I breastfed him until he was 16 mo. old. The dairy would make him gassy and have belly pain also. He had reflux until he was about 8-9 mo. I was told to give him some rice cereal to help hold his milk down. He broke out on his head with a rash from the rice cereal and also from oatmeal cereal. Barly cereal was the only only one that did not cause a rash. So I did not knowingly consume rice and oats either. I also avoided tree nuts because I ate something with pecans in and he got hives. He also had problems with rhinosinusitis starting at three months. His belly button stump did not come off until he was 10 wks old and that was with a lot of help. He started wheezing and rattling around 9 mo. I took him to an allergist at 14 months (alot of family hx of asthma and allergies). He was diagnosed with RAD. He also was allergy tested (skin and rast). No positive allergy tests then but dr. felt he still had significant allergy symptoms. Went home with a barage of meds to give him. At 19 mo. he had his adnoids removed due to so many infections. It did help. At 2 !/2 he had a three mo. battle with tonsillitis from MRSA. He has not had any more trouble with them since. Since then he has only been sick a few times and is doing great now. He was retested for allergies at 3 1/2 years and was negative. He was taken off several of his medicines and the hope is next summer he will be medication free.

The boys are consuming less gluten but they are not gluten free and neither is my husband. I cook all our meals gluten free for the family. I think it is silly to cook to order. They will go out and get things though. Both the boys follow up with the allergist, one in Jan. and the other in Mar., should I question if they are intolerant? They seem allright to me.

Roda

Had a typo in the last post.... "Now food allergies were found"

When the boys' were allergy tested (skin) neither showed any food allergies.

Roda

[Amber M]

Had a typo in the last post.... "Now food allergies were found"

When the boys' were allergy tested (skin) neither showed any food allergies.

Roda

Wow, you all have been through so much! Kids sometimes grow out of allergies, but the gene thing with the gluten intolorance, I have read, symptoms sometimes subside for awhile and then come back at an older age. I am new to all of this too, and read constantly about it. I do not profess to know it all by any means, but I would be on alert to this and for sure ask for continued testing.

Beer has to be one of the worst things one could have with celiacs or intolorance. One thing is for sure, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink!"

It is too bad your mom gets angry. My daughter doesn't want to hear about it either. She has 3 auto-immune diseases and wants to ignore the gluten thing because she says it would just be to hard right now. Well, I hate it, but what can I do? I will not harp. The thing I am hoping for is that I get alot better and she sees that as the example and decides to think about it more. I just hope it is before she gets sicker.

My blood tests have always come back negative on allergies, yet, for instance, if I eat a plate of beans I go into afflactic shock! My Allergist says food allergies and intolorances are the hardest catagory of allergies due to this. He relies more on the challange diets for that reason. He can not explain why that happens. I always thought I was pretty wierd with this stuff until I started reading here on this site. He also said that the allergies can go away for awhile and then suddenly resurface at anty given time. Food allergies and intolorances are very odd ones. But, if you have the genes for gluten intolorance or ciliac, it's for life. There is no playing with that one.

[Roda]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.

When I went to the GI doctor for my initial visit he sent me home with a hemacult test to do, and if it came back positive he wanted to do a colonoscopy. I decided to do the EGD with biopsy first. Well obviously got my answer from the biopsy, so I blew off doing the hemacult test. Well I decided to go ahead and do the test and turned it in last week not really thinking anything would come of it. Well I recieved a phone call yesterday that it was positive and I am now scheduled for a colososcopy next week. Ugg! The nurse seemed really nice said it was probably nothing just hemmhroids. I realize she really does not know, but give her an A for effort. It probably is nothing but I agreed to to the test just on the off chance something could be amiss. Anybody have any thoughts.

Thanks!

Roda

[ravenwoodglass]

Your doing the right thing. Chances are that the nurse was correct about the source but it is a really good idea to follow up on it. Try not to be too worried about it. Easier said than done I know.

[Amber M]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.

When I went to the GI doctor for my initial visit he sent me home with a hemacult test to do, and if it came back positive he wanted to do a colonoscopy. I decided to do the EGD with biopsy first. Well obviously got my answer from the biopsy, so I blew off doing the hemacult test. Well I decided to go ahead and do the test and turned it in last week not really thinking anything would come of it. Well I recieved a phone call yesterday that it was positive and I am now scheduled for a colososcopy next week. Ugg! The nurse seemed really nice said it was probably nothing just hemmhroids. I realize she really does not know, but give her an A for effort. It probably is nothing but I agreed to to the test just on the off chance something could be amiss. Anybody have any thoughts.

Thanks!

Roda

As much as I hate the colonoscopy myself, I would for sure follow thru. Just to be on the safe side and know exactly what is going on in the lower intestines too. I will be having one by January. Not looking foward to it myself, but yet I want it because I have constant bowel problems still. Maybe just for ease of mind anyway. Do what they tell you for now. You will get better though. You can count on that. Let us know. Best wishes.

[Roda]

Well I just got back from preregistering for the colonoscopy this Thursday. Oh boy. I have always heard about the amount of liquid prep and they were not kidding. Between the liqid diet, the bisacodyl tablets and the nearly gallon of the GoLytely to mix up, that should make for a really fun day Wednesday after no sleep from working all night Tuesday. Anyway, I guess for the peace of mind and my children it will be allright.

I have been doing some reading on the internet (various articles) and I am not a bit supprised by having a positive hemoccult test. It seems that it is can be a finding, especially in newly diagnosed celiacs with partial (what I had) or total villous atrophy. Just google celiac and occult blood or positive hemoccult test and you can research it for yourselves.

On a more humorous note though. I believe that the "GoLytely" is meant as a play on words. I mean, you will do anything but "go lightly" ha ha!

I guess the GI doctor had a hard time sedating me for the EGD/biopsy in October. He said that you young people (I'm 35) just metabolize the medicine quickly. I was told by my husband that I did not want to hold still. However, I don't remember a thing. So here I go for round two. Hopefully I don't horse kick them or something. LOL! Even if everything goes well and I behave or not, the funny thing is they will all remember anyway since we work together. I just thought I would add a little humor to this in the event anyone else out there is going through or will be, the same thing.

Roda

[sbj]

that should make for a really fun day Wednesday after no sleep from working all night Tuesday.

Hi Roda:

I just wanted to urge you to be very cautious on Wednesday. I have a coworker who came in to work after his colonoscopy with stitches on his forehead! Turned out he had fainted from lack of food. When I read that you will be up all nite prior, and then won't be eating, I got a bit concerned. So please watch yourself when standing up and be sure to have some supervision. Best of luck with the colonoscopy - it's a great idea to have it done and it will bring peace of mind.

[Amber M]

Well I just got back from preregistering for the colonoscopy this Thursday. Oh boy. I have always heard about the amount of liquid prep and they were not kidding. Between the liqid diet, the bisacodyl tablets and the nearly gallon of the GoLytely to mix up, that should make for a really fun day Wednesday after no sleep from working all night Tuesday. Anyway, I guess for the peace of mind and my children it will be allright.

I have been doing some reading on the internet (various articles) and I am not a bit supprised by having a positive hemoccult test. It seems that it is can be a finding, especially in newly diagnosed celiacs with partial (what I had) or total villous atrophy. Just google celiac and occult blood or positive hemoccult test and you can research it for yourselves.

On a more humorous note though. I believe that the "GoLytely" is meant as a play on words. I mean, you will do anything but "go lightly" ha ha!

I guess the GI doctor had a hard time sedating me for the EGD/biopsy in October. He said that you young people (I'm 35) just metabolize the medicine quickly. I was told by my husband that I did not want to hold still. However, I don't remember a thing. So here I go for round two. Hopefully I don't horse kick them or something. LOL! Even if everything goes well and I behave or not, the funny thing is they will all remember anyway since we work together. I just thought I would add a little humor to this in the event anyone else out there is going through or will be, the same thing.

Roda

Yes, do be careful and drink as many liquids as you are allowed.

OMG! You are sooo funny. I love your sense of humor! Before my endescope, I had a dream that I was standing across the room watching myself during the procedure and I woke up and pulled the tube out of my throat and it hit something near my teeth. I was swearing! I decided to tell the prep nurse about the dream because I was afraid to have it really happen. She asked me if I'd ever had the procedure before (NO) because it freaked her out due to the fact that what I hit on the way out would be the mouth piece they use! Therefore, they payed close attention and I think I had a bit extra on the drug (verset?). That may be why 24 hours later I had the worst migraine ever with the worst visual disturbance ever. I shook like withdrawals.

I told the Doc to tie me down and ignore my mouth. They said they had heard it all! Imagine!!!

When I had my last colonoscopy, I didn't have to do the stuff your doing. I had to drink two bottles of "fleet Phospho" (my spelling might be wrong). One in the evening before and the other early in the morning, and of course the liquid diet the day before, etc. I was way easier that what you have to mix up. I wonder about that. I hear others have done what your doing, but for most of the GI Docs around here it's the Fleet stuff.

Anyway, good luck, stay funny and keep us posted.

[Roda]

Well the colonoscopy is over with. Hurray!! Actually it was not that bad. Wednesday was the worst of it with the prep and all. I did not swing at anyone this time. I think they remembered from the EGD and we were all joking about it. They must have given me more of the diprovan (sp?) this time. It took a lot longer to come out of it. From what my husband tells me and from what I remember too, is that everything looked good, I had some internal hemmrohids that was probably causing the blood, and they removed a polyp. If the pathology comes back ok then another colonoscopy in 10 years and if is shows something (not sure what I guess abnormal cells) then another colonoscopy in 5 years. I was suprised about finding the polyp. If I would have waited till 50 to get a screening, who knows what it would have developed into. The Gi doctor is very thorough. So the little bit of indignity was worth it.

I also went to my endocrinologist last Friday. I follow up with her every 4 months. It was the first visit I had with her since my diagnosis of celiac disease. So I updated her. I told her about being scheduled for the colonoscopy and follow up with the GI doctor in January. I told her I needed to ask him about any other possible deficiencies. She was interested and went ahead and ordered her routine stuff she orders on me and included a bunch of others. I didn't even ask. Between her and the GI doctor they are really good. I am thankful for that. When I was coming out of the anethesia I remember the doctor saying he would get a report to my GP. I believe ( in my drug induced stupor) I asked him to send a report to my endocrinologist also. I have not been back to see the GP since Dec. 2006. I have been to the office a few times for little stuff but seen the PA. I felt it was important that she had the information from both tests since she was the one that originally set me up with the GI. I'm not sure if I should go ahead and make an appointment with the GP for a routine check up or not. Alot has changed since my last one. Any thoughts?

Anyway, I hope everyone is having fun planning for the holidays. I plan on getting creative this year with the baking. I have always thought of myself versed in the kitchen but since going gluten free I feel a bit like a novice. At least it has been fun eating the mixups. Santa will be getting gluten free cookies this year with his milk! The boys' are excited.

God bless!

Roda

[Amber M]

Well the colonoscopy is over with. Hurray!! Actually it was not that bad. Wednesday was the worst of it with the prep and all. I did not swing at anyone this time. I think they remembered from the EGD and we were all joking about it. They must have given me more of the diprovan (sp?) this time. It took a lot longer to come out of it. From what my husband tells me and from what I remember too, is that everything looked good, I had some internal hemmrohids that was probably causing the blood, and they removed a polyp. If the pathology comes back ok then another colonoscopy in 10 years and if is shows something (not sure what I guess abnormal cells) then another colonoscopy in 5 years. I was suprised about finding the polyp. If I would have waited till 50 to get a screening, who knows what it would have developed into. The Gi doctor is very thorough. So the little bit of indignity was worth it.

I also went to my endocrinologist last Friday. I follow up with her every 4 months. It was the first visit I had with her since my diagnosis of celiac disease. So I updated her. I told her about being scheduled for the colonoscopy and follow up with the GI doctor in January. I told her I needed to ask him about any other possible deficiencies. She was interested and went ahead and ordered her routine stuff she orders on me and included a bunch of others. I didn't even ask. Between her and the GI doctor they are really good. I am thankful for that. When I was coming out of the anethesia I remember the doctor saying he would get a report to my GP. I believe ( in my drug induced stupor) I asked him to send a report to my endocrinologist also. I have not been back to see the GP since Dec. 2006. I have been to the office a few times for little stuff but seen the PA. I felt it was important that she had the information from both tests since she was the one that originally set me up with the GI. I'm not sure if I should go ahead and make an appointment with the GP for a routine check up or not. Alot has changed since my last one. Any thoughts?

Anyway, I hope everyone is having fun planning for the holidays. I plan on getting creative this year with the baking. I have always thought of myself versed in the kitchen but since going gluten free I feel a bit like a novice. At least it has been fun eating the mixups. Santa will be getting gluten free cookies this year with his milk! The boys' are excited.

God bless!

Roda

Sounds great Roda! Glad to hear it's over. I will be having mine in Jan. Yuk! My lower right colon hurts almost every day, I am geting a bit worried over it. Hope mine comes out good too. Take care.

[Roda]

Yesterday after I got home from the colonoscopy I ate a little lunch and the rest of the day was spent shopping and running after the kids. For the most part I felt fine. I was wrapping christmas presents sitting on the floor when I noticed that I could not stand the waist of my jeans pushing into my abdomen. When I laid down to go to bed around midnight I had a dull type ache in my lower pelvis. I probably overdid it. Woke up this morning and felt great. I still don't have much of an appetite though. Took my oldest to school and then went to run a few errands. As I was vaccuuming and cleaning up the house this morning I started to ache again. I was instructed not to take any asprin or asprin like medicine for five days. I am also very moody, lonely, and mildly depressed. I am begining to wonder if it might be an after effect from the anethesia. I asked my mom who has had a colonoscopy before and she said she never ached or hurt at all. It seems to get aggrivated when I am up mooving around. I have to work tonight and am not looking forward to being like this and try to take care of everyone else. I won't call in since I am functionable just a little cranky. Has anyone else had any lingering effects after their colonoscopy? I probably just need to give it a few days.

Thanks!

Roda

[Amber M]

Yesterday after I got home from the colonoscopy I ate a little lunch and the rest of the day was spent shopping and running after the kids. For the most part I felt fine. I was wrapping christmas presents sitting on the floor when I noticed that I could not stand the waist of my jeans pushing into my abdomen. When I laid down to go to bed around midnight I had a dull type ache in my lower pelvis. I probably overdid it. Woke up this morning and felt great. I still don't have much of an appetite though. Took my oldest to school and then went to run a few errands. As I was vaccuuming and cleaning up the house this morning I started to ache again. I was instructed not to take any asprin or asprin like medicine for five days. I am also very moody, lonely, and mildly depressed. I am begining to wonder if it might be an after effect from the anethesia. I asked my mom who has had a colonoscopy before and she said she never ached or hurt at all. It seems to get aggrivated when I am up mooving around. I have to work tonight and am not looking forward to being like this and try to take care of everyone else. I won't call in since I am functionable just a little cranky. Has anyone else had any lingering effects after their colonoscopy? I probably just need to give it a few days.

Thanks!

Roda

Yah, you pushed it goober!! I have always had to sleep the rest of the day of procedures! What the heck, shopping, wrapping, vacuming? You should have rested....If the discomfort continues, better call the doc. Moody too could be side affect of meds.

The next day (after the last one) I felt like a million bucks. I had been so blocked up for so long, I lost 5 pounds and felt clean as a wistle! I had tons of energy for a bit!

(by the way, "goober" is just a pet slang with all good intentions!

[Roda]

Yesterday I developed an itch ( no not a 7 yr itch) on my thighs and upper arms. It was driving me crazy to the point that I scratched the blood to the surface. Now I do have dry skin, but this was a deep itch. I then noticed this morning as I was changing for bed, that I had left bruises all over from scratching. I don't think scratching should cause that kind of bruising. Since around 1999 I have had spells of enexplained bruising on my thighs. It has been so bad that I refuse to wear shorts because people think I have been beaten. I assure you that is not the case. I have mentioned it a couple of times over the years, but no explaination. I was wondering if it could be related to the celiac or some deficiency.

Thanks

Roda

[Roda]

Well good news! The polp was a hyperplastic polyp the ones that are fairly common and don't become cancerous. I won't need another colonoscopy for 10 years. Yeah!!

[mushroom]

Well good news! The polp was a hyperplastic polyp the ones that are fairly common and don't become cancerous. I won't need another colonoscopy for 10 years. Yeah!!

That is great news!!

As far as the bruising, there are several of us here that have this problem, along with very thin skin for some of us. One poster said that she was able to cure hers with vitamin supplements. Google it and you will probably find it--look for "raspberries and bruising and thin skin".