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Celiacs & Lactose

Cececeliac

By Cececeliac
in Related Issues & Disorders

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Cececeliac Newbie
Cececeliac
Posted

I'm new here and hoping for some advice.

I was diagnosed with Celiacs in November 2011 and have been following a gluten free diet since December 2011. I have never reached out to anyone other than my GI/family doctor or nutritionist. I'm looking for advice and maybe support from other members that have Celiacs as well as my newest diagnosis of being lactose intolerant.

I follow my gluten free diet faithfully. When I first found out I'm a celiac I did end up eating gluten not knowing as I was just learning. I am quick to react to any amount of gluten that gets in my system.

I managed to lose 20lbs of the weight I had put on because of my celiacs and have been doing great with this disease. Until recently, I noticed that I have been putting on a few pounds, my stomach is bloated and I get pains, and then I'm in the bathroom. I seen my GI and found out that I am also lactose intolerant.

So, this is where i'm having a hard time. I have omitted the gluten and the lactose but yet anytime I eat I have to go to the bathroom. I'm bloated and have gas pains. I feel horrible and have no energy.

I guess I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this, could there be something else going on or is this "normal"?

Looking for some advice :)

Thanks for reading.

About me: 31, Celiac Disease, Lactose Intolerant, Thyroid Disease, no longer anemic as I have iron infusions.

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mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Welcome Cece!

I see that you have been following to the best of your ability the gluten free diet for a year, and that you can now recognize when you have been glutened. Those little glutenings can keep the antibodies activated so should be avoided at alll costs. Unfortunately, milk products can contribute to the gut damage too and it is good that you have cut them out. The enzyme to digest the lactose in milk is produced at the tips of the villi which in your small intestine which are damaged by the gluten. The good news is that, with time, your gut will heal and you will probably be able to digest lactose again. But the healing process does take time and patience is a celiac's best friend :)

Your reactions to eating often depend on the extent of the damage in your gut. Many of us on the forum either use or have used probiotics to help repopulate the gut with good flora to aid in digestion. If your food is not being thoroughly digested, firstly you are not getting appropriate nourishment from it, and that means you may also be low in essential nutrients. Has your doctor checked your vitamin and mineral levels and are you taking any supplements? It is especially important to check Vit. D so you don't develop osteoporosis and B12 to combat anemia. Ah, I just reread your post and you have iron deficiency anemia and thyroid problems which are common in celiac disease.

Another common organ of attack is the pancreas which may not be producing sufficient enzymes for the digestion of your food. Many of us also take digestive enzymes to help with this. I found it best to use the type where you take one with each meal.

So yes, it is completely normal to continue to have digestive problems until you heal. Your rate of healing depends on your particular body, the amount of damage, your compliance with the diet and, often, the supplements we take to help our gut.

I wish you improved health and steady progress. Have a festive holiday season and ask any other questions of our members that come to mind.

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