Advice!

[AMJx]

Hi all, I have been tested positive for Coeliac and am waiting an appointment for a biopsy. For the last 5 weeks I have been waiting for an ultrasound as I went to a&e and was told my pain was likely gallbladder. This is a severe pain in my right side just below my stomach. The doctor said I may have both, so he has advised a GF diet until my ultrasound (in a week). Would I then need to eat gluten again for the biopsy as if the pain does go away I don’t know if I could! Also going on holiday week after so don’t want to eat and be ill on holiday. Hit me hard as I eat so much food containing gluten (who knew until you have to check!). I can imagine it is going to be a big adjustment if I do have this and I’m struggling with the idea of food always having to be something I think about (if that makes sense?!?).

[Whydothis]

I am surprised your GP has said avoid gluten at this stage, as the pain of a gallbladder is caused by fat! You must certainly go back to the gLuton until you have the biopsy, sorry!

It will be worth it - I was diagnosed 18 months ago, and I feel so much better.

You are right - it is a huge adjustment, and having to constantly think about food made me obsessive for months. It upsets me most when I am out in people's homes and can't eat their cooking. I feel I am talking about myself and my diet far too much, and I was never that sort of person.

[TheKaleidoscopeInMe in reply to Whydothis]

I get tired of talking about it too. My friends are well meaning but they don’t always understand about cross contamination. I always have a stash of protein bars in the car just in case. I always offer to bring food to friends houses too.

[TheKaleidoscopeInMe]

What the doctor told you sounds confusing.

Can you ask your doctor if you can slowly phase out gluten? It took me 3 months. It’s going to be really difficult on vacation. When you go out to eat you are not really in control of their food handling or if there is cross contamination. I doubt that anyone could be totally gluten free on vacation unless they bring their own food. Plus you still need gluten in your system for the next steps. You can try explain it to the doctor and hopefully they will be supportive.

If not, then you might try calling ahead or ask first thing when you’re at the restaurant if they could use gluten free prep and handling for you.

I wish you good luck! Keep asking for advice. Everything will be alright. Stay safe and well ☺️

[AMJx]

Thanks you both for your advice. I think I may have to make an appointment to discuss it a bit more now I have a bit more information. Eating out looks so confusing and particularly abroad in Tenerife where there are much smaller restaurants and cafes!

[Cooper27]

I think you ought to remain on gluten, unless you have a confirmed date for your biopsy in the next couple of weeks. There is no real logic in cutting it out now, unless your GP is hoping to rule out that the pain is caused by gluten.

You can cut back to 1 slice of bread a day for the week, and maybe avoid eating any for 24-48 hours before the ultrasound, it's unlikely that will make you feel ill from reintroducing gluten. The wait lists for endoscopies can be quite long, and the last thing you want to do is cut out gluten if you'll potentially have to wait months, as the biopsy will be inconclusive.

[tinlizzie]

If you are looking for gluten free products in Tenerife the supermarket Mercadona stocks these items. We do self catering but restaurants are generally good at including gf dishes. You can get a little card from Coeliac UK in different languages to show restaurant staff. Have a good holiday and hope you keep well.

[stillaboveground]

tinlizie is right Mercadona are very good on G/F foods, Tenerife is well up on special diets a lot of the restaurants will cater for most diets. Good luck and enjoy your holiday