Day 3 of 6 week Gluten Challenge . .

[LilacPrincess]

HELP!

I have tried to do this slowly, it has been 15 months since I have eaten gluten.

But OMG the pain, diarrhoea, nausea is horrendous already!

Any tips, advice etc on how to survive the next 40 days would be appreciated!

[Mandy63]

Are you doing this in prep 4 the blood test? If so consider getting tbe test asap. It is ot esse tial to eat gluten for 6 weeks prior to tbe test just their preference. In short you can ztill get a positive result today. Dont suffer. It seems your own body is already giving you the answer.

[babycakes]

I really feel for you. I had to do the same earlier on this year . Best advice I can give is bug the crap out of your GP. I got prescribed co-codamol, (pain killer) Prochlorperazine (for nausea and vomiting) bought Lorapermide over the counter, Colpermin (helped with spasms and bloating) can buy OTC but its expensive, Chlorphenamine (for itching and rhinitis)

I had been gluten free and self diagnosed for two year up to doing the challenge after years of problems and being told I may have a brain tumour, it was in my head and I was doing it to myself! Only agreed to a two wk challenge after I got persuaded by a nice GP to go and speak to gastro again as I was experiencing indigestion after a fabulous trip to Paris where I indulged in a gorgeous baguette.

I got a positive result as I'm extremely sensitive but there is no way I'd do it again.

Make sure you are doing it for yourself ........

Good luck.

[Jacks]

There is some real rubbish written about how long to do a gluten challenge - so during it I was having some gluten/wheat at every meal. My GP said I had to eat a ton of the stuff - funny how he was suddenly an expert when he'd mis-diagnosed me for decades. I was so ill within a fortnight that I stopped the challenge but still showed the endoscopy result they were looking for. Like others on here, I wouldn't do it again. The blood test had said I was positive, and life on the subsequent GF diet was the best I'd ever felt. Being bullied into a gluten challenge for an endoscopy and I've never felt as good since.

There is research from Europe which says if you have been gluten free for any length of time they recommend it to be introduced as SLOWLY as is tolerated.

In 'GUT' this year research showed that it was only necessary to do a challenge for 14 days and that there was no difference in endoscopy results whether you ate a truck load or a small amount. Worth considering!

gut.bmj.com/content/early/2...

[LilacPrincess]

Am on the challenge so that I can have an endoscope . . was advised I need to eat 'normally' for 6 weeks. None of the Dr/consultants have been able to advise how much is enough. Had hoped I would get away with a digestive a day, kind of thing. But apparently not??

After iI had self diagnosed and taken myself off gluten (not through lack of trying to get help from GP) my GP blood tested me, obviously I now know that I would always have had a negative result. Through further discussions he gave me a 'clinical coeliac diagnosis' . .

I now have a much better understanding of coeliac and a different GP!! I have very reluctantly agreed to go ahead with the endoscope for my future health benefits, but my God it is so barbaric to have to put yourself through this.

I have a GP appt on Friday where I intend to hound her for medication or some kind of assistance to cope.

Thinking an endured coma and tube fed a gluten diet is what I need!!!

[Hidden in reply to LilacPrincess]

I had been gf for about 8 months prior to my endoscopy and I was told to flood myself with gluten for 2 weeks prior to the test.......it came back negative. You do need to stick it out to ensure you get a positive, not easy at all, but essential. I totally agree with Apricot below. Also, the criteria has altered for being eligible for a Dexa scan, docs are no longer just able to send you, you have to meet the criteria and diagnosed coeliac is one of them (having an aunt and grandmother with osteoporosis doesn't count!)

Try eating a couple of bananas every day, they can be quite soothing. Good luck x

[Apricot]

Turn around the thinking a bit here...

You are doing ok..really going for this...

How many days until the endoscopy?? How many days until Santa time??

Have you seen a nice dress/shoes etc...just think how well you will be...

Stick with it...

J

[FionaGFG Administrator]

Ask your GP for advice. I felt nauseous and spaced out before my endo and my GP actually said to me just eat some each day - you won't suddenly reverse years or damage. I managed to avoid pasta, bread, cereal and instead had soy sauce, beer, etc and still had a very positive endo result. Obviously in your case you've been GF so you will need to eat some gluten. I think you need a firm chat with your GP as to how much is enough i.e. one slice of bread a day, a beer each friday until the endo? Could you write a list of gluten foods you love and tick them off as you get nearer the endo so you at least see some progress. Also ask for any meds that will help you get through this. Suddenly going back onto high levels of gluten can be dangerous for the body and immune system as it is quite a shock - explain this to the GP. Do you have any family with CD so that you have extra ammunition for diagnosis? Would they also consider the gene test or capsule camera pill for you instead? It may help speed up a diagnosis.

[Mandy63]

If you are in the uk you can try this site:

healthcheckshop.co.uk/coeli...

for £20 you can order your own fingerprick blood test at home results in 10 mins and print off the letter for your GP

[FionaGFG Administrator]

Mandy I don't believe these kind of tests are accurate or endorsed by the NHS.