The revenge of GLUTEN
Aug. 9th, 2011 04:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rachg82…Yep, still capitalizing it.
Though, sadly, I may have to tweak my mocking of the gluten-free trend, considering I just found out I can't have it.
In other words: I had my follow-up appointment today (finally), and it turns out there's a reason my stomach's such a douche bag. Aaand for once it's not one of those vague "sounds like IBS!" things. It actually reminded me of the allergy tests I went through as a teenager, sitting there with my arm getting pricked & having them point to each giant itchy bump all, "there's cats! There's grass! There's [insert five million more things here]!" Like, seriously. I remember just being like, "So, basically, I'm allergic to the planet & life itself, y/y?" And they were all, "Pretty much."
I mean, not totally--I have yet to come across any medication allergies yet, for instance--but when it came to hay fever, animals, and all that kind of stuff, it was a widespread uber-positive result. Which wasn't really surprising in & of itself, but still. The extent that it reached was.
It was sort of similar, getting the results back from the food test. Specifically, the intestinal barrier assessment. What it showed is that, A. my intestinal barrier is moderately compromised (a total score of 416-650 is considered moderate, while 650+ is high; my score was 516), and B. my body creates IgG antibodies against the following: gluten, wheat, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, chicken, corn, egg whites, oats, soybeans, and yogurt.
The antibodies for gluten & wheat were both high (wheat is like OFF the charts, heh. God. They'd have to do a separate test to definitively diagnose Celiac Disease, but she told me it's a high probability that I have it), moderate for baker's & brewer's yeast, and low for the rest. Even so, when I asked if I could still eat the stuff on the "low" list periodically, like, "Okayy, but is 'low' really that serious?", she was just like, "IT'S RED. That's not good," pointing at the color of the score. Haha. Like, touche. I see your point. FWIW, some of the things they tested for got a nice, grey "insignificant" result, so at least I'm not intolerant of EVERYTHING, but yeah. That's a lot of shit. She mentioned making myself protein shakes, and I asked what I could put in it, and she said, "Rice milk…oh, wait, lemme see if you're allergic to rice." And I'm not, but that was kind of a hilariously ridiculous moment, and we both started laughing. Especially since, y'know, there are other things I'm being told to avoid too, due to the acid reflux, etc. So if there ever was a time to yearn for Jetsons-style food pills, now would be it.
They gave me a packet of info regarding the gluten stuff, including a few recipes (some of which don't even apply in my case, because they have cornmeal in it or whatever, and I can't have corn, heh. FML), but I can already tell this is going to be difficult for me. I'm a VERY picky eater, and I don't like to cook. Even so, it is good news to at least know what the situation is. I much prefer knowing to not knowing. It helps validate & explain some of the feelings I've had when trying to figure out my own diet, too. 'Cause like I'd be *trying* to be healthy, all, "Okay, I'll have some yogurt" or "Sure, I'll get soy protein in my shake. That's good for you, right?" and yet my stomach would just keep doin' its douchey thing, and I'd be left at a loss. Like, fine, what the Hell CAN I eat, then? And I still don't know about certain foods--the test wasn't as comprehensive as it could've been; they were trying to save me money--but at least now I have a list of a few things I absolutely KNOW to avoid.
What we'll do is have me avoid all of the above for a year, she said, at the same time as doing things to heal my stomach's inflammation & all that, and then I can gradually attempt to reintroduce verboten foods one at a time, seeing how my body reacts. It's possible some of the sensitivities are transient, apparently, but they also said sometimes it's just permanent. So, yeah. It depends, and I guess we'll find out. From what I've read so far of the symptoms for Celiac Disease (which aren't limited to the stomach. Of the 16 they list under classic/other, I identified with 10), it makes sense.
There weren't any results for the hormone test, though, because I sort of never did it. Heh. That was the one I had to take home & do on specific days of my cycle (it's a saliva test). I will try to remember to do it on my next period though, if I can remember.
Regarding the depression/anxiety stuff, I did talk to them about that too. I had run out of my 'script for Prozac several days ago, and between that & recent unemployment stuff, my anxiety has been kind of intense. Constantly having that "DISASTER IS ABOUT TO STRIKE. BRACE YOURSELF!"-sense of dread & aimless worry. And even before then, you guys know the deal. Self-injury, suicidal ideation…I've been trying, but I've still been struggling more than I should have to. Since gluten sensitivity can actually contribute to neurological issues though, they gave me a prescription for two more months of the prozac at the same dose as before -- that way we can follow up after my new diet's in effect & determine what changes are coming from what, making a more informed decision about whether to still change the med then. Stomach upset was actually one of the main reasons I started the prozac in the first place--most of the body's seretonin resides in the GI tract--so there's that, too.
In the meantime, they confirmed that they do offer counseling, and it's on the same low-income sliding scale as everything else (the place is run by volunteers, I think). So it'd be $30 for me. I made an appointment for this Saturday, which I feel both nervous & good about. Nervous because it's a new person, and I don't know if I'll like them or if it'll help and bla bla bla, but also good because at least I'm doing SOMETHING. Whatever happens, at least I'm trying.
They gave me a few free things to take home, too, which was nice: a supplement to heal the stomach + two supplements to assist with better sleeping habits. Along with that, I've been advised to eat more fruits & veggies (*wails*), have a daily rice protein shake (I guess I need a blender), exercise 30 min. a day, and keep up with the probiotics & fish oil. She also said to try avoiding dairy entirely, but I've already been taking these lactaid-y things for that, and OMG I can't change everything overnight. Once again, FML.
To end this on a nice note, they included acupuncture with the appointment at no extra cost, which was unexpected & pleasant. She had me do some visualizations during it that I can do at bedtime as well, and was all about the soothing words, like, "All the stress you've been going through will become your experience/wisdom later, know that it's temporary; think positive & believe in yourself; all that matters right now is that you heal," and so on. The "all that matters is that you heal" made an impact, because in a way, being unemployed is what pushed me in the direction of going there. So, maybe in a way it's worked out for the best, and I can kind of chill on being so hard on myself. Not that I necessarily will (heh), but it's the thought that counts.
Anyway, that's enough health rambling. LET'S MOVE ON.
In other news:
-My apartments notified everyone this week that, starting in September, they're going to charge for water & sewer. That means my $565 rent will increase to $600. I wish I had the money to move. As soon as I do, I'm totally on that shit. And I hate moving, so my desire to do it says a lot.
-As of yet, I have still not heard back from the call center. I was going to just call them, but I realized that the number on the business card is actually for their customers calling about cell phones. So, instead I sent an email and STILL got no response. IDEK. I could drive myself crazy(ier) trying to figure out if they're just slow or I did something wrong, but I still won't know. I think I have to just keep looking elsewhere.
-My Love Month day is coming up for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
bones_ga on Friday, and at first I was thinking of posting a prologue to my still-WIP fic, but in the end I decided against that. Instead I'm going to do a picspammy post containing 31 moments ('cause there's 31 days in August, see?) from the series that make me laugh out loud. I've already got all the pics prepared, because I'm an over-achiever, so y'all will have that to look forward to.
I think that's about it for now. For my Vid of the Day, enjoy teh pretty:
Though, sadly, I may have to tweak my mocking of the gluten-free trend, considering I just found out I can't have it.
In other words: I had my follow-up appointment today (finally), and it turns out there's a reason my stomach's such a douche bag. Aaand for once it's not one of those vague "sounds like IBS!" things. It actually reminded me of the allergy tests I went through as a teenager, sitting there with my arm getting pricked & having them point to each giant itchy bump all, "there's cats! There's grass! There's [insert five million more things here]!" Like, seriously. I remember just being like, "So, basically, I'm allergic to the planet & life itself, y/y?" And they were all, "Pretty much."
I mean, not totally--I have yet to come across any medication allergies yet, for instance--but when it came to hay fever, animals, and all that kind of stuff, it was a widespread uber-positive result. Which wasn't really surprising in & of itself, but still. The extent that it reached was.
It was sort of similar, getting the results back from the food test. Specifically, the intestinal barrier assessment. What it showed is that, A. my intestinal barrier is moderately compromised (a total score of 416-650 is considered moderate, while 650+ is high; my score was 516), and B. my body creates IgG antibodies against the following: gluten, wheat, baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, chicken, corn, egg whites, oats, soybeans, and yogurt.
The antibodies for gluten & wheat were both high (wheat is like OFF the charts, heh. God. They'd have to do a separate test to definitively diagnose Celiac Disease, but she told me it's a high probability that I have it), moderate for baker's & brewer's yeast, and low for the rest. Even so, when I asked if I could still eat the stuff on the "low" list periodically, like, "Okayy, but is 'low' really that serious?", she was just like, "IT'S RED. That's not good," pointing at the color of the score. Haha. Like, touche. I see your point. FWIW, some of the things they tested for got a nice, grey "insignificant" result, so at least I'm not intolerant of EVERYTHING, but yeah. That's a lot of shit. She mentioned making myself protein shakes, and I asked what I could put in it, and she said, "Rice milk…oh, wait, lemme see if you're allergic to rice." And I'm not, but that was kind of a hilariously ridiculous moment, and we both started laughing. Especially since, y'know, there are other things I'm being told to avoid too, due to the acid reflux, etc. So if there ever was a time to yearn for Jetsons-style food pills, now would be it.
They gave me a packet of info regarding the gluten stuff, including a few recipes (some of which don't even apply in my case, because they have cornmeal in it or whatever, and I can't have corn, heh. FML), but I can already tell this is going to be difficult for me. I'm a VERY picky eater, and I don't like to cook. Even so, it is good news to at least know what the situation is. I much prefer knowing to not knowing. It helps validate & explain some of the feelings I've had when trying to figure out my own diet, too. 'Cause like I'd be *trying* to be healthy, all, "Okay, I'll have some yogurt" or "Sure, I'll get soy protein in my shake. That's good for you, right?" and yet my stomach would just keep doin' its douchey thing, and I'd be left at a loss. Like, fine, what the Hell CAN I eat, then? And I still don't know about certain foods--the test wasn't as comprehensive as it could've been; they were trying to save me money--but at least now I have a list of a few things I absolutely KNOW to avoid.
What we'll do is have me avoid all of the above for a year, she said, at the same time as doing things to heal my stomach's inflammation & all that, and then I can gradually attempt to reintroduce verboten foods one at a time, seeing how my body reacts. It's possible some of the sensitivities are transient, apparently, but they also said sometimes it's just permanent. So, yeah. It depends, and I guess we'll find out. From what I've read so far of the symptoms for Celiac Disease (which aren't limited to the stomach. Of the 16 they list under classic/other, I identified with 10), it makes sense.
There weren't any results for the hormone test, though, because I sort of never did it. Heh. That was the one I had to take home & do on specific days of my cycle (it's a saliva test). I will try to remember to do it on my next period though, if I can remember.
Regarding the depression/anxiety stuff, I did talk to them about that too. I had run out of my 'script for Prozac several days ago, and between that & recent unemployment stuff, my anxiety has been kind of intense. Constantly having that "DISASTER IS ABOUT TO STRIKE. BRACE YOURSELF!"-sense of dread & aimless worry. And even before then, you guys know the deal. Self-injury, suicidal ideation…I've been trying, but I've still been struggling more than I should have to. Since gluten sensitivity can actually contribute to neurological issues though, they gave me a prescription for two more months of the prozac at the same dose as before -- that way we can follow up after my new diet's in effect & determine what changes are coming from what, making a more informed decision about whether to still change the med then. Stomach upset was actually one of the main reasons I started the prozac in the first place--most of the body's seretonin resides in the GI tract--so there's that, too.
In the meantime, they confirmed that they do offer counseling, and it's on the same low-income sliding scale as everything else (the place is run by volunteers, I think). So it'd be $30 for me. I made an appointment for this Saturday, which I feel both nervous & good about. Nervous because it's a new person, and I don't know if I'll like them or if it'll help and bla bla bla, but also good because at least I'm doing SOMETHING. Whatever happens, at least I'm trying.
They gave me a few free things to take home, too, which was nice: a supplement to heal the stomach + two supplements to assist with better sleeping habits. Along with that, I've been advised to eat more fruits & veggies (*wails*), have a daily rice protein shake (I guess I need a blender), exercise 30 min. a day, and keep up with the probiotics & fish oil. She also said to try avoiding dairy entirely, but I've already been taking these lactaid-y things for that, and OMG I can't change everything overnight. Once again, FML.
To end this on a nice note, they included acupuncture with the appointment at no extra cost, which was unexpected & pleasant. She had me do some visualizations during it that I can do at bedtime as well, and was all about the soothing words, like, "All the stress you've been going through will become your experience/wisdom later, know that it's temporary; think positive & believe in yourself; all that matters right now is that you heal," and so on. The "all that matters is that you heal" made an impact, because in a way, being unemployed is what pushed me in the direction of going there. So, maybe in a way it's worked out for the best, and I can kind of chill on being so hard on myself. Not that I necessarily will (heh), but it's the thought that counts.
Anyway, that's enough health rambling. LET'S MOVE ON.
In other news:
-My apartments notified everyone this week that, starting in September, they're going to charge for water & sewer. That means my $565 rent will increase to $600. I wish I had the money to move. As soon as I do, I'm totally on that shit. And I hate moving, so my desire to do it says a lot.
-As of yet, I have still not heard back from the call center. I was going to just call them, but I realized that the number on the business card is actually for their customers calling about cell phones. So, instead I sent an email and STILL got no response. IDEK. I could drive myself crazy(ier) trying to figure out if they're just slow or I did something wrong, but I still won't know. I think I have to just keep looking elsewhere.
-My Love Month day is coming up for
bones_ga on Friday, and at first I was thinking of posting a prologue to my still-WIP fic, but in the end I decided against that. Instead I'm going to do a picspammy post containing 31 moments ('cause there's 31 days in August, see?) from the series that make me laugh out loud. I've already got all the pics prepared, because I'm an over-achiever, so y'all will have that to look forward to. I think that's about it for now. For my Vid of the Day, enjoy teh pretty:
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-09 11:23 pm (UTC)Hope the counselor works out for you.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-09 11:43 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 01:09 am (UTC)most of the body's seretonin resides in the GI tract
Ok, I did not know this. Do we know specifically where in the GI tract? 'Cause it just makes me wonder if my mental issues could be in any way linked to the carnival ride that is my guts.
they included acupuncture with the appointment
I know that it supposedly doesn't hurt, but there is no way in hell you would catch me letting someone stick needles in some of the places where they stick them. *shudders*
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 11:21 am (UTC)Hopefully it won't be as bad as I think, though. A good friend of mine has been doing the gluten-free thing for a while & already suggested going for a shopping trip together. Maybe she'd be willing to have a cooking lesson session sometime.
Do we know specifically where in the GI tract?
I don't, but I did find this (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3919396), and there seems to be a lot of other info coming up on Yahoo, too. I've known about a clear connection between the gut & the brain for a long time, though, ever since I remember hearing people talking about it in relation to migraines.
I know that it supposedly doesn't hurt, but there is no way in hell you would catch me letting someone stick needles in some of the places where they stick them. *shudders*
Haha. I had five needles in my head, alone, not counting the others all over my body. I don't mind needles, so I'm fine with it. Sometimes it does actually hurt, but usually not, and the relaxation makes it well worth it.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 01:12 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 04:34 am (UTC)Rach, I have heard that the key to these kinds of diet changes is to focus on what you can eat instead of what you can't. Like when I couldn't eat chocolate, I poured all of my energy and love into peanut butter. Mmm peanut butter.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 11:25 am (UTC)Also, you are very wise. Thank God I can still have peanut butter, I swear. They stared at me when I saw that & flailed. Apparently they don't know how miraculous it is.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 06:46 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-12 08:08 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-12 02:59 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-13 02:58 am (UTC)I'm def gonna look for recipes online. I was going to today, but then I sort of slept all afternoon. D'oh.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 11:23 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 05:31 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 11:26 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 11:36 am (UTC)I'm still amazed you can figure out food allergies through blood tests, though. My allergy specialist found nothing in my blood (12 vials of it too) and wanted to put me on an elimination diet. Then again, I was suffering from hives caused by an auto-immune failure -- maybe not quite the same.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-08-10 12:11 pm (UTC)Yeah, I hadn't known before this last year or so that things like this could be tested for via the blood. I have the feeling it's usually cost-prohibitive or something, because even for me it was over a hundred dollars, so I imagine it would normally be well over that for insured/middle & high-income folks. For people with mild stomach issues & who aren't likely to suffer from serious allergy/GI stuff otherwise (for example, they already knew I had all sorts of other allergies + knew that other diseases/disorders associated with CD & such run in my family), doing an elimination diet would probably be simpler. But honestly, in my case, I wanted to know. I was tired of screwing around & trying to figure it out based on my feelings & diet. There were always ten thousand things I was being told to avoid or not avoid & some contradicted each other, and I know it just would've been too confusing. Like, picture me eliminating gluten but not yeast or yogurt or the rest--I'd still be having issues & wouldn't know why.
That being said, the result of this will be an elimination diet of sorts, heh. But it'll be a much more informed one from the start.
My allergy specialist found nothing in my blood
Keep in mind that not everything gets tested for in the same way, and there's a lot of different tests that can be done with the blood. When I was tested for hay fever, it was done via a needle prick test on my arm. For CD diagnosis, a blood test is the first step (http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=26).