I went in for an endoscopy on Monday. It was quick and painless. I actually felt kind of gypped because I was only put out for 30 or so minutes. I had been looking forward to uninterrupted sleep. (Sleep has been a luxury for the past couple of weeks because I wake up with a hacking cough several times during the night.)
The staff told me that I’d get the biopsy results in about a week, but I actually got them yesterday. According to the results, I don’t have Celiac. This is bittersweet news. I don’t think I have to explain the sweet part. The bitter part, however, is because that means I still don’t know what is causing all my abdominal issues. Also, Celiac seemed to fit so well. Not only did it explain my abdominal symptoms, it would’ve explained my depression, the body aches and pains I deal with daily, my reproductive issues, the swelling in my feet, the vitamin deficiencies, etc. (I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia when I was 16. However, I have wondered if I really do have it so that’s why I was interested in a Celiac diagnosis as far as my body aches and pains are concerned.) But, then again, all my symptoms may be unrelated. I may just have abdominal issues caused by something and all these other symptoms caused by something else.
Anyway, I have a plan of action to help me get to the bottom of things. First, I’m going back to see my doctor next week to discuss all my testing options. Second, I’m going to go gluten free for a few months anyway. I have several friends that were never diagnosed with Celiac, but once they went gluten free, they felt a ton better. Who knows, I may have a sensitivity or even an allergy. Third, I’m going to see an allergist. I don’t think I’ve ever been tested for food allergies. Maybe, I’m allergic to something and I don’t even know it yet. Fourth, if gluten free doesn’t help, I’ll go lactose/dairy free. Fifth, I’ll try the IBS diet.
It’s frustrating to not know what is causing my symptoms, but I’m glad I still have options to try out. I’m also glad I haven’t been told by any doctors that I’m just making things up or that things are all in my head. I’ve been told that before–before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. And, I know plenty of people that have been told that and come to find out they have a debilitating disease or disorder. Things are still on the positive side; it’s just a matter of eliminating things from my diet and seeing what affects me and what doesn’t.
About Jenni Elyse
I saw on facebook that someone suggested looking into your gallbladder. I agree. They thought my sister had celiac (family history and all), but it turned out she had gallbladder disease and had to have it removed. She’s felt much better since then.
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll talk to my doctor about that too.
Aw, Jenni. I hope you can find something to help you start feeling better soon. I’m just throwing this out there: my good friend and neighbor suffers from a rare disease called Dercum’s Disease. Some of her symptoms sound a lot like yours. Here’s a link to a page with some of the symptoms: http://www.dercumsociety.com/symptoms.html
Anyway, her husband is a Physician’s Assistant and she is totally hilarious and awesome. If you would like to talk to either of them, I have their contact info and they are both my friends on Facebook. (Christina Bailey Ruiz and Steve Ruiz). Good luck to you girlie. Hope you get your pep back soon!
That is bitter sweet. I’m very curious to see if your change in diet makes any difference. Good luck with that.
I’d look for a really good endocrinologist. Hypothyroid can cause those and most doctors don’t run the appropriate tests.
Stopthethyroidmadness.com is one of the best sites that talks about those issues with diagnosis on hypothyroid. I actually had to go to a private practice that my insurance won’t cover. It’s worth it though.
I’m glad you still have options to try. I hope you can find what works, so you don’t have to be in pain. You’ll have to keep me updated, even if it’s just through the blog. Love you.
At least you know, right? I’m so glad you have a plan to figure it out; Love you too!
The more I know about you the more I think we are sisters separated – so so so much in common, especially all this health stuff. You’re singing my song
Rachel – Thanks for the information. I took a look at it and it’s plausible. I’ll talk to my doctor about it.
Christie – I’ll let you know how the diet goes.
Andrea – Thanks for the information. I’ll have to talk to my doctor about this too. I’ve never even thought of seeing an endocrinologist. I’ll look into that.
Aymee – Yeah, I’ll keep you updated.
Amber – Um, I don’t know anything really. I guess I know I don’t have Celiac. But, I still don’t know if gluten is the culprit.
Denise – Maybe, we are sisters. My family always teases me I was adopted.
First, I have to apologize. I have not commented on your past couple of posts. But please don’t be offended, I haven’t commented on other people’s either. We have been so busy at our house lately. We haven’t been home much and I have to admit, I am really tired of the computer lately! Anyways, those are my excuses.
I am glad to hear that you don’t have celiac. I have heard of other people not feeling well and changing their diet to gluten free and it helping them. I really hope that it works for you! I love your 365 pictures. I think that is my favorite post of yours.
Jenifer – No problem. I understand and I’m not offended at all.
Well that’s good/bad news! I understand how frustrating it is not to have a sure answer though. Something that helped me a lot when I was trying out different food group eliminations was keeping a food journal. I realize that you’re insanely busy, but if you can jot down what you eat and how you feel it can paint a pretty interesting and informative picture within a short amount of time. Good luck Jenni!
Ugh, the unknown is so annoying! I wish you good luck in solving this mystery.
Kayla – Thanks for the advice. While I was counting calories, I kept a pretty good food journal, but I didn’t write down how I felt. So, I’ll just need to add to it.
Becky – Thanks. I’m going to need it.
I meant it’s good that you know that you don’t know, ya know?
Amber – Riiiiiiiiiiight!