Still sick, and dry heaving, I made appointment with a new PCP. He, in turn, made an appointment with a new gastroenterologist. However, this gastro actually seemed to WANT to get to the bottom of this problem (literally, I might add).
He scheduled me for an endoscopy, and colonoscopy; something previous gastros had not done.
Prepping for the colonoscopy was a nightmare. It started 3 days before the procedure with clear liquids, laxatives, and other colon cleansing steps. Wow, I was drained after the procedure, but felt marvelous, for the first time in years. No pain, no mental fog, and no vomiting or dry heaving.
The next day I was allowed to eat, but I was literally afraid of eating again because of the potential for pain, and nausea.
My little niece is extremely allergic, and she is on a no wheat, egg, dairy, corn, and soy diet. Her mother/my sister buys her frozen gluten free macaroni and cheese as alternatives to the regular mac and cheese eaten by the family. The day I was allowed to eat, I ate half of her frozen dish because she only eats half because of her size and age. I didn't get sick.
"Okay, " I thought, "maybe I will just eat these for a while." So, I started eating those frozen gluten free mac and cheese dishes. I didn't get sick. But, when I ran out, I just made a regular mac and cheese dish and ate it. WRONG thing to do - I was SO sick.
I thought perhaps I too was allergic to wheat and/or dairy. So, I started reading everything I could about wheat and dairy allergies. Gluten intolerance and sensitivity popped up, and I started following a gluten free diet. Several resources have become my guide to a gluten free lifestyle, and I will add those to a new post in the coming days.
Sure enough, I have Celiac disease, and perhaps my Multiple Sclerosis stems from this immune bashing problem. And, I do have a diary allergy to compound the issue.
Fortunately, I was able to convince my brother-n-law that his symptoms could be a gluten intolerance too. And, after testing, he was positive for Celiac Disease. So, half of the family is on a gluten-free diet, and the other half isn't, but they still eat some dishes which do not contain gluten simply because I do the cooking.
So, if you have found this blog, and have auto immune disorders, please give Gluten-free a try. It usually takes a couple of months to tell, but it is worth it. Or, just get tested so you won't have to wait that long to find out for yourself. It is the hardest thing you will ever do, and is a bit more expensive, but the money you save on doctors will be a trade off for the extra cost of the food.
But, remember, I am not a doctor. I'm just sharing my experience with you. Please seek medical advice before trying any new diet, or self-diagnosing your health problems.
Good Luck and God Bless you!
My personal references to living gluten free in the next blog! Stay tuned.....
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