unsolved health rant

So, a number of you know that I've been on an extended medical leave from my schooling due to...well..obviously medical reasons. I went to my cardiologist today to get my loop recorder (an internally implanted device to record heart rythms) read/translated. Nothing related to rythm seems to be what's actually at the root of my issues. The black outs, nausea, frequent dizzy spells, and occassional lack of limb (namely legs) usage. So they're doing all sorts of tests. Again. Endocrien, thyroid, glucose tolerance, blah blah blah. List goes on and on. -_-' It's frustrating. Terrifying, and I want it all to be over.

Suggested diagnosises over this last year have included Multiple Scelrosis, Hormones, Worsened heart condition (the condition I had already had prior to all of this going on), psychological, and now...gluten sensitivity. Joy. I really hope I've not developed a gluten sensitivity. That'd suck pretty hard. I do not like gluten free food, and unless you have an intolerance, or Celiac disease, I find the gluten free lifestyle very...unnecessary, and I refuse to do it unless I absolutely have to. From my understanding of Gluten, it is fairly inconsequential to the average human being, so, I'd really really hope it's not that. I love food too much, and I find the glutten free stuff to be bland and tasteless and just...blah. :|

Anyways, sorry for the personal share. I just needed to...well...I guess vent. Meh. Might pick up some hair stuff and fix up my hair tonight to destress -_-'

Last edited on 2016-06-13 at 10:27:01 by -❆-Buck

Oh dear sorry to hear you havent/aren't feeling so good.

Half the time I don't think the medical profession have a clue whats wrong with you as a few years ago I have random lung problems & it hurt everytime I took a normal breath so I'd start trying to breath shallower as it were to try & avoid the hurt. Anyhoo long story short to this day & a lot of different tests at the time no one can say what it was.

Luckily it "fixed" itself a few months later but still... its quite scary not knowing what something is because at least if you know you can start some kind of treatment plan.

As for gluten free stuff if I eat it (not willingly but some stuff in the uk are automatically gluten free... especially muffins) it actually makes me ill rather than not so go figure! Also now I don't eat so many muffins. Which is too sad :(

*squishy hug* I'm sorry Manlybug, unknown causes of health issues SUCK. Feeling like crud gets old after a while. :( I hope you're not gluten-intolerant, but if it turns out you are I can probably help with recipes and foodstuffs, if you're open to a variety of ethnic cuisines. When do you find out the results from this round of tests?

I feel you! Chronic pain in my legs for the past two years. I literally can't jog/run and can barely walk, feel like a 70 year old lady, it's cost me a fortune going to the rheumatologist, physio, MRIs etc and they still can't tell me what's causing it and it's not getting better!

I suppose the only condolence I can offer you is if it is gluten intolerance at least that is easy to avoid! Not all Gluten-free food tastes bad either I have gluten-free cocoa puffs for breakfast because they taste better than the gluten alternatives lol! Very chocolatey!

Wishing you all the best ♥

Yeah :( Im glad yours fixed itself though Fabel! I can only imagine the stress you went through. I know the kind Im going through with this. X_x The surgery they put me through feels like it was for naught at this point tbh. Bright side, they said it doesn't sound like diabetes, so I don't have to give up my sweets totally! (yet)

Thank you, Ducky, really needed that hug tbh! So very appreciated! I am always open to recipes, gluten-free or not. I just avoided gluten free because of the cardboardy flavors everything had D: I am ESPECIALLY open to ethnic cousines. I LOVE international flavors!

SolE, I've had cat scans, They're ridiculously expensive too. I am REALLY grateful I have the capability to see a doctor with minimal out of pocket costs. I need to get an MRI done, but sadly, my insurance is dragging their feet on it -_-' It's been almost a bloody year since the doctors ordered one! Honestly, as much as my foodie sself would HATE to live gluten-free, I do agree it's a better alternative than to say...MS D:

If you really want to rule out Celiac, keep a normal gluten diet and get your blood drawn. That's really the only way to confirm. If you're eating gluten free the test will be skewed since your body won't be making the antibodies that it would while you're consuming gluten if you have an intolerance or Celiac.

As someone with Celiac, I agree that a lot of gluten free products taste gross. I honestly hate that "gluten free" has become a fad more than a medical necessity... There are actually food companies that label their products as "certified gluten free" that, surprise, are contaminated because they are produced in the same places that handle gluten-rich foods, and may or may not have a warning on the box. I don't want to take that chance, food people! Do any of these people know how badly it hurts to have your own body attack itself just because of the most minute trace of a protein?

I also have GERD, which makes it very difficult to find things I am able to eat. I can't have anything containing gluten (obviously) so no wheat, barley, rye, or anything containing such things like beer, malts, etc. The GERD is so horrid that I'm technically not supposed to consume dairy, processed foods, citrus fruits (including tomatoes!!!), onions, garlic... so many things are literally off the table. Essentially I'm on a forced Paleo diet (modified to include potatoes and legumes).

From someone who was just diagnosed with celiac disease, my opinion is that it's actually a biopsy of the small intestine while eating a diet with gluten in it that is the only way to confirm it. The blood test is a good indicator, but it's not 100% if the result is not high enough, according to my gastro.

Sure, eating gluten free is irritating and not as fun. However, since I've gone gluten free and I've been feeling better I couldn't care less. Even though I LOVE food, feeling better > eating boring food.
The gluten free options have been improving more and more over the years since my friend was diagnosed less than ten years ago.
Cooking gluten free isn't all that horrible and I'm actually having fun figuring out what tastes/works best. I've found some pretty good gluten free options as well and I'm finding that I actually LIKE bread/sandwiches now that they don't make me feel like death after eating them.
What about the celiac disease diagnoses is making me the most disappointed? The fact that the damage to my small intestine has caused secondary lactose intolerance. >.> I love cheese. I can't deal with this vegan faux cheese crap. It doesn't satisfy the cheese craving.

It's really awful feeling sick every waking moment and not knowing what is going on, so I can definitely feel for you. I really hope that you figure out what's going on soon so you can get to feeling better!