This is my first post, so I wanted to say hi to everyone.

I was also wondering if anyone out there has both MS and an intolerance to gluten? I was diagnosed with MS in 1993 and have had digestive problems relating to various foods (the worst being gluten) for the past 5-7 years.

From what I've read, there seems to be no proven link between MS and celiac or gluten intolerance in the traditional medical realm, but I see the link in my own life. In fact, after reintroducing gluten into my diet after a month of being gluten-free, I had facial numbness just like an MS attack but to a lesser extent. I was wondering if anyone out there sees the same link in their life.

Thanks!

jennyj,

I was diagnosed with MS in 2006. I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 1995. Since I started the copaxone in November of 2006, my celiac disease has become so much more stable. I've gained weight. My stomach distress is not near as bad. I've been following a very strict gluten diet since 1995, so I can only assume the copaxone has something to do with it.

I don't think the gluten free diet has helped my MS, but I believe the copaxone has helped my MS.

Brenda

Thanks Brenda. What type of MS do you have? Mine is relapsing remitting. I used to take Avonex for about 6 years, but have been off of it for the last year and a half. I used to have to take Advil to help with the side effects because Tylenol didn't work for me. Advil may have caused a lot of my digestive problems, but am not sure. I am currently not on any MS medication, but my neurologist wants me to go on Copaxone. Do you have any side effects from it?

Jenny

Jennyj,


I've got relapsing remitting. At least I assume I do. My doc and I have never really talked about the types. I don't have any side effects from the copaxone if you are talking about fever and that type of thing. I had nausea for the first three days real bad, but then that stopped. The only thing I've had since is the injection site reactions. I'm not going to lie to you, they've been tough, but have gotten tons better. I'm told that after you've been on it four to six months, most of the injection site reactions go away.

They are so much better than they were in November. Just mostly some itching the next day and the bee sting for about twenty minutes after I inject. I'm very pleased with the copaxone. It has made a big difference for me.

Brenda

Hi JennyJ,

My sister had a first episode of demyelination in Jan 08. Shortly afterwards we found out that she was gluten sensitive. Being gluten free has made a world of difference for her health. Thank God, we found out about it. She now has more energy than she ever did even compared to before the episode.
Gluten had simply been poisoning her. The Celiac tests were negative. The only way we found out was withdrawing gluten and watching for a response.

She is, of course, on interferon injections as well. We pray that she has as good a longterm outcome as Roger McDougall. I am sure you have probably read his story on-line.

If you suspect that you are gluten sensitive, then by all means, go gluten-free.
Good luck,
Allarah

celiac.com has a great site, and several members that have MS, and gluten issues.

My daughter is a gluten intolerant child, and has been completely gluten free for many years. She wont even use products that have been prepared on equipment that is shared by gluten products, as some factories do.

I was gluten free for years while she lived here, but when she moved out, I went hog wild, and added some back in. mmmm bread! I missed bread!