NeuroTalk Support Groups - immune deficiecy response to gluten???

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immune deficiecy response to gluten???

Hello! This is my first post on NeuroTalk, but I have been searching for a active and friendly forum to ask questions and make conversations about Celiac/gluten sensitivity and all problems associated (especially neurological).

My story is long and complicated, but with this question my background check isnt necessary (lol). But basically I have been physically sick my enitre life, as well I had depression and Selective Mutism/Social Anxiety since I can remember.

I have been tested or many many diseases in my 25 years, from serious diseases like MS and heart disease to a bit lesser scale of IBS and ADHD.

The results either came back normal, inconclusive, or "slight". None of which explain my various symptoms.

I, myself, after many years of tests, doctors, ER visits and symptoms....randomly looked up "food allergies" through google. At the time I was desperate and frusterated of being sick and tired.

However, those two words made a big difference in my life because "Gluten Intolerace" is what I found. It made sense, all the symptoms easily and almost poetically fell into place. I found an answer.

However, I knew my PCM would look at me like I was crazy. So I went straight on a GF diet. Damn it was hard! But sucessful. The GF diet dissipated my bowel/gut issues, as well as as my severe joint pain, and to my suprise my anxiety and brain fog!! However, the diet was too successful. I was tested for Celiac while on the GF diet. Which is pretty much an automatic false negative.

So I convinced my PCM to retest me a few months after while I glutenize myself. He agreed, and I have been eating gluten exclusively for 4 months now.

And not to my suprise, every single one of my symptoms returned. Even one I didnt really consider an GF issue.

FINALLY the pre-question INFO!!

When I ate gluten most of my life, BM issues werent just the part of my body that suffered. In matter of fact I had sinus infections/ear infections/eye infections/throat infections most of my life.

However, when I went Gluten Free my immune system seemed so much more stronger and reliable. But back on gluten for 4 months, I have developed a serious sinus/ear infection again.

The QUESTION!!!

When being gluten intolerant and/or sensitive and eating gluten, can your body have a weaker immune system? Is it common to be be sick with infections like this all the time?

Does anybody relate to this at all??

I appreciate any replies, I am curios and DH is very worried.

Thanks :)
Sweets

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweets (Post 991102)

Hi :) I am certainly not a doctor; I am self educated because my babygirl's is celiac. It makes total sense that your immune system would be weaker because when a celiac eats gluten, the bowels will eventually become enflamed and actually flatten out. This means that your body is unable to absorb nutrients properly and your body thinks it is starving (enter symptems like brain fog, tiredness etc). Your immune response will be to try and fix the life supporting problems first. Secondary non life threatening sinus/ear infections etc. will fall to the wayside until the body thinks the first one is addressed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweets (Post 991102)

Dear Sweets,

I am sorry that you are dealing with gluten intolerance/CD....the testing for this is still very much in "new processes". I was diagnosed through blood testing 3 years ago, my IGA was the main factor, also, a few of my family members have been diagnosed as well.

We are discussing the "immune processes and the confirmation CD testing" on my posting below yours. There are quite a few people on here that are also handling other immune affects and neuro problems.

Rather than moving a lot of what is written there, since we have many links about this process...you may want to read that information gained there.

You also have indicated a few problems I have had over the years:
Many otitis media with effusion problems (ear infections) which I actually had to have a tube put in for (myringotomy)
brain fog
tinnitus
arthritic type pain, especially in my hands and arms
I also had elevated liver enzymes
my gallbladder stopped working called dyskenesia/was removed
Several other things as well
Instead of weight loss, I experienced weight gain due to inflammation
When I went GF, I lost 11 lbs in the first week

Please tell you DH not to worry...my DH has been so supportive and he is a Diabetic...so our menus are pretty interesting...:)

Joanie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweets (Post 991102)

I am relatively new to gluten free (April 2013). I had sinus/allergy problems year round, and allergy medicines did not help. I did have some gastrointestinal issues, but my over riding concern was the awful myofascial pain in my shoulders and neck. The rest was just bothersome, not disabling. I had problems absorbing vitamins and was getting B12 shots. I went GF on the advice of my daughter, who has similar pain issues.

Within 10 days, I noticed a big difference in the way I felt. When I slept I actually felt rested, my pain and stiffness was significantly reduced, my energy level got better, my sinus/allergy problems disappeared, and now, my B12 level is soaring. Also, no more bloating and uncomfortable fullness feelings. If I do ingest gluten, my symptoms return.

I tested negative for Celiac through a blood test, but have not had a colonoscopy for a definitive diagnosis. I am not particularly interested in finding out if I have it, since the cure is the same as what I am doing now. I know I cannot tolerate gluten.
HTH