Worried about husband

[sundoober]

Ever since we've been married ( 17 years) my husband has seemed to suffer some strange symptoms. Sometimes he complains about cramps and bloating after eating certain things, and diarrhea is an issue periodically. He also suffers from severely "itchy" legs, with no rash present. This usually happens in the winter months, so we've always blamed it on dryness. Could this be a symptom of CD? Some background information: His maternal grandfather is of German descent, and was self-diagnosed in his 70's. His wife followed a gluten free diet??somewhat after that, on the advice of their daughter, who researched this problem. He passed away in his 90's from some sort of bowel issue.

What scares me is that my husband's oldest brother just told us that he had a colonoscopy, and that his small intestine is virtually dead! My husband is 40 now and has had symptoms of sleep apnea, hypoglycemia, and lots of intestinal issues. Where do we start with a medical diagnosis, as we do not have a lot of money, and our family practice doctor does not seem to take this seriously? Any advice VERY Welcome, as I would prefer to have my husband around for alot longer. Also , we have 3 children in their early teens. How soon would symptoms show in them? M.

[aklap]

Hi Sundoober,

Sorry to hear about hubby's problems. It certainly does sound like there is some history there. As you may know CD is genetic.

Did they ever say WHY your BIL intestines are dead (whatever dead means)? The family history & his gastric symptoms should be enough for your doctor to act on. Have your tried a different doctor?

If the doctors are not much help, you could always do testing on your own thru different labs. Insurance would probably not cover cost. Some of these tests are on the cutting edge - so they are not really well accepted by the mainstream - yet (particularly the stool test for CD at EnteroLabs). Enterlabs also has a genetic test that tell if you have the genetic makeup for CD or Gluten Sensitivity.
Enterolab
Great Plains Labs

Of course, there is always going the GF route without any tests. You don't need a perscription for it...it really doesn't cost you anything to try it. Although some of the GF specialty foods can be expensive (bread, cookies, cakes...). Ultimately, your body is the real deciding factor. If you feel better on a GF diet - you have your diagnosis!! I am in that boat. I have no offical diagnosis. No piece of paper that tells me "Hey goofball, you know you can't have gluten!!". I saw vast improvements so I went GF (and consequences when I didn't).

My advice...read, Read, READ as much as you can. Browse this site and others like it. I have left many links around here that should keep you reading for months!!

Good luck in your knowledge quest
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[sundoober]

8Thanks for the information. My BIL was found to have over 70% of his small intestine (filis?) damaged. After blood tests results, the number, not sure what it measured exactly, was found to be over 150, when it should be below 25? We are starting gluten-free today!! Anyone else live in remote northern MN region? Where do we find these specialty foods, as I looked in both our grocery stores, and supply is very limited? Can you order special supplies over net? Thanks in advance for info.

[aklap]

Yup - you are correct to start a GF diet!!! If BIL villi (the little hairs that absorb nutrients) were damaged your doctor better see this as a big warning sign to test hubby. If not...get another doctor!!! Your BIL has CD.

You might find this interesting: Before the Villi are gone.

It's best to get tested before you go off gluten completely. Otherwise you have to go back on gluten for the test to be accurate. But as I said...if you can handle not having that piece of paper...GO FOR IT!! It took me awhile (mentally) to deal with it. Do I have it or not. I don't I have CD (per the GI doc & the biopsy) - yet, but I have Gluten Sensitivity. This means gluten effects me, but I dont have the intestinal damage. But with your family history - there would be no question!!!

The best thing to do when starting out is to get back to basics...whole foods (not processed). Fresh veggies, plain meats/fish/poultry. Once you start feeling better you can add more of the GF processed food back in. Checkout the
Mainstream food list, this has lots of stuff on it - 50 pages of GF food!! As far as the specialty food (bread, cookies, pizza, pasta...) it can be expensive. But if you like to bake - it's much much cheaper - and tastes better!!

Do you have any health food stores near you?? You can order GF food from the internet. Just google Gluten Free - you'll find all sorts of stuff - both information and food!

Good luck. Keep us updated on your progress!!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa