Don’t worry, no gross or graphic topics!

I’ve had stomach issues my entire life. I was always told “it runs in the family” and I just put up with the pains and unfortunate symptoms. When I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of 13 I thought my stomach problems would finally end. No more indigestion, bloating, constipation, etc. Free to eat anything (that was gluten-free) and not suffer consequences. Well, the 6+ years since my diagnosis haven’t been as picture-perfect as I had imagined. Don’t get me wrong, I feel a million times better than I did pre-celiac, but I have a feeling that there could be more to the story.

As I’m writing this I feel sick. I just have the usual symptoms (indigestion and bloating), but they appear more often than I’d like. I’d say I feel like this once every 2-3 weeks and it lasts a minimum of 2 days. I eat 100% gluten-free, so being “glutened” is not the issue. Plus, I know what being glutened feels like, and this is different. Also, I’ve tracked my pains and they don’t follow a pattern or have anything to do with my monthly cycle.

I could very easily experiment with my diet and/or get tested for other allergies or food sensitivities, but here’s where the problem comes in: I already am limited in the food I can eat because of celiac, so why limit myself even more? Is how I feel right now the best it’s going to get? Am I just over exaggerating my symptoms?

I’m on the fence…
I brought this up to my mom today and mentioned reverting back to eating simple/plain foods (rather than those with GF breading, sauces, etc.) because that has never given me problems. She (semi) scolded me saying that I already don’t eat gluten and dairy (along with the other foods I’m picky about), so I can’t restrict myself more. She said I’m being too rigid in my diet and it’s not healthy.

I completely understand what she’s saying, and for the most part I agree. But what if something I’m eating is contributing to my pains? What if I’m sensitive to a certain food that, if I eliminated, might make my digestive system a little happier? Should I try the paleo diet, because other people seem to have great success with it?

But on the other side, what if I find out I’m highly sensitive to one of my favorite foods (i.e. peanut butter, which I know people are sensitive to)? Or what if nothing is wrong with me and this is all in my head?? My gut is telling me something is wrong (no pun intended), but my mind knows that severely limiting my food choices could spiral out of control. Are my stomach pains worth changing my diet? Is this just “part of life?”

Not sure if this is the case…

Ok, done with the questions for now.

I have a GI appointment next week so I plan to discuss the situation then, but still, my mom’s comments scared me. I don’t want to label my diet (other than gluten-free) and I especially don’t want to give up food that I love…but I want to feel better. I don’t want to let this issue linger any longer. I want to take control of my health, even if it means modifying my diet.

What do you think about experimenting with food/diets?

Do you label your diet?