[susanne13]

#1018553

Hi All,

I was diagnosed in February of this year and had most of the classic hyper symptoms (hair loss, tremors, high BP and heart rate, shakiness, appetite, tired, etc). But I also had/have really bad stomach issues, in addition to the "normal" stomach issues associated with Graves’ – issues include bloating after eating and gas. I have been on meds for about 2 months and the stomach issues persist. I know it can take awhile for the meds to kick and help all symptoms but in the meantime, I decided to go gluten free to see if I also have a sensitivity or Celiac’s. It has been 2 weeks and I am not seeing a hige improvement but a little bit (and I know it can take months for symptoms to get better with a gluten issue). Also, I dont’ have any cramping or pain so I don’t think I have IBS or Crohn’s. I have read other posts regarding Celiac’s and Graves but didn’t see exactly my situation. So, has anyone had these symptoms? Do you all think maybe it’s something unrelated? Gluten allergy, other? Open to any and all ideas! Thank you very much!

Susanne

[Kimberly]

#1065658

Hello – When we are diagnosed with one autoimmune condition, we are statistically more likely than the general population to have a *second* autoimmune issue, so it wouldn’t be unheard of to have both Graves’ and Celiac Disease.

If you truly suspect Celiac, there are blood tests that can screen for Celiac without requiring a biopsy. However, in some Celiacs, the blood tests aren’t conclusive.

I experienced bloating issues for the first few months after my diagnosis of Graves’. I can’t say for sure that they are related, but I’ve heard stories from other Graves’ patients who had numerous digestive issues when they were still hypER.

Another issue to consider is a possible food allergy/sensitivity, such as to dairy and eggs. There are blood tests that can check for these sensitivities, although they are NOT cheap and NOT 100% accurate. However, they can sometimes point you in the right direction if you truly suspect an allergy.

I did one of these programs for 90 days following my diagnosis. The diet was very high maintenance and very stressful…and it didn’t really have an impact on the course of my disease. I’m not sure I would do it again, although I *did* find that my digestive system seems to be happier if I don’t load up on tons of wheat and dairy all at once.

My advice to someone who is considering a restrictive diet as a way to manage their Graves’ is that if it makes you FEEL better, go for it. But I would be wary of any food program that is super high maintenance and doesn’t appear to be giving you any benefit. (Of course, if you do have Celiac, you MUST avoid gluten for life — no exceptions on this one.)

[bluewave]

#1065659

I’m having the same problems as you, and they seem to have worsened since being on the ATDs.

I’ve been on ATDs since Jan 29, 2010. I was found to be hyper then and to have GD about a month later.
During the yr prior, I had different GI probs, including unbearable nausea, frequent BMs and diarrhea. Those symptoms have greatly improved on the meds, but now I have this gas/bloating prob after eating. No cramps here either.

I saw a GI Dr today for elevated liver enzymes and, though I forgot to mention the gas/bloating, I did mention the yr long history of nausea, frequent BMs/diarrhea, and even some abdominal pain. He said he didn’t want me to over-analyze things. He said if the thyroid levels go to normal and the GI probs persist after that, then he’d consider other causes. But he, my PCP and my endo all seem to feel I should first get the thyroid under control before testing for other causes of my stomach probs. I told him the symptoms have been improving, and I did leave out the new gas/bloating prob, but I feel he would have considered it over-analyzing also. I have to see him again after getting lots of labs for the liver issue, so I’ll mention the bloating stuff then, and see what he says.

Good luck to you and keep us informed as to what you find out — if you are Celiac or not, etc.

[ewmb]

#1065660

I had some of the same issues when I was very hyper. I have been taking acidophilus capsules ever since then to make sure I have good bacteria in my gut. They did help me feel better. As I have been getting closer to normal levels after RAI last year my issues are disappearing. I also used the People’s pharmacy "cure" of eating coconut macaroons when I was having lots of BMs. The coconut seems to help slow things down.

ewmb

[Ski]

#1065661

I have never heard anything official regarding stomach issues, but I can tell you that I had an episode after my first RAI that was just the most horrible abdominal pain I’ve ever had ~ I ended up having all kinds of tests, they all came up negative, and my doctor just put me on a liquid diet for a few days. Everything resolved rather quickly, but I always figured it related to the sudden drop in thyroid hormone.

[susanne13]

#1065662

Thank you all very much for your replies! I have been gluten free for almost four weeks and my stomach issues have gotten a bit better. The past two days I have cut out milk (not all dairy, just milk in coffee, cereal, etc), as well as bananas (random but we ran out and the ones I just bought are still green) and I have been SO much better the past couple days! We’ll see if it keeps up. I might get a Celiac’s test just to be sure since I am not worrying about cross-contamination right now and if I did have it, I would need to be more careful.

Bluewave – I will DEF let you know how things go! How random would it be if it was bananas?! I do eat 1-2 a day, every day! Thank you all again!

[mollyl]

#1065663

Curious to see how Suzanne is doing with the stomach and dietary issues. I went wheat-free as well and felt better. I still get stomach upset after eating and it doesn’t seem to be predictable. Graves’ was diagnosed in 2004 and RAI in 2006 and have been fairly stable once all the hormone dumped and the levithyroxin was started. I also have TED but that’s stable too. I see my opthamologist every three months. My left eyelid rolls inward and by the end of three months a few eyelashes are rubbing on my eye. But nothing else bothering.

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