I am chronically constipated and my mom told me that what always works for her to become regular again is to eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning. So I started making myself a big bowl of oatmeal but instead of relieving constipation it gave me more bowel troubles. It gave me really bad stomach cramps and pains and it made my gas even worse than it already is (I didn't know that was possible). I was reading about digestive disorders when I came across Celiac Disease so I started reading some of the foods that it makes you intolerant to. One of the main things it listed was oatmeal and basically any types of oats. Does anyone think that there is a good chance this is Celiac? Or is it too soon to tell?

Celiac is caused by gluten that is contained in wheat, barley, rye and to a lesser extent oats.
People usually get diarrhea just eating bread, cereals that contain wheat and barley malt.

Oatmeal is a good natural fiber-- and when changing diets to include a higher fiber diet -- it usually produces gas along with cramping and sometimes pain until your system ges use to it.Start off more slowly.

If you have been eating sandwiches w/o problems -- you don't have Celiac. Also Celiac is inherited-- does any parent have it??

Chronic constipation is caused by not getting enough fiber and water in your diet.

No, neither parent has celiac but from the way I understood it celiac disease can cause constipation instead of diarrhea when you eat the offending foods. It can cause diarrhea alone, constipation alone, or alternating between the two. I read it on the celiac.org website. I know that something more is going on with me besides just needing more fiber and water because even when I increased my fiber and water intake there was no change. I was taking the highest dosage of Metamucil and drinking water and exercising everyday and there was literally no change whatsoever. I will tell you all of my symptoms and then maybe you can tell me about what you think this could be:

Constant Gas 24/7
Gas Leakage (Incontinence)
Bloating
Stomach Cramps
Chronic Constipation
Sometimes Shooting Pain in Rectum
Straining W/ Bowel Movements

I really have increased fiber and water and exercise and I swear it doesn't do anything for me. I am still only having a bowel movement maybe once a week and I always have to strain to get it out. What do you think?

I would love to hear more feedback from you. Thanks!

Try cleansing your liver. It gets rid of the gunk in your body. I started a few days ago and I've been having bowel movements 3 times a day. Milk thistle will cleanse your liver but its taken short term. You can use it up to 30 days. You can do this like twice a year.

Kaleigh-Ann,

I am sorry you are having these problems!
Reading your symptoms sorta sound like an impaction of fecal matter?

The only way that you know for sure if you have Celiac Disease is to be tested by a qualified Doctor. The test is an endoscopic exam that tests the villi in your small intestines to see if they are damaged. It is only valid while eating a normal diet. If you cut out gluten -- the villi heal. But cutting out gluten from your diet is rather difficult because it present in lots of processed foods.

As you may know--If you do not have a BM at least every 3 days -- you are considered consitpated.

There are basically 2 kinds of fiber--- Soluble and insoluble fiber. And, a person needs a combination of both for normal BMs -- between 25 to 35 grams daily along with 6 to 8 glasses of water daily along with a reasonable amount of exercise.

Soluble fiber absorbs fluid and bulks up and slows down your stool-- soluble fiber is contained in supplements like that which is the active ingredients in Metamucil (psyllium), Citrucel (methylcelluose), Benefiber (guar gum) and Fiber Choice (chicory root also know as Inulin).

The foods that contain soluble fiber are the inner parts of all grains, peas, and beans, legumes except green bean that are insoluble. Root veggies like potatos including sweet potatos, carrots, beets and turnips. Fibercon is a calcium productand is an insoluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber is the type fiber that does not absorb fluids and cause intestinal contractions (peristalsis) to move digested food through your intestines-- All fruits and veggies including greens leafy types are almost totally insoluble, nut & seeds, the outer part of grains called bran that is used in alot of cereals. Also, the outside part of beans and peas.

All meats, seafood and all dairy products including cheeses contains NO fiber.

This is not a complete list but gives you and idea of the various foods.

The only other thing that I can think of causing chronic constipation is lack of intestinal mobility. That is where you may have intestinal nerve damage. It needs to be Dx and treated by a Doctor.

God Bless--- Harry

Thank you both for the comments. I would love to try some milk thistle and see if that helps me out. My biggest problem is the incontinence because it is allowing gas to seep out without my control which is causing me to have an odor problem (people can smell the gas). If it happens to be just a really bad stool impaction how would the doctor be able to diagnose me with that? Can he tell with a colonoscopy? And Harry, I was also wondering if you would happen to know if stool impaction itself could be the cause of gas incontinence? Also I am going to tell you about this weird little episode I had in October of last year:

I was was fine all day and felt completely normal. All of the sudden at about 7pm I started getting cramps. They were dull at first but then all the sudden they got worse and worse until the point where I was doubled over in pain. I then started getting these HORRIBLE shooting pains through my rectum and they were almost unbearable. My mom took me to the ER and they gave me an IV with morphine. After I got that I couldn't feel any more pain. Then they did a vaginal, abdominal, and pelvic ultrasound and found nothing. They sent me home with Vicodin and it never happened again.

What do you think that could have been? It was so weird how it came out of the blue and then it just went away after I got to the hospital and they gave me medicine. Once again, any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you!!

K-Ann,

[removed]

Chronic constipation I think is your biggest problem-- hardened stools as well intestinal gas causes severe cramping and spasm along with pain just like the instant you described. Also -- ALL pain medication causes constiation -- some more than others and to some people more than others because we are all different.

You need to solve your stool/ constipation problems so you have regular BMs at least once daily by eating the right kind of food. If you don't have a BM except every week or so then of course your gas will smell because your intestinal bacteria breaking down food that is becoming more fermented as well as putrified entirely too long and it is producing toxins and antigens that need to be expelled.
Most gas is caused by swallowing air when drinking and eating -- most air is belched up if you are active.

Milk thistle helps detox your liver and acts as an antioxidant to help nuetralize free radicals that can result in other problems -- you need to get rid of the toxins before they ever form by having good Bowel Habits.

I think a Doctor can help unravel your problems before they get very serious.

Harry

No, neither parent has celiac but from the way I understood it celiac disease can cause constipation instead of diarrhea when you eat the offending foods. It can cause diarrhea alone, constipation alone, or alternating between the two. I read it on the celiac.org website. I know that something more is going on with me besides just needing more fiber and water because even when I increased my fiber and water intake there was no change. I was taking the highest dosage of Metamucil and drinking water and exercising everyday and there was literally no change whatsoever. I will tell you all of my symptoms and then maybe you can tell me about what you think this could be:

Constant Gas 24/7
Gas Leakage (Incontinence)
Bloating
Stomach Cramps
Chronic Constipation
Sometimes Shooting Pain in Rectum
Straining W/ Bowel Movements

I really have increased fiber and water and exercise and I swear it doesn't do anything for me. I am still only having a bowel movement maybe once a week and I always have to strain to get it out. What do you think?

I would love to hear more feedback from you. Thanks!

kaleigh-Anne

I also suffer from chronic constipation - my problem started nearly 5 years ago without any warning (prior to this I have not experienced any problems of any kind)

The symtoms you have described are the ones I suffer from as well except for
the stomach cramps and incontinence.
I had a bowel xray which according to the doctors found nothing and put my problem down to a sluggish bowel. After that they did not want to know, however, I am in the process of saving for an MRI scan because I want to make sure that there is definitely nothing going on in my bowel.
Anyway - what I did in the end was to see a Kinesiologist who tested me for intolerances. What she found was a high level of Candida in my gut which seemed to be causing me problems. I went on a diet free of wheat, sugar, yeast and dairy products and all the other nasty ingredients that manufacturers put into food (In other words go Organic). Over the course of a year I managed to slowly got rid of my Candida and during the process things seem to improve quite dramatically. The only thing I would say if you try this is to be prepared for a huge weight loss because that what happened to me. The whole process became a roller coaster ride and being thin already and becoming thinner caused a bit of a worry for my family and friends. I got my weight back after about 18 months but then my problems began again even though I still kept to diet free of sugar, yeast and dairy products. I have now reached the stage of relying on monthly colonics. I need to go back to the Kinesiologist to check my Candida levels and other intolerances. The other thing you could try is the Hay diet (go online to find out about the Hay diet), it didn't stop me blocking up but it seemed to calm my gut down a bit, ie less windy.

Could it be stress related - thats what my people have been saying to me but I don't feel that it is, however, you can be stressed and not realise that you are stressed.

I know how you feel because it takes over your life by making feel unwell, I personally struggle to get through the working week.
I think I might try the Stone age diet to see if that works, if it does I will let u know.
Anyway I cannot think of anything which might help. Best of luck, if you do find a miracle cure please post it.

Regards
Morsekey

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess I just have to go to the GI doctor and see if they find anything when they run tests. If not I will have to go on the Candida diets or go to a hollistic doctor and see if they can test me for food intolerances. I go to the doctor on Thursday so I'm just going to see what they say. Thanks and I will let you know how it goes.

I got back from the GI doctor a couple of hours ago. He is going to do a colonoscopy on me in a couple of weeks. I am just trying to prepare myself for what to do if he says that nothing is wrong. Because I don't really know what to do next if he doesn't find anything.

Kaleigh Ann,

When I starting experiencing constipation about a year ago -- and how frustrating that is! -- I told my family doctor. She ran a full panel and found me to have a very low functioning thyroid. I was really surprised. Don't rule out hypothyroidism, which can make many things in your body slow down or seemingly stop.

Good luck.

My daughter has celiac disease and she presented with constipation. Does anyone in your family have Celiac? Do you have any relatives that come from England, Ireland, Germany? Apparently, that is where Celiac originated. Do you drink plenty of water and eat lots of fruits and veggies? You need these things to keep your bowels moving. Exercise helps as well.

To the woman who had chronic constipation and oatmeal seemed to worsen the condition. I read a response from a man who stated that CD caused diarrhea. Yes, it does. However, chronic constipation has been cited as perhaps the most overlooked symptom of CD, as a matter-of-fact, it is recommended that ALL patients with chronic constipation be tested for CD. Excerpt here with link following:

The prevalence of chronic constipation also appears to be higher among a group of patients previously thought to only rarely suffer from constipation -- patients with celiac disease. A small study of newly diagnosed celiac disease patients confirmed many clinicians' views that symptoms of constipation are more common now than in the past.[3] In this study, 41% of newly diagnosed celiac disease patients, all of whom were women (n = 9), had symptoms of constipation. In clinical practice, this means that patients with chronic symptoms of constipation and bloating should be evaluated for celiac disease, and testing should not be reserved only for those patients with symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/558253

I would suggest that the woman visit her physician for testing.

Hello, I also have been having terrible trouble since about oct. and oatmeal did the exact same thing to me, they checked me for celiac and thank god I don't have that, but what I do have is small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, so you might want to be tested for that. Just a suggestion

I am by no means an expert on Celiac Disease but I have just started researching this information because of my situation.

I recently went to a physician that was extremely helpful, the incorporate current medicine with naturals and attempt to treat things naturally first. I had several blood tests and also had what is called a Bio-Meridian test done.

The Bio-Meridian test is sort of like acupuncture it looks at your body and determines your weak, good and stressed areas of the body. Example: liver, kidneys and lungs. This test also determines if you have yeast overgrowth.

Now I have been very sick for a long time and I also most lost my job due to my illness because I could not function mentally or physically. But after taking this test they recommended several supplements, digestive enzymes and diet to correct my issue.

They also tested me for anemia, thyroid antibodies and checked my Vitamin D level.

I started the treatment for yeast and all of the supplements. I have only been doing this for a week and I have not been clearer or physically energized in years. I also cut out any Gluten in my diet and accidentaly had some gluten the other day. The minute I even had a little Gluten in my diet it was like hitting a wall, I felt horrible, my digestion bit the dust and I ached all over. It was amazing to see what affected me. I also found that strawberries affect me the same way. I have not been diagnosed with Celiac Disease but after what I experienced and the changes I've just gone through I would say it is likely I have it. So this is my suggestion:

Cut everything out of your diet with the exception of vegetables, fish and grazing meats, eggs and nuts and go gluten/yeast free. Do not eat any fruit for several weeks. Also, have your doctor test your Cholesterol, Iron, Ferritin, Thyroid and Thyroid Antibodies, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D (they may recommend more then what I've listed). I have had extensive labs drawn and paid out of pocket to get them. I would definately get on supplements too. If you can find a doctor like mine that looks at both medical and natural then that is good. This will also get pricey but I would rather pay out of pocket then pay with my life. Nothing is worse then feeling like your dying.

Then once your system is used to everything out of your diet try eating wheat bread. If you hit a wall then wheat bread is not for you. Try eating strawberries (just an example), if you hit a wall then strawberries aren't for you. This has been the best indicator for what I have.

I also have issues with constipation and if you eat two tablespoons of whole flax seed ground up (I grind mine in a coffee maker), you will see a difference within a couple of days. You'll be surprised what comes out....may make you bloated and feel icky for a few days but you won't want to go back. Best flax seed is golden whole flax seed. Put it on your salad....can't tell you it's the best tasting food especially in this quantity.

Cut out any and all alcohol and juice, no Soda. You can drink Coffee, gluten free tea and water.

I know the above doesn't sound pleasant but if you are feeling anything like I was you will be so happy you have answers and you won't want to eat anything your body can't handle.;)

Here are all of the symptoms of Celiac Disease:

gas
recurring abdominal bloating and pain
chronic diarrhea
constipation
pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool
weight loss/weight gain
fatigue
unexplained anemia (a low count of red blood cells causing fatigue)
bone or joint pain
osteoporosis, osteopenia
behavioral changes
tingling numbness in the legs (from nerve damage)
muscle cramps
seizures
missed menstrual periods (often because of excessive weight loss)
infertility, recurrent miscarriage
delayed growth
failure to thrive in infants
pale sores inside the mouth, called aphthous ulcers
tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis