I realise I've not posted on my encounters with the medical profession during my pre-glutenfree days.
Let me say right off the bat I have tremendous respect for doctors. I know how difficult the course is, how long it is, and how demanding the job is after you graduate. And yet, I do wish the doctors I'd consulted about my digestive problems (prior to discovering that it was gluten to blame) had been a bit more curious about my symptoms (that might have led to further investigation and a diagnosis) and a bit more understanding too.
I've been for a total of 3 colonoscopies, each after having consulted a doctor with a description of my symptoms. Each procedure was uncomfortable, embarrassing and left me none the wiser about what was assailing my digestive tract (other than the doctor and his prodding colonoscope from Hell).
At the end of each, the doc would look resignedly at me and declare that since there was not visible damage, he would make the call for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and for some reason I would feel guilty that it was not some other momentous discovery or announcement.
The first doctor was actually kind enough to tell me that IBS really is just a convenient catch-all for when they haven't discovered the root cause of all the symptoms -- a "Syndrome" is a collection of symptoms. And then he said to avoid things that might be causing irritation to the system, like chilli, tea, coffee, spices... Gluten was not on the list.
I suppose there isn't very much awareness in the medical fraternity about gluten intolerance in adults -- no one I consulted ever told me to check for it. And yet IBS is on the rise in Singapore -- won't somebody connect the dots please?
At best, you get uncaring uncomprehension from your medical professional. At worst, you can get dismissed for malingering or hypochondria (a nasty doctor in Toa Payoh did that to me once, belittling my suffering. Guess who's not getting any repeat custom, and who's getting instead recommendations not to visit his clinic...)
One doc even told me "Oh IBS patients really just need to get on with life and not think about it." He really seemed to suggest that it was all in my mind -- Doctor, the problem's at the other end; are you sure you passed medical school?
All of which troubles me more that just a wee bit. If the trained medical professionals don't seem to recognise gluten intolerance as a real problem, if they don't have it on their diagnostic radar, what hope is there for all the silent sufferers among us? Statistics in the U.S. show that about one person in 132 is afflicted with gluten intolerance. In Singapore that works out to a whopping 37,800 people! But how many do you know? Most of us just carry on suffering quietly, consulting unknowing doctors, and living painfully with the condition. But you don't have to! I feel like shouting from a rooftop whenever I hear someone complain of IBS -- "You ought to try giving up gluten!" It may not work for everyone, but boy did it work for me.
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Hi, can I ask you what are the signs to look for? I am Asian and suspected I might have gluten intolerance.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, sorry for not replying earlier. I kinda don't really keep in touch with this blog much anymore (for various reasons) as you may have noticed. Symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary from person to person. Mine were almost always digestive, and I've found only appeared after the gluten-containing meal was digested (up to 3 days later...). Anyway, my symptoms (read no further if you're squeamish!): dull pain, not really specific to any one spot but generally in the lower abdomen; faeces never totally solid, usually dark and sticky, sometimes semi-liquid, sometimes almost like dark sticky clay; the feeling of incomplete evacuation after every bowel movement; and a fogginess of the mind. What are you experiencing?
DeleteOh yes, for more details on my symptoms, check out my post on Oct 9 2009: http://glutenfreeasian.blogspot.sg/2009/10/brief-history-of-bowel-habits-or-windy.html#links
DeleteIt's really hard to stick to a gluten-free diet in Singapore. I really want to try it but my parents & friends think that I'm crazy. It's so hard.
ReplyDeleteOh that's so true, Y. I try to cook my own breakfast and dinner, but lunch is always a hassle cos I eat around my workplace. Packing a lunch from home would be just too much work the night before so I don't do it. But I'm lucky to live nearby the office so I get home in time to whack together a quick dinner most days. Do you eat in or outside more often? My lifesavers are -- ready-packed salad leaves (love organic rocket/arugula), microwave-baked potatoes, and the toaster oven to grill chicken breast or salmon fillets. Most days I can get dinner on the table in 20 mins flat, 30 if you count the washing up. Dunno what I'd do if not for the quick recipes -- gluten-free food is in really short supply outside!
DeleteHi Terry, thanks for the reply:) I'm just suspecting myself for being gluten intolerant. I'm always having my meals outside so yah it's harder for me. My parents would say that I'm being too paranoid. I've had a regular blood test few mths ago and it seems normal. Do u think I should take IgG blood test or smth like tt? I'm so frustrated and confused. What should I do???
DeleteHi Y, I hear what you're saying and I gotta say -- I've been there! Even now, years after I discovered my gluten intolerance, some people still do look at me like I'm kinda crazy at the dinner table. I have some friends who've stopped asking me out cos it was so difficult ordering food around the gluten. (I usually get around that by ordering my own food -- but it gets tricky when it's a communal meal, as so much of local -- especially Chinese -- food is meant to be shared. I guess you really can't help looking like a selfish loner eating your own "special" dish.)
ReplyDeleteAs for the blood test -- you know, I've never been tested? I asked a doc about taking the Immunoglobin test and he was like -- what for? Since you've already identified what's triggering your bowel problems, there's really no need. In your case, perhaps you should try a strict gluten-free diet for say, oh maybe two weeks, and see if your problems resolve. I saw massive improvements after only about a week or so of going gluten-free. Since you eat out most of the time, do read my post on local foods we can eat dated 17 May 2010, and don't eat anything outside of those items during the two-week test period. As a general rule -- stick to rice for your starch, and avoid soy sauce, gravy and any batter. I would also leave out all milk-based dairy products and eggs -- these seem to be items that a lot of people have intolerances too. If you see an improvement (and I suspect you will), you can then introduce these foods one by one to see if any of them trigger your symptoms. Oh and do note that it can take up to three days (at least it does for me) after ingestion of the offending item before symptoms do appear. You might want to try keeping a diary of all meals and snacks, and noting when the symptoms appear. What exactly ARE your symptoms though?
And one more thing -- if you do find that you're gluten intolerant, you might want to consider eating home-cooked meals more often (that you prepare yourself, gluten-free). Breakfast should be easy enough -- I usually have fruit, grilled chicken (wrapping it in foil with gluten-free pasta sauce is one good way to do it), blanched veggies, and some gluten-free pasta or baked potatoes. Lunch and dinner are trickier, especially if you're working -- but it can be done (cook ahead, and pack the night before). Good luck! It's a battle going gluten-free, but in my opinion, one that can be easily won with just a bit of willpower. And the benefits are tremendous. :)
Hi Terry, thanks your advice! I've been having bad migraines, sometimes constipation, gassy stomach and etc. I'm a student by the way:) I've been to neuro doc but he said that it was stress. I thought that it was smth more than that. I asked him about gluten intolerance and he immediately denied the possibility. It's constantly stressing me up. How I wish I had a friend like you so that my parents would be convinced abt me changing my diet. Haha I'll try my best!
ReplyDeletehi, is it possible for me to email you about your experience/symptoms and for guidance? my email is kwtneo@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletethanks