Gluten free diets? And coping with vision problem?

[Satori1952]

I am new to this forum and was so glad to find it (although I did post a response to mygoldpaws when I first signed up, who I hope is doing well).

I am currently being worked up for MS by a really good neurologist who I saw for the first time yesterday. It took me years, but with the help of my very supportive family doctor, I think I have finally found a neurologist who will not just blow me off as a hysterical woman who imagines all the physical problems I have been having because of depression, menopause, stress, or migrianes, and will help me find some answers. After seeing the brain MRIs (the same MRIs looked at by 2 other neurologists over the years who said don't worry about those 'brightspots') he is having me go through a number of other tests and another MIR to see if I have any additional lesions on my spine.  

I wanted to ask if anyone has every gone on a gluten free diet? My doctor wants me to try it for 2 months to see if it might help me, he gave me a list of types of things I should and should not eat, but it is rather vague. I am at work now and as soon as I can I will research it on the Internet. But, if any of you have tried it and have any advice about it I would really appreciate it.

One other question, have any of you every had problems with one or both eyes? Some years ago I lost vision in my right eye for 24 hours, the vision returned, but ever since it goes blurry and I see halos and sometime have double-vision in that eye. This neurologist found on exam that the optic nerve is not normal and the eye does not dilate normally-has anyone every had this problem with vision, if so what was the outcome for you? Currently, with this bout of sypmtoms that have flaired up, I am really having problems with focusing out of that eye, thus, causing some major vision problems. I worry about this symptom more than anything else that I have been dealing with.
Thank you all!!

[julia111]

Hi, I am on a gluten free diet for gluten intolerance.  I do not have any gastrointestinal problems - only neurological.

I have read that it can take up to a year of eating gluten free for the neurological problems to improve - and sometimes they don't.

If they don't improve, I'm not sure if that means that we've done permanent damage??

I tend to eat healthier on the gluten free diet too!

You may want to try to find some "Pamela's Pancake Mix."  It makes deliscious pancakes, muffins, cakes etc.

Good luck!

[Satori1952]

I am not sure if he did (I was with him and his assistant from 2:00 pm until 5:45). But, he was concerned that the eye that gives me problems did not dilate normally, while the left eye did. Yes I often have pain in that eye especially when the vision in it is blurry. I think that is way he is having me get a MRI on my upper spine-I haven't had one of those in years. It will be interesting to see what it shows. I'll keep you posted. Thanks!

[doublevision1]

When your neuro said your optic nerve is not normal, did he mention Optic Neuritis?  It sounds like that may be what is causing your symptoms.  Do you have pain in that eye?  That can be common in ON.

My vision problem is persistent horizontal double vision going on 8 months now; it started last fall, a few weeks before my MS dx.  It is not related to the optic nerve but rather due to a lesion on my brainstem.  The condition is called internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO).  It has been improving at a very slow pace but I still see two images when looking straight ahead, and it is more severe on my left gaze.  

I believe that ON, similar to INO, does not respond to treatment other than IV steroids which may increase the rate but not the degree of improvement.  Both conditions usually will improve on their own over time.

db

[AMO]

hi satori,

It  sounds like you  found thhe right docotr who will l isten and validattted your concerns. BUt I am sorry you do not feel well.

I went on a STRICT gluten free (g/f) diet for almost two years, i did nopt even lick an envelope! Even some drywall has gluten in it.
While it is challenging, iit can be done with planning. Plus many resturants and stores have recognized thhe population who neeeds to eat g/f

Anyways, i would suugest getting a couple books. Hagman (i think that is her?) has a couple that have lists oof what to look for. There is hidden gluten iiinn so much.

eEveryone is different, but if gluten is  a problem for you, two months may not be long enough too see changes. But I have known people who in just a  week , but they tend to be those with gastro, not nessary neuro, issues.

I do not wahht to disourage you or say it is a waste, because you don't know until you try. I hope it helps you.
I have a few other ms friends who it was no benefit.
after 2 years on the diet , i was no better.
good luck , amo

[LATW]

I ate gluten free for about 4 years. I dropped 40 pounds and felt pretty good for a while.  But it did not last. Even though I stuck to the gluten free very strictly I started to feel awful after a while.

I do not think it was due to my diet, I just think my body adjusted to the diet and went back to feeling crummy like before.  I started Optic Neuritis last spring.  I gave up my GF diet and packed the weight back on.

I am not happy about the weight but very happy I can go out to eat with my family and actually eat what everyone else is eating!  I am going to try and figure out another way to lose weight.  


Sounds like you might want to check out Optic Neuritis.  

LA