Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Quick note

I was off the grid last week. My indestructible mom had a heart attack and spent some time in the hospital. She's home and feeling better. I'm feeling more normal, too.

I saw an anonymous comment on someone else's gf blog about itchy arms. The comment said the upper arms itched like fleas were biting, but there were no fleas.

I have experienced the same kind of itching. It drives me crazy and even wakes me up at night. I tried every topical cream I could find. Nothing worked. Years ago, I thought I had become allergic to bleach, and stopped using it in my laundry. The result was continued itching, and dinghy whites.

Now, fifteen years after the itching started, I think it's probably related to celiac and the itching occurs when my body's pH is too acidic. I squeeze a fourth of a lemon or lime in a glass of water and drink it. The itching stops almost immediately. I drink lemon water twice a day for a week or so, and my system seems to balance itself out again.

I was relieved to hear that ONE other person experienced this baffling symptom. Anyone else? I'd like to hear about your similar experience, and your solution. Has anyone had a medical professional say this was a symptom of celiac disease? I assume it is, since celiac seems to be the cause of ALL my odd symptoms.

4 comments:

Maureen "Hold The Gluten" said...

Sorry to hear about your mom. Hope she is feeling MUCH better!

Before I was diagnosed with celiac, I would get bouts of terrible rashes on my legs. Horribly itchy. Is it possible you are are getting glutened by something? Are you using soap, shampoo, lotion with wheat/oats in it? Just a thought. Since going gluten free, I have (knock on wood) yet to have one of those evil rashes.

That's great that you have found the lemon/lime juice to work for you! Just throw some rum & mint in and make a anti-itch mojito :)

Melanie said...

Kay, I do hope your mom is doing better. It's hard when they are sick and to see them sick.

I used to get a rash on my arms, but I don't remember it being terribly itchy. Do you think maybe you are having a reaction to food? Hope it stays away!

Gluten free Kay said...

There's no rash. Just itching.

I only use vaseline and gluten free lotion and shampoo.

Sarah said...

Kay,
I'm sorry to hear about your mom.

On a lighter note, I just tagged you, so check out my blog for the rules. I'm excited to know some random facts about you!