I am sure someone out there can help me. After trying gluten free oatmeal a few times I am quite sure that I have a sensitivity to it. I didn't want to believe it but I have to face reality.
I have been gluten free for 19 months.

My questions are -

- Will I ever be able to eat gluten-free oatmeal again?
- If so, approximately how long will it take for my gut to heal?

Thank you for your response.

I've been gluten free for years but still can't handle the gluten free oats.

I tried gluten free oats after 9 months into the gluten free diet. I had made cookies with them in. Within a 1/2 hr the heartburn started. I was not quite sure if it was the oats so I ate a few more cookies the next day. Same thing, but since I still had the others in my "system" all h*** broke loose. I had such bad abdominal pain and distention that I was lying on the bed in a fetal position. Then to top it all off I was constipated for about 5 days until I took a laxitive. I don't know if I will even bother trying them again ever. Depresing as it is for me (I really miss granola bars and novacks) it is not worth the agony. I just wish that I was one of the celiacs that can eat them.

I've tried gluten free oats at least 4 times and regretted it every time........i don't think i'll go for a fifth. unfortunately, you might just have to say goodbye to the oats!!

My daughter can't tolerate oats either. We have had some luck with Quinoa flakes in recipes instead of oats and there is directions for hot cereal although we haven't tried it yet.

Given what you describe, I would probably say that oats will always be out for you. It's not a matter of healing, for this sort of thing, because you are actually having a celiac reaction to the oats. The protein in oats is similar enough that some people's immune systems "generalize" their response to that oats are "close enough in appearance" to cause the same immune reaction.

Add me to the list of those who have had a reaction.

I spent $12 for the best gluten-free oats, only to have a reaction that mirrored being "glutened".

I may try one more time to be sure, I'm a cheapskate and stubborn, but it's probably a no-go (actually, that's probably a bad choice of words.....)

Thanks everyone for your posts - they were very helpful.
That was what I was afraid off tarnalberry. Thanks for the info - I will stay away from oats from now on.

I was wondering if Quinoa flakes could be used instead of oatmeal, so thanks Rondar2001 for your post - I will give them a try.

I know what you mean. I just bought 2 bags of oatmeal plus what I had in my cupboard - I will see if my son can use it - not sure if he is sensitive to oats or not.
P.S. You are right about the choice of words.