[ally123]

We just started the gluten-free diet about 1 week ago and our sons behavior has not improved. Could this mean he does not have a gluten intolerance? How long should we give this a try?

[puddleglum]

ally123, on May 6 2009, 10:48 PM, said:

We just started the gluten-free diet about 1 week ago and our sons behavior has not improved. Could this mean he does not have a gluten intolerance? How long should we give this a try?

My youngest was diagnosed with Celiac a month ago, myself and my elder daughter almost two weeks ago, so we are not much further along than you are. However, we began to see some little physical changes in the first week or so (less digestive issues, etc), but not necessarily behavioral. My youngest - a month in - is starting to sleep better now and has a better attitude about life (most of the time, she is a teen after all!!) and I - 2 weeks in - have started to have more energy, etc. So, I think it might take a little longer for his system to clear and maybe it depends on the person.

Has the doctor done any testing on him, or are you going strictly with elimination diet? Is it possible that he is intolerant to gluten and something else as well?

[one more mile]

I hit a point about week 2 and three where I was not a happy camper. I was going though some pretty bad withdraw. I had the urge to hurt someone that I saw eating pizza in public, How dare they was my thought. At about a month to 6 weeks was when my family started commenting on changes in my behavior and attitude. I am 45 though so I suspect your child may react differently.

[nomentanus]

Celiac is an immune reaction, you shouldn't expect to see results until at least a few weeks are gone, and that's if you do everything perfectly which won't happen off the start.

[ann72601]

This is a delayed reply, but I have found that unless you de-gluten everything in your life, then symtoms will persist. I completely went through the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and household products. There isn't a thing in this house that has gluten. Once I did that, I could see a real difference. I get the rash on my hands so I was always open for gluten through the open wounds.
I hope by now that you've figured all this out on your own, but just in case, I hope this will help. I am so very grateful for this site and all the people here who have been so helpful to me. These shared ideas and experiences have literally saved me.