Newbee Question

[moontheloon]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease six weeks ago.  I have been gluten free since that day.  Before going gluten free I was experiencing brain fog and sometime felt as though I would pass out.  I also had bad stomach cramps and diaharea  that could last for a couple of days.  I never was comfortable going out becauase I may have to go to the restroom at any time.  Since I've been gluten free I have never had diaharea at any time and the light-headed brain fogs seem to be gone.  I feel much better and am getting out more.  However, I do have days of bloat and gas with constipation.  My doctor told me to drink more water.  Is it still too early to feel 100% on a gluten free diet?  Is my constipation and gas related to what I am eating and not celiac?  Your help and advice to this newbee would be appreciated.

[GottaSki]

Welcome!

 

Six weeks is still early days in terms of complete intestinal healing.  Often we have trouble digesting other foods during the healing process.  The most common problem is dairy.  If the issue is dairy or any other particular food...remove it for several months and then try it again as most folks get these foods back once their digestive system heals.

 

A food/symptom log is a very good tool if you can't pinpoint the cause.

 

Hang in there

[moontheloon]

Welcome!

 

Six weeks is still early days in terms of complete intestinal healing.  Often we have trouble digesting other foods during the healing process.  The most common problem is dairy.  If the issue is dairy or any other particular food...remove it for several months and then try it again as most folks get these foods back once their digestive system heals.

 

A food/symptom log is a very good tool if you can't pinpoint the cause.

 

Hang in there

Thank you so much for your response and affirming words!!

[IrishHeart]

I agree with GottaSki's thoughts and suggest you read this book:

 

Real Life with Celiac Disease by Melinda Dennis and Daniel Leffler.

 

It will help you understand that healing is a process and does not happen in a short time.

 

Hang in there, hon! (definitely dump dairy for 3 months, it will help) .

 

And may I suggest this thread for Newbies?

 

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/

[NoGlutenCooties]

Hi MoonTheLoon and Welcome!

 

You may get relief with digestive enzymes and probiotics.  Also, make sure you're getting enough fiber.  If most of your fiber was coming from gluten-containing foods before then you may not be getting enough now.  I also take Bean Zyme (the gluten free version of Beano) when eating anything gas-producing (salad, broccoli, etc.).  It works well to keep the gas away.

[124chicksinger]

Honestly, sometimes I'd welcome a good fart~!  I spent so much time backed up with constipation that when I finally went it was an ordeal; then what would often follow, I guess depending on what I ate, was D, or urgent explosive D, then back to constipation for days.  Now that I have eliminated gluten (just 4.5 weeks) already there is a difference down there~!  However, if I feel a little gas, I just chalk that up to -- the beans I ate, etc.  As to still being constipated for you, might it be a good idea to add more vegetables?  I do find when I eat salad for lunch with protein I might "go" more normally and if I skip the veg at lunch it might take another day in between.  I know this since I've been journaling my food, my glucose readings, how much water I drink, what pills I take, and when and what kind is my poop.  I am trying to be aware of everything digestive.  Be aware.

[moontheloon]

Thank you to all who responded.  It has been a real help. I just received my copy of Real Life with Celiac Disease.