How Long Before Changes Are Seen?

[gemlechner]

My daughter has not been tested yet. She suffers from horrible constipation. A gluten free diet helps, but every now and then something clogs her up again. I know every situation is different but how long after going gluten free did some of you see/feel changes?

[cyclinglady]

She has been gluten free (I mean, REALLY gluten free) for over a year and no improvement? Lactose intolerant?

As a kid she should have healed by now from celiac disease. I think you have to re-evaluate her diet. What do her doctors think?

[nvsmom]

I had constipation my whole life but I thought it was normal because I knew no difference. I am pretty sure I also had celiac disease since babyhood based on what my mother told me.  I discovered I was a celiac in my late 30's and it took 9 months, and starting meds for hypothyroidism, before my C finally resolved.  I think I was a bit slower than others though, most seem to take a few weeks to a few months to see improvement in BMs.

 

If you are planning on testing your daughter, do not put her on the gluten-free diet yet because that can cause false negative test results.  For the most accurate blood tests she needs to be consuming gluten (1/2 to 2 slices of bread per day or equivalent) in the 8-12 weeks prior to testing.  It's often better to test before going gluten-free to reduce the amount of time eating gluten.

 

Best wishes.