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Arthritis And Constipation?

Nikki2777

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Nikki2777 Community Regular
Nikki2777
Posted

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease about two years ago, and I feel so much better.

 

My 84 year old mother has been complaining about her daily constipation and arthritis feeling much much worse lately.  Am I right in thinking she should try going gluten free for a month to see if that helps?

 

I know there's a genetic component, so that may be part of it, but even if she doesn't have Celiac, will this help her at all, or will it likely be a placebo effect (assuming she really sticks to it).

 

And yes, I know that at 84, these are not awful complaints, but she's a very active person and I hate to see this slowing her down.

 

 

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mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Would  she  be willing to get  tested  before  she tries gluten-free?We  have an  89 year old  dx'd  a couple months ago....Her thought was  why  would  doctors  not  check her  years ago so  maybe  she  could of  had  a  more  healthful life! She  is  following  the gluten-free  diet strictly  & feels  so  good.... it is never to late .....

Nikki2777 Community Regular
Nikki2777
Posted
  • Author

Thanks - no, sadly, she won't get tested.  I pretty much had to bribe her (with my own weight loss)  to try going gluten-free til the end of May to see if she feels any better.  She believes this is all just old age.

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Well, then I hope  she tries  the gluten-free  & I pray it  helps  her... bless you for  trying.....

nvsmom Community Regular
nvsmom
Posted

My doctors told me my arthritis was due to aging too... I'm 41 now.   :rolleyes:

 

More and more doctors believe that all arthritis (autoimmune and osteoarthritis) may both be linked to the immune system.  Unless you've injured a joint, they now think that it shouldn't be wearing out... It's that darn inflammation again.

 

Anyway, back on topic.  ;)  I had arthritis as one of my celiac disease symptoms.  I was disappointed when I discovered that arthralgias are one of the last symptoms to resolve on the gluten-free diet.  If she is lucky, her arthritis (if it is celiac disease linked) might start to improve in the first 6 months.  I didn't have obvious improvements that were consistent until I had been gluten-free for almost a year.  Sadly the gluten-free diet did nothing for my osteoarthritis, although eating lower sugar and starches does seem to help me.

 

I would advise her that if she is a celiac, the gluten-free diet may not help her D and arthritis for many months.  Unless she is willing to commit to many months gluten-free as a test, she should get tested the next time she has blood work done (and is still eating gluten).

 

Best wishes to you both.  I hope she feels better, and kudos to you for trying to help - she's very lucky.  :)

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