Gluten Withdrawal?

[sweethome]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to this. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease (blood test and biopsy) just over a month ago and tomorrow I will have been gluten free for 4 weeks.

I'm having some trouble though. Although I do feel some improvement in my gastro symptoms (definitely less bloating and discomfort) I am really struggling with fatigue, dizziness/lightheadedness, and tired, aching muscles. It almost feels like I have a virus or the flu, although I don't think I do as no cold symptoms or sore throat or anything.

I felt fine the first fortnight of being gluten free, but weeks 2-4 have been really hard. Could this be from removing gluten from my diet. So far I haven't been eating any 'substitute' items, e.g. I've not had any gluten free bread, etc. I've just been eating things that are naturally gluten free.

I didn't expect to feel worse rather than better and I'm just hoping this is a phase. Anyone experienced anything similar? The dizziness/lightheadedness in particular is becoming really upsetting to me. :-(

[kareng]

Healing from any illness or damage takes extra sleep and calories.  Are you eating enough?  Sometimes, people make a drastic change when removing gluten from their  diet and are missing important nutrients or fiber.  

[nvsmom]

I had this.  Big headache and big faigue... and big crankiness.  LOL It lasted about a week or so.  Hang in there.

I also experienced increased autoimmune flare-ups for a while.  I would feel flui-ish, get achey muscles, increased hair loss, mouth sores, and joint pain.  That settled down after about 6 months (for me).

I agree with Kareng that you should also make sure your calories aen't going to low.  Make sure you are replacing gluten-free items with other good foods. Whole foods if you can manage it.

Best wishes. I hope you feel better soon.

[squirmingitch]

I had big time gluten withdrawal! Some people get off lucky & don't go through it but plenty of us get to experience it. Looks like you're one of us who doesn't get off lightly. The good news is that it usually doesn't last more than a month -- less for most people. Mine lasted about 2 months. Everyone is different.

Hang in there. 

[notme]

yeah, withdrawal is a thing - some people get it, some don't.  it feels like the flu (mine lasted 2 weeks) so, i just treated it as such:  nap when you can,(many, many naps!)  lots of fluids, etc, i think i took some tylenol for head/body aches.  it should go away soon, or your days should start getting progressively better.  hang in there

[sweethome]

Thank you all so much for your input. My mum thinks I may not be eating enough now that I've eliminated gluten. I've got a 3 year old so busy most of the day working and running around after him, so that may not be helping. I'm not getting much time to just rest even though I'm feeling off. I'm hopeful this will pass soon but it's reassuring to hear that others went through similar in the early weeks.

I've been so so tempted to eat some bread to see if I miraculously feel better, but know that would just be stupid and I've got to keep going. I was walking upstairs today and my knees just felt like I was 100 years old (I'm 33). Ah well, onwards...! :-) Thanks again!

[squirmingitch]

Just keep going forward girl, keep going forward. This will end. But don't be surprised if you get another withdrawal symptom which is stark raving starving hungry, hungry, hungry 24 hours a day. It was part of the withdrawal for me as well as many others. If that happens just go with the flow & eat your fool head off. That too will pass. LOL!

[nvsmom]

Hang in there. It will be getting better soon.

@squirmingitch I had that crazy hunger too. I ate so much, but I remember losing weight at the same time.  I enjoyed that!  LOL

[BoJo]

Week four was the worst for me. I was grouchy and mean for several days. I was not fit to be around. That was years ago and I still shudder when I think of how I acted. 

[sweethome]

Well I think I can safely say it must have been withdrawal. I'm nearly 6 weeks in now and feeling okay. The dizziness lasted about a week, but I didn't get sick or come down with a bug or cold or anything, so I'm positive it was down to my changing diet. I have started to eat a little more as well so maybe that it also helping.

I'm noticing too that I feel a lot less bloated. If I have a big meal and feel really full, it's a strangely different - more comfortable - feeling of being full. It's hard to describe I guess. I *am* noticing that I'm REALLY hungry a lot of the time now!

It's amazing how much cutting something out of your diet can have so much effect...