weight loss / muscle recovery

[angeles99]

Hi all,

 

Have been gluten free for 2 weeks now after being diagnosed via positive bloods and biopsy.

Wanted to ask how long roughly before my body will be able to start absorbing nutrients again as I've lost so much weight and muscle over the past couple of years. I'm no longer able to workout since December 2013 due to a neuropathic pain condition and extreme breathing problems (I believe these are unrelated to the celiac disease). I desperately need to put back on some weight and muscle. Once my gut heals should I be able to put on muscle as normal in the past? Is the inability to put on muscle caused by not being able to absorb nutrients? I also feel that my growth was stunted due to having undiagnosed celiac disease. Should mention I'm a 22 year old male

 

Many thanks.

[Nicki Raeleen]

Im 19 and i was diagnosed about 4 years ago. I didn't have to much damage, but i would give it a 6 months and if there is no improvement go back to your doctor. Something i found really comforting was making small goals.

What i would suggest is to go to the store a buy a scale; track yourself. Ensures are one thing i loved what i was recovering. They come in different flavors and are great to take to work/ school, just remember to bring some gum because they can make your breath smell!!  Don't rush your recovery. Everyone takes a different amount of time. 

I would start making little goals that are challenging. One thing that became really hard for me was walking up and down my stairs at home without stopping ( I live in a 3 story house), witch was very upsetting because i played 3 sport. I wasn't able to get back to my full athletic potential for about a year. I was then able to hold a solid weight. 

If you are truly worried about the neuropathic pain and breathing problems, go to a doctor. Don't walk out until you have a good answer and you understand what is going on. NEVER be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are stupid. It took me more then 8 months to be diagnosed with celiac, and it was because i didn't do my researcher and i didn't ask questions. 

[cyclinglady]

Give yourself months to a year!  Nikki gave you excellent advice!  Be sure to talk to your doctor about your breathing problems.  Has anemia been ruled out?  

 

[angeles99]

Thank you both for your answers.

 

@Nicki Raeleen Good to know after a year you are able to maintain a solid weight. I have been going to every kind of doctor since December 2013 searching for answers regarding my pain and breathing. It all came up after a nasal surgery... Celiac was just something I randomly brought up to my GP because of my weight/muscle loss and gut issues (to be honest they were the least of my problems). Sure enough I had celiac though... Its frustrating though because I have to be the one to bring something up to my doc, if I didn't stumble across an article online I would have never known to ask for the tests. Why can't they be trying to help look for things, obviously I didn't go to medical school so how am I supposed to know whats going on?? I guess we're left to inform ourselves at the risk of sounding crazy. Sorry just venting....

 

@cyclinglady Don't know if I have been tested for anaemia. What other tests should I have regarding the muscle / weight loss. Proteins etc? Anything I should track over the year?

Thanks again.

[cyclinglady]

Always, always get copies of your lab results!  Check your hemoglobin and ferritin (iron stores).  When I was severely anemic I could not catch my breath.  You could ask for other vitamin and mineral levels too, so that you can supplement (gluten-free of course).  Mostly you need time.........to heal.  

 

 

[cap6]

There is no one answer to this question for sure.  Time.  All I can say is time.  And, as I've said before, the older you are when diagnosed and the longer you have been sick, the longer the recovery time. 

I am five years since diagnosed.  In the beginning I was no longer able to open a wine bottle.   My point being, there was no longer any strength in my hands. It took me about three years to recover my strength, heal my gut, learn how to eat clean (only) foods.  But, that said, everyone is so very different.  You may make larger, faster strides than someone else.  I was 58 when diagnosed and very sick.  Age (a huge factor), length of illness all took a toll and hampered the recovery time.   Age alone can slow one down.  Add an illness and recovery drags on. 

You are young and if you carefully follow the diet (life style) you should see improvement.  Remember, your gut is like a raw sore.  It needs time to heal.  Youth is on your side.  You will start to absorb nutrients as you heal and will buff up again!

 

[angeles99]

@cap6 thank you! :)