Newly Diagnosed

[sillyyak]

I have just been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue (3 weeks ago). I wanted to know how quickly recovery can take? I have been feeling that I have a bit more energy but I still have some symptoms (diarrhea, muscle aches, abdominal pain etc) on a strict gluten free diet and wanted to know if this was normal? I feel feel that, in some respects, I am getting sicker but I think? I am getting better? What are others experiences with recovery with respect to the time they were diagnosed, and with respect

Also how do I know if I can eat something that has "natural flavors"? I saw a nutrionist but still am confused as to "label reading" and how specific do I need to get?

Thank you.

[tarnalberry]

  sillyyak said:

I have just been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue (3 weeks ago). I wanted to know how quickly recovery can take? I have been feeling that I have a bit more energy but I still have some symptoms (diarrhea, muscle aches, abdominal pain etc) on a strict gluten free diet and wanted to know if this was normal? I feel feel that, in some respects, I am getting sicker but I think? I am getting better? What are others experiences with recovery with respect to the time they were diagnosed, and with respect

Also how do I know if I can eat something that has "natural flavors"? I saw a nutrionist but still am confused as to "label reading" and how specific do I need to get?

Thank you.

Recovery time varies a lot from person to person. No one can tell you how long it will take *you* to feel better. It could be weeks or months.

As for ingredients, if you are not *certain* that it is gluten free, don't eat it. If you see "natural flavors" (and it's not like "natural raspberry flavors"), then you should call the company. When in doubt, call the company - on ANY ingredient.

[Guest Viola]

You also need to look at anything that goes in or around your mouth and on your hands. Such as make-up, creams, dental hygene and medications. Most are gluten free but not all.

Another thing, if you are taking antacids or anything of that sort for indigestion ... quite a few are not gluten free, and some that are actually cause diarrhea because that's the way they work .. to clean out the stomach of anything that's bothering it. My doctor suggests Gavascon as it is both gluten free and it isn't a laxative.

Having said all that, it really does take time for healing to get a good start depending on how much damage was done to the intestine.

Welcome to the board and I hope you are feeling much better soon.

[celiaccecilia]

  sillyyak said:

I have just been diagnosed with Celiac Sprue (3 weeks ago). I wanted to know how quickly recovery can take? I have been feeling that I have a bit more energy but I still have some symptoms (diarrhea, muscle aches, abdominal pain etc) on a strict gluten free diet and wanted to know if this was normal? I feel feel that, in some respects, I am getting sicker but I think? I am getting better? What are others experiences with recovery with respect to the time they were diagnosed, and with respect

Also how do I know if I can eat something that has "natural flavors"? I saw a nutrionist but still am confused as to "label reading" and how specific do I need to get?

Thank you.

[celiaccecilia]

Hi,

I am new to the board also, but I have read a lot of postings. In fact someone gave a link to a mainstream products list that is gluten free (I believe it is Chicago area list). I downloaded it and printed it out and take it with me shopping. I am still figuring this diet out also, but that has been really helpful to know which brands of spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, etc that are gluten free, as many things do have natural flavors. Another way I find out is to go to the company's website and do a site search and search for gluten free. Many companies are making lists, so it is very helpful. Of course the best, most up to date way is to call.

Good luck!

[Guhlia]

It took me almost 6 months (and one nervous breakdown) from going completely gluten-free until I started to feel somewhat human again. I attribute most of this to the stress of shopping, eating, and living the social life of a celiac.

Here's the website I use for my mainstream gluten-free product list, but remember to ALWAYS check the product's label, even if you just bought the same thing yesterday and it was gluten-free. Companies change product ingredients ALL the time.

Open Original Shared Link

Good luck! I hope you start to feel better soon.