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Trying gluten free diet


HARRYE10

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HARRYE10 Rookie

I have been tested for coeliac (ttg blood test) and twice it has come back negative and so my GI has said that I don't have coeliac disease and have IBS. However I am still suspicious as my grandmother was a coeliac and I am exhibiting many of the symptoms and so I'm not sure why the GI was so quick to dismiss it. As the doctors and specialist are no help I am trying a gluten free diet. I have been off gluten since Wednesday night but I still haven't been feeling right. The bloating I was having seems to have stopped but I am still having abnormal stools and some stomach cramps. I have also been having some bad tension headaches and light-headedness since then and I was wondering - is this a type of withdrawal symptom? Has anyone else had this? Thanks.


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Gluten-free-01 Enthusiast

I’m in a similar situation. My blood tests were negative, but I have symptoms that are related to gluten consumption. And I also have a family member (blood relative) who has celiac. I don’t rely on the tests because I’d already been off gluten for approx. 2 weeks prior to testing. Thanks to this forum, I’ve found out that many people make this mistake.  

Well, I’d be happier if I had an official diagnosis.. maybe I could have it if I did a gluten challenge.. but I don’t really want to do it. I’d say the diet is not a problem for me as I’m not tempted to cheat and I like cooking so that makes things easy :)  

As for the withdrawal symptoms.. yes I’ve had stomach cramps, headaches and lightheadedness too. My headaches/migraines have almost disappeared.  I still feel lightheaded though.. feel like I’m on drugs most of the time.. haven’t figured that out :)

2 hours ago, HARRYE10 said:

I have been off gluten since Wednesday night but I still haven't been feeling right.

It’s been 5 days. Withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks – be patient :)

Good luck :)

 

Feeneyja Collaborator

Just want to chime in that I too was negative (8 week gluten challenge, I had bee gluten free for two years for my daughter who is also gluten intolerant) and it took at least a month to feel better. Some symptoms resolved quicker than others.  The bloat was the first to go.  But the dizziness and problems with eye focus took longest. The constipation and mucus took several weeks too.  Also sores in my mouth took a while. 

Celiac or not, an immune system reaction to gluten takes time to recover from.  

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