bloated Celiac Disease and Anorexia

[ValarieLynn]

I was 15 diagnosed with IBS. and age of 33 I was diagnosed with anorexia which turned my world upside down to say the least!   When I had to start eating my stomach and intestines hurt constantly,  I started gaining weight but as I gained and time went on I looked more pregnant than trying to recover from anorexia.  The bloating really worsened  after my hysterectomy.  Finally it took my OB/GYN to finally notice and listen to me about the bloating and pain I was having.  I was tested and diagnosed with celiac disease then, which was last October.  Since being diagnosed with the celiac disease and being totally gluten free, some of the bloating has gone down.  I don't look 10 months pregnant any more.  I walk on a daily basis and try to eat at the most 1200 calories per day. I do eat  some candies and ice cream.....I did this even when I hardly ate any thing.... because of the long term anorexia I can't do heavy duty exercises and it doesn't take much to wear me out.  Does any one know how long it should take to get a flat belly again???  I cry cuz I can't wait till the day I can wear my regular jeans again!  I tried probiotics and they didn't seem to make a difference.  I do have to take stool softeners and laxatives to be able to have a bowel movement.  Is this just going to be a hurry up and wait situation for my intestines to recover?  HELP!!!

[cyclinglady]

On 9/14/2017 at 1:10 PM, ValarieLynn said:

I was 15 diagnosed with IBS. and age of 33 I was diagnosed with anorexia which turned my world upside down to say the least!   When I had to start eating my stomach and intestines hurt constantly,  I started gaining weight but as I gained and time went on I looked more pregnant than trying to recover from anorexia.  The bloating really worsened  after my hysterectomy.  Finally it took my OB/GYN to finally notice and listen to me about the bloating and pain I was having.  I was tested and diagnosed with celiac disease then, which was last October.  Since being diagnosed with the celiac disease and being totally gluten free, some of the bloating has gone down.  I don't look 10 months pregnant any more.  I walk on a daily basis and try to eat at the most 1200 calories per day. I do eat  some candies and ice cream.....I did this even when I hardly ate any thing.... because of the long term anorexia I can't do heavy duty exercises and it doesn't take much to wear me out.  Does any one know how long it should take to get a flat belly again???  I cry cuz I can't wait till the day I can wear my regular jeans again!  I tried probiotics and they didn't seem to make a difference.  I do have to take stool softeners and laxatives to be able to have a bowel movement.  Is this just going to be a hurry up and wait situation for my intestines to recover?  HELP!!!

Welcome Valarie.  

I am glad you are seeing improvement.  Have you had follow-up care to measure your celiac antibodies?   This will help determine whether or not you are diet compliant.  

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Also, some celiacs become temporarily lactose intolerant.  Does dairy bother you?  You might consider working with a dietician who is celiac savvy.  He/she can help insure you get the proper nutrients from the food you eat.  

Finally, it takes some celiacs a few years to recover.  It all depends on the extent of their damage within or outside of the GI tract.   Be patient!  (So hard, I know!) 

 

[Scott Adams]

You may wish to read some articles we've written on the topic you posted:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Celiac--Disease--____--Related--Diseases--and--Disorders/Anorexia--Nervosa.....--Bulimia--and--Celiac--Disease-c-3485.html

[ValarieLynn]

No I haven't....the doctor didn't say anything about the follow up care testing.   UGH!!  Thank you for the article!!

I read somewhere that it can take an adult 4-6 years to recover??  Don't know if this is true or not but I know being patient is the key....something I'm not.   

Thanks again for the info!!

[knitty kitty]

Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition.  You may be deficient in the B complex vitamins and minerals. 

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Thiamine (B1) deficiency  is associated with anorexia and Niacin (B3) with gastrointestinal problems like bloating.  B12 deficiency can cause fatigue.

Follow up care should include a check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

Most Celiacs heal within two years, but some may take longer due to severity of damage and deficiencies.  

Hope this helps.