Still having GI symptoms...

[Maddiecl]

So I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease exactly a month ago today through blood work and biopsy. I have been on a strict gluten-free diet ever since, I have only eaten food I have cooked myself, and I am sure I have not had any sort of cross-contamination problems.  I have also been avoiding dairy and oats.  The vast majority of my diet is fruits, veggies, gluten-free whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.  

I have been a little discouraged because it seems like everywhere I read everyone says they started feeling at least a little better within a few weeks.  I am 1 month in and I don't really see any improvement, maybe more energy but that's about it.  I am still having a lot of GI symptoms like nausea, cramping, and gas pains, particularly at night time. I am wondering if it is normal to still have so many GI issues after being gluten-free for a month?  

How long did it take you for your GI symptoms to resolve? 

[cyclinglady]

11 hours ago, Maddiecl said:

So I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease exactly a month ago today through blood work and biopsy. I have been on a strict gluten-free diet ever since, I have only eaten food I have cooked myself, and I am sure I have not had any sort of cross-contamination problems.  I have also been avoiding dairy and oats.  The vast majority of my diet is fruits, veggies, gluten-free whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts.  

I have been a little discouraged because it seems like everywhere I read everyone says they started feeling at least a little better within a few weeks.  I am 1 month in and I don't really see any improvement, maybe more energy but that's about it.  I am still having a lot of GI symptoms like nausea, cramping, and gas pains, particularly at night time. I am wondering if it is normal to still have so many GI issues after being gluten-free for a month?  

How long did it take you for your GI symptoms to resolve? 

Hi Maddie!  

Please do not be discouraged!  It can take weeks or months to see improvement because we are each are unique!  Your damage may not mirror mine.  You have to remember that celiac disease goes way beyond just the GI tract.  It took several months for my anemia to resolve and was my main symptom at the time of my diagnosis.  But it really took a year to feel good and another to feel normal.  Why?  The learning curve to the diet is steep and often we develop other intolerances to food besides gluten.  Most of those additional intolerances can resolve.  For example, I was lactose intolerant.  Not any more.  I become lactose intolerant when I get glutened.  Also, I am intolerant to garlic and onions....still after almost five years!  ? 

One month in is such a short amount of time.  Consider not eating out and eating some soft foods for the next week.  Even if you do not have a nut, bean, legume, or raw veggie allergy or intolerance, it can be hard  to digest those things. I eat well-cooked soup or stew for breakfast, lunch and dinner when my gut is inflamed.  Avoid eating hours before bedtime too.  Just for a week or two.  Boring, but it is effective.  

Be patient!  So hard, I know!  Keep up the good work.  ?

[Awol cast iron stomach]

Hang in there as cycling lady said. I am post one year and I still am waiting to be a better version myself. 

I have read anywhere of one to two years for some cases. Try to make note of the things that have improved that you are happy about and proud of. Exercise longer, more energy, better mood, less BM , pain etc. anything to maintain perspective that you are improving. 

Ill admit I can't always do this so my husband has to tell me remember when you had to blend all your foods, and you could not digest meat? Things like that help.

I expected to be the first horse out of the gate and to cross the finish line without missing a beat.

I have missed a lot but I'm still running even on the worst days

keep fighting to the finish line