2 months post diagnosis

[sarahbee1989]

I’m just about 2 months post diagnosis and being 100% gluten free. My diet is good and my stomach, fatigue, insomnia, body aches and headaches are much better. However this week I’ve been starting to get dizzy spells and my body just feels weird. I’m not sick so just wondering if this happens to anyone else?? I don’t think I’m accidentally eating gluten. We eat at home since my diagnosis so I’m cooking everything. 

[Maddiecl]

This same thing happened to me.  After I had been gluten-free for about a month and a half I began having dizzy spells and lightheadedness.  On top of this, I also developed the sensation of having pressure on my chest.  I am now 5 months gluten-free and this has gotten much better!

[knitty kitty]

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include dizziness, anemia, chest tightness, tingling, and depression.  You may want to have your doctor check to see if you have any nutritional deficiencies.  Celiac Disease causes malabsorption which results in malnutrition.  

Products containing wheat are required to have vitamins and minerals added back to replace those removed in processing.  Gluten free versions are not required to be enriched.  So when you begin a gluten free diet, you need to be sure to get enough vitamins and minerals, preferably by consuming nutrient dense foods.  However.... 

Intestinal damage may make proper absorption difficult.  To be properly absorbed, B12 needs an intrinsic factor produced in the stomach.  PPI's may deactivate this intrinsic factor.  Low stomach acid (also a Celiac thing) will also negatively affect B12 absorption.  Certain other prescription medications (like Metformin) can also affect B12 absorption.

Your liver can store a small amount of B12, but stores of B12 may be depleted quickly.  

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas like at the dentist or when you were given anesthesia for an endoscopy) WILL deplete B12 stores within weeks.  

Until damaged intestines heal, taking a multivitamin or a B Complex supplement may help ensure you get enough.  Remember there are eight B vitamins that all work together.  You're much more likely to see benefits if you take a B Complex supplement. 

Discuss supplementation with your doctor before starting supplementing in order to get an accurate measurement of vitamin levels in your system.  

Hope this helps! 

 

 

[sarahbee1989]

Thanks so much for replying. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has had this happen! It’s like learning about your body all over again. I did just have blood work done about 2 weeks ago and everything was ok but I think I will definitely talk with my doctor about adding in some supplements to help with everything. And I hope my dizziness/lightheadedness will start to get better too. 

[squirmingitch]

I just want to add too, that the first 6 months, sometimes even the first year, can be somewhat wonky with ups & downs & progress & seemingly backslides. This is, oddly enough, normal. Things don't often get a little bit better each & every day. Sometimes they get worse EVEN when you haven't gotten cross contaminated. Just hang in there hon & keep moving forward. It never hurts to question whether you got cross contaminated because that keeps us on our toes but don't drive yourself crazy with it. 

[sarahbee1989]

It has been very frustrating and I’m obviously pretty new on my journey. I just want to feel “normal” whatever that is for me now. Hopefully in a few months I guess I can get there ! 

[squirmingitch]

14 minutes ago, sarahbee1989 said:

It has been very frustrating and I’m obviously pretty new on my journey. I just want to feel “normal” whatever that is for me now. Hopefully in a few months I guess I can get there ! 

Oh you poor dear. Yes, I do understand. All of us have been there. It's like you were broken & you've been taken to the repair shop & you look good on the outside but they still have some work left to do on the inside; meanwhile your sitting at the starting gate revving your engine ready to put the pedal to the metal but they won't open the starting gate.