Withdrawal

[Shawn scheffler]

So I'm 7 days into a gluten and grain free diet after a Celiac diagnosis. I'm so much worse. Headaches, vertigo to the point that I'm stuck on the couch. Is this normal? Do things get worse before getting better?

[trents]

Just now, Shawn scheffler said:

So I'm 7 days into a gluten and grain free diet after a Celiac diagnosis. I'm so much worse. Headaches, vertigo to the point that I'm stuck on the couch. Is this normal? Do things get worse before getting better?

Welcome to the forum, Shawn!

You are obviously experiencing gluten withdrawal. It is not abnormal. It could last another couple of weeks but could start improving during that time.

[Scott Adams]

I'm sorry to hear about the rough time you are having. Most people see improvement fairly soon, but not everyone. Are you 100% sure your diet is gluten-free? See the article below just in case.

Also, at the time of diagnosis many celiacs have a condition called "leaky gut" which can cause additional, usually temporary, food intolerances. Cow's milk/dairy, corn, grains, are common ones. You may want to keep a food diary to see if there is a connection.

 A

[Shawn scheffler]

Thanks for your replies. I'm very strict gluten and all grain free. Still suffering so bad that I can barely walk. Had CT and MRI both negative. I guess I wait and see

[shadycharacter]

4 hours ago, Shawn scheffler said:

Thanks for your replies. I'm very strict gluten and all grain free. Still suffering so bad that I can barely walk. Had CT and MRI both negative. I guess I wait and see

Have you added something to your diet to replace grains? Some other form of carbs? 

[Scott Adams]

You likely also will need a good gluten-free multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, as many celiacs have nutrient deficiencies at the time of their diagnosis.

[Shawn scheffler]

Thanks guys. Ya I'm taking gluten free multi vitamins and I'm super careful with what I'm eating. Just when I think I can't feel any worse, it does. Today is horrible. Headaches, dizziness and anxiety. It's got to get better soon 

[Scott Adams]

I hope you see some improvement soon, and sorry to hear you're not doing well!

[KennaH]

On 4/20/2023 at 2:16 PM, Scott Adams said:

I'm sorry to hear about the rough time you are having. Most people see improvement fairly soon, but not everyone. Are you 100% sure your diet is gluten-free? See the article below just in case.

Also, at the time of diagnosis many celiacs have a condition called "leaky gut" which can cause additional, usually temporary, food intolerances. Cow's milk/dairy, corn, grains, are common ones. You may want to keep a food diary to see if there is a connection.

 A

Sorry you aren’t feeling better. I agree with Scott on the withdrawal but also the time it take to rid your body of the gluten as well as the damage done to your small intestines. I am gluten free but have been tricked a couple of times because of my lack of due diligence on products.  I have biopsy celiac and IBS. Trying to find some food that doesn’t stop me up or run through me. I stopped milk and all grains which helped more than anything at least for awhile and then trying small quantities to see how well I can tolerate the new item. Long frustrating overwhelming process but hopefully worth it in the end! Best suggestion is really research foods rather than just labeling. Honey Nut Cheerios says gluten free and is FAR from it! Good luck. 

[Scott Adams]

I disagree about Honey Nut Cheerios not being gluten-free, because they are, but around 9% of celiacs cannot tolerate oats, so you may also want to exclude all oats for a while to see if you might be in that group.