A Question For The Veterans

[emcmaster]

When you were first gluten-free, did you have random days where you had some glutening symptoms but not all? I ask this because I've been gluten-free for 6 months and occasionally will have a day or two where I have the bloating and pain, but not the other symptoms. And since it only lasts for a day or two, I know I haven't been glutened or had a reaction from my other intolerances.

Am I just healing and having a few bad days because of that?

[LKelly8]

It could be from something else; another food intolerance, transient virus, GERD, PMS, etc.

Or you have hidden gluten in your diet somewhere.

[Matilda]

...

[aikiducky]

At six months I think I was more or less bloated all the time. Yes it was very much up and down and not always because of a glutening. Bloating is still the last thing to go away after I have been glutened, it's the most stubborn of my symptoms. But nowadays I'm not bloated all that often (two years on the diet).

Pauliina

[emcmaster]

Thank you for the replies! I suspected other intolerances, went on an elimination diet and still had the random bad days. I added back all the foods I suspected and most weeks, have 1 or 2 bad days a week unless I've for sure been glutened or consumed one of my other off-limits foods.

It makes me feel a lot better to know that you were experiencing bad days sometimes at 6 months in. (Not that I'm happy you were feeling badly, just happy to know I'm not abnormal!)

[Rikki Tikki]

Hi Elizabeth:

It took me a couple of years to feel really well. But I would suspect hidden gluten or cross contamination. It was so overwhelming for me for a while, just trying to find out what all contained gluten. Watch your medications, they use gluten in some,.

Best of luck and good to meet you!

[Guest nini]

It took me about 2 years to feel almost human, but I'm still having bad days 3 1/2 years into this.

[Guest Viola]

After 17 years I can't remember how long it took me to feel human again. But, there will always be ups and downs, although not so many over the years. Bloating is a problem with almost all of us and I'm not so sure that it is always caused by gluten. I seem to get it sometimes when I'm simply under stress and not eating a proper balanced diet. Sometimes salads will cause it and sometimes an over abundance of fruit. I know we tend to jump on a gluten contamination as soon as we start feeling uncomfortable, but there are times when that is not the cause.

Hang in there, the fact that we feel better over all is a good thing!

[emcmaster]

A big thanks to all you who replied!

I'm undiagnosed and am keeping my fingers crossed that this is it and that I won't go back to feeling badly all the time!