Perpertually Swolen Glands- No More!

[maddycat]

I just noticed that I no longer have swolen glands in my neck- they have always been swolen, since I was a child. I've been on the gluten-free diet for 6 months now. Could the diet change have made this happen? I was even told when I was younger that it was scar tissue and they weren't "really" swolen- now I just noticed that I can't feel them at all anymore!

Anyone else experience this change with the diagnosis and diet change?

[Ursa Major]

I always used to have swollen glands, on the back of my neck, under my chin, behind my ears, and often in my armpits, too. Many times they also hurt terribly. Now they are very rarely swollen. It is a very noticeable difference for sure.

[2kids4me]

I didnt notice it with the children..but there is a logical reason it would be connected.

A celiac (who didnt know they were celiac) eating gluten would be constantly challenging the immune system - it would be in high gear all the time. The lymph system is connected everywhere in your body by hundreds of nodes. The lymphoctes produce antibodies (certain types of lymphocytes) and are the "ones called upon" by the body to mount an attack on an invader (virus, bacteria .... gluten)...thus swelling the nodes. After going gluten free, the constant alert staus disappears and the nodes quiet down.

Since each of us is unique, this would not be seen in every person, so it will be interesting to see how many respond with a similar experience.

Sandy

[super-sally888]

Hi,

I still have swollen glands everywhere (am pretty new to this and still having problems). Most noticeable in my neck (not tonsils though), and groin etc. I can even palpate nodules in my lower abdomen. Have asked my endo about it and he did peripheral smear (to check for abnormal cells), but that was normal and then he lost interest.

Haven't asked my new doctor (allergy dr) about this yet. I will ask her when I go back to see her with all the test results...

But it does make sense... if our immune systems are in constant overdrive against something...

It is very reassuring to know that others also have this. I can't wait to see if they disappear in time....

Sally