Help -- Newly Diagnosed

[Jim2616]

I an 54 and was diagnosed with celiac disease about one month ago after years and years and years of stomach problems. My question is how long until you guys started feeling 'normal' ..... whatever that is?!?!? The diet is helping and I think I've been very very careful. But, I still have bad days although more good days than bad days. I keep telling myself that this is a long healing process and the good days will happen more and more often. Thanks for your thoughts and help. Jim

[Lisa]

Hi Jim and Welcome!!

Healing time can vary depending on the extent of damage, length of time undiagnosed and diligence to the diet. We all are different.

I have found that I reacted to every food, gluten free or not, until some healing was allowed to take place. Your response to the diet can take several days, several weeks or even several months. It CAN take up to a couple of years for a complete recovery.

As you know, the diet can be tricky and the learning curve is steep. If you need help dealing with this new lifestyle, please feel free to ask. This is a great site. Take a walk around.

Soon, this will become second nature.

[ShayFL]

In a month's time on the diet, your experience sounds similar to many on here. You are on the right track. Stay the course and over time hopefully you will not even remember what those "bad days" were like.

[ang1e0251]

Welcome, Jim. I am 50 years old and can relate. I'm coming into my first year anniversery gluten-free. I found dramatic improvements very quickly on the gluten-free diet. Some symptoms tooks weeks/months to clear up, though. It will keep getting better and better. I noticed my bad days were my own fault, being too lazy to read a label, assuming that food is ok because the brand I use at home is. When you feel bad, look back at your food & try to locate the culprit. A food/symptom diary is helpful for awhile.

[Green Eyes]

Hello Jim and welcome to the gluten free world.

I have found the best defense is a good offense. Take time to read as much as you can. There is good information on this site as well as good food ideas.

My issues in the beginning were making sure all my medication and vitamins were gluten free.

Jennifer