Gluten Free And Still Sick

[BelievinMiracles]

I have been gluten free for I believe 9-10 months, truly absolutely gluten free for about 4. I was doing awesome until I ate something that had tomato soup in it...let's just say I had a bad night that night. Otherwise I don't believe I've messed up.

Anyway since going gluten-free, my digestive system has been amazingly awesome...i never had this experience before and to have normal poopies is just a great feeling. (no one but celiacs understand that ) Well I'm still getting sick, almost every month. I graduated in December 2008 and I've been sick with the Flu at least 3 times and have bronchitis now. I also have joint pain and recently had a reaction with the sun. The doctor recently called me a hypochondriac but I don't understand when I'm sitting there with a fever and coughing my lungs up?? Hypochondriac my butt. can you get this sick from being somewhat busy?? I have a lot to do but I wasn't as busy as I used to be. I have a lot of time to sit around and trust me I do!! I was just wondering if anyone has had the same experience or has anything to say?? Thank you!

[Guest becster]

I have been gluten free for I believe 9-10 months, truly absolutely gluten free for about 4. I was doing awesome until I ate something that had tomato soup in it...let's just say I had a bad night that night. Otherwise I don't believe I've messed up.

Anyway since going gluten-free, my digestive system has been amazingly awesome...i never had this experience before and to have normal poopies is just a great feeling. (no one but celiacs understand that ) Well I'm still getting sick, almost every month. I graduated in December 2008 and I've been sick with the Flu at least 3 times and have bronchitis now. I also have joint pain and recently had a reaction with the sun. The doctor recently called me a hypochondriac but I don't understand when I'm sitting there with a fever and coughing my lungs up?? Hypochondriac my butt. can you get this sick from being somewhat busy?? I have a lot to do but I wasn't as busy as I used to be. I have a lot of time to sit around and trust me I do!! I was just wondering if anyone has had the same experience or has anything to say?? Thank you!

Hi there

I don't know very much about celiac disease and I'm not diagnosed as having a gluten intolerance or allergy, but I do know that celiac disease can go with other autoimmune conditions - and that joint pain, lung problems and sun reactions can all occur with lupus. Go and ask for some blood tests for other autoimmune conditions.

I'm having symtoms with severe bloating, itching, joint pain, dry mouth and I'm going back to the doc to insist on some further tests as they are reluctant to do any further tests on me after they checked my liver and found that to be fine. My doctor almost rolls her eyes when I appear - she pretty much thinks I'm suffering from hypochondria too, so I sympathise.

[JW88]

I went through a rough patch for the first few months after going gluten-free, too, but nothing like the first to posters. My theory is that perhaps your body is finally beginning to work like it should and is still ridding itself of all the inflammation and toxins that had built up over time. This leaves you more susceptible to illness because it's still fighting the gluten battle. Also, during the first 6-8 months of going completely gluten-free, whenever I got glutened, I felt yucky for a good 3-4 weeks after.

I've recently become interested in colonics and have been researching them as a viable option for 1) ridding my body of built-up toxins, and 2) colonoscopy prep. Perhaps you could try having a colonic and see if this helps speed up your body's healing process. Also, simplify your diet for a few days: rice, fruits, vegetables, herbal tea, juice, water - and not much else. I found that even some gluten-free foods bothered me because of the higher starch content. Moving strictly to fresh foods and rice might help recharge your digestive system and help you identify other foods that could be bothering you.

Lastly, I recently found out that I have a hiatal hernia. Getting it treated naturopathically by my chiropractor has improved every aspect of my life. I was amazed to realize just how much a hiatal hernia can affect the body and overall health. Wow! It might take some research on your part, but this might be worth looking into, as well, since hiatal hernias are very prevalent.

Good luck!

[BelievinMiracles]

Thank you for your suggestions. I'll try a simpler diet and I'll get tested for other things once I get my insurance if it still persists. As of for right now I guess I'll have to continue to ride it out!