How Long Did It Take To Feel Better?

[rflynn]

I am starting the diet after Thanksgiving...wondering what to expect. Have had major symptoms for a year now

[ciavyn]

I second your question. I just started last week, as I can't wait to feel better. However, today is an awful day, and I can't figure out what did me in. So I'm also wondering how long it should take to feel better, as this is hard enough to follow when you are just starting out...I don't want to feel crappy too!

[Ahorsesoul]

I had improvement within days. Once I was totally gluten free it made a major difference in my life.

[Lynayah]

It was within days for me, too, although because I had so much learning to do, AND because I made some mistakes, it was a couple months before things really started to get better. I am still in the processes (went gluten-free in Sept) and feeling incredibly better all the time.

It is different for everyone.

Because I am 56, I don't expect my body to feel fully healed until six months to a year. The good news is that the pain I was in is just about gone! This feels like a miracle to me.

I am still struggling with losing weight, but that will probably take time.

Anyway, there's hope! Please anticipate feeling better, day by day, from the start . . . as long as you're following orders and not making mistakes.

You're in my prayers!

[summerteeth]

I second the two above me - there were certain noticable differences within the first few days/weeks. But, in my own experience, the biggest difference was after about the 8 month mark, because by that time, I was able to read labels better. That is the most important thing: ALWAYS read labels! I don't care if I bought the same product last week and it said "gluten free" under the ingredients... I still spend the extra few seconds to double check.

[rflynn]

thanks for the responses! another thing... it feels like there is so much gas rumbling around in my stomach/intestines...i can hear and feel it constantly. sound familiar to anyone else?

[mushroom]

Your best chances of rapid improvement are to start off very simply, with naturally non-gluten foods, preferably single ingredient foods, and not go rushing out to replace all the gluten items with substitutes. Like a broiled chicken breast, rice and steamed veggies for dinner, for example. Yogurt (if you are not dairy intolerant), fruit and almonds for breakfast, maybe an omelette or boiled egg for lunch with a salad and an apple, nuts for snacks, you get the idea. No multi-ingredient foods, no takeouts or restaurant experimenting, and just build up your repertoire from there. That way if any pesky other intolerances pop up you are ready to nip them in the bud. Probably best to avoid lactose (milk, cream, ice cream, etc.) to start with because most celiacs are initially lactose intolerant too. Keep a record of what you are eating and how you feel and you will be off to a flying start. You should see improvement right from the first day and gain steadily from there. If your stool does not improve you may need some digestive enzymes and probiotics to help the gut with the digestive process, but give it a couple of weeks on its own and see how happy your gut is. And drink plain water, not sodas or alcohol.

Good wishes to all new gluten free dieters. Let us know how it is going.

By the way, the gas and rumbling is almost de rigueure. Even when fully recovered you may have a little. Not to worry, I'm sure it will get better.

[ang1e0251]

I would have to say I saw improvement in some symptoms in the first week and others within weeks. Others have shown steady improvement over the 2 years I have been gluten-free. I don't know if what's left of symptoms are as good as they're going to get or it just takes more time but I know I do feel 20 years younger!

[hez]

I did not notice any improvements until several months in. I did not feel "normal" until month six. Keep in mind I had no villi by the time I got my dx.

Hez

[Lynayah]

thanks for the responses! another thing... it feels like there is so much gas rumbling around in my stomach/intestines...i can hear and feel it constantly. sound familiar to anyone else?

rflynn,

Yes, I know that feeling all too well. It will get better once you go gluten-free (if not, be sure to tell your doctor).

Have a very happy Thanksgiving . . . I know you're not going gluten-free until after . . . know that you will have a lot to be thankful for once you do. In time, you will feel so much better.

[Mrs. Smith]

I improved quite slowly in the first few months. I will be 1yr gluten free on New Years Day and my symptoms are completely gone. I feel amazing. Do not get discouraged if it dosent happen right away. Medically, they give you up to 2yrs for complete healing time so be patient.

[SusannaD]

Your best chances of rapid improvement are to start off very simply, with naturally non-gluten foods, preferably single ingredient foods, and not go rushing out to replace all the gluten items with substitutes. Like a broiled chicken breast, rice and steamed veggies for dinner, for example. Yogurt (if you are not dairy intolerant), fruit and almonds for breakfast, maybe an omelette or boiled egg for lunch with a salad and an apple, nuts for snacks, you get the idea. No multi-ingredient foods, no takeouts or restaurant experimenting, and just build up your repertoire from there. That way if any pesky other intolerances pop up you are ready to nip them in the bud. Probably best to avoid lactose (milk, cream, ice cream, etc.) to start with because most celiacs are initially lactose intolerant too. Keep a record of what you are eating and how you feel and you will be off to a flying start. You should see improvement right from the first day and gain steadily from there. If your stool does not improve you may need some digestive enzymes and probiotics to help the gut with the digestive process, but give it a couple of weeks on its own and see how happy your gut is. And drink plain water, not sodas or alcohol.

Good wishes to all new gluten free dieters. Let us know how it is going.

By the way, the gas and rumbling is almost de rigueure. Even when fully recovered you may have a little. Not to worry, I'm sure it will get better.

[GottaSki]

I didn't have much improvement at first -- the bloating decreased within the first weeks, but that's about it.

The second thing I noticed was about at 6-8 weeks - my nails were strong and healthy, instead of weak and cracking (this small improvement actually sustained me for a long time because although digestive symptoms continued to improve, my fatigue, and joint stiffness/achiness worsened).

At three months ALL of my blood work tTG IgA and vitamin levels improved - I remember when I received those results I was finally convinced without a doubt that I was Celiac.

I've had some other minor improvements, am now just over 8 months.

You've received great advise in from the other posters - just remember it is different for everyone.

I wish speedy healing for all new to gluten-free!

-Lisa

[SusannaD]

I was diagnosed last Tuesday, two days before Thanksgiving. From all I hear, I was very fortunate to have been referred to an excellent young (maybe newly out of school is a key, here) gastroenterologist who ran every imaginable test. I'd had symptoms for years, including anemia and osteoporosis, but they'd been getting much worse lately, and after a trip to Eastern Europe this summer - turns out they have a very high-gluten diet there - I was really in trouble.

It's very helpful to have found this Website, which really functions as a support group. I'm very encouraged by all the histories, advice and suggestions, and even recipes. So far, I've found that Henry's Market here in Southern California has a good supply of labeled gluten-free products, but Trader Joe's is a bust. I do think, though, that your advice on "keeping it simple" at first with single, simple ingredients is great. Thanks for being there!