Stomach Pains After Going gluten-free (Never Had Them Before)

[Carin3]

Hi! I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in October and started the gluten-free diet November 1st. I have very very few of the GI symptoms of celiac but have almost all of the non GI symptoms of celiac. The last couple weeks I have had a lot of stomach pain/cramping (my stomach/abdominal area just hurts really bad for long periods of time). I never had this before. It was just occasional but seems more constant the last couple days and is really bothering me. Do you think it is related to Celiac or something else? This may be a weird question but is it possible to start experiencing abdominal pain/cramping after you have gone gluten-free when you never had it before maybe b/c I ingested gluten and didn't realize it. I just find that weird b/c I have had gluten my entire life til November 1st and never had stomach pain like this. Also, I have read that sometimes you need to cut out dairy for a little while? Could that be the problem although I have never had problem with dairy in the past and can't pinpoint if thats it right now (based on what I have been eating). I am just sick of the stomach pain/cramps and would appreciate any insight from people who have had celiac a lot longer than me!!! Thank you!!

[camprunner]

I have the same thing. I cut out night shades and things are way better but it still happens occasionally and I can't figure it out. Oddly enough, I seem to be fine on dairy for now.

[Lisa]

Some people report that they are more sensitive to gluten, once they are on the diet for a while. It's not unusual at all.

Dairy can mimic some of the same symptoms as gluten, but once the villi heal in your intestines, dairy can often be reintroduced without issue.

Keeping a food diary can help you pinpoint a problem.

[sandsurfgirl]

I'm totally new to all of this, so maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about. What came to mind is, are you eating lots of the gluten free breads and cookies and stuff? I am pretty amazed at how much junk food we have available to us (which is a good thing NO complaints! LOL), and even though it's gluten free I think some of it might be hard on your system. I ate a gluten-free donut last night and it gave me heartburn.

[seezee]

My daughter got terrible stomach pains a month or two after she started gluten-free diet. Turns out an xray showed she was full of stool. GI doctor said that happens because diet is so rice heavy which can be very binding. The backup also caused reflux. DD tried three different clean out plans with follow up xrays and the third time worked. The doctor also had her take prevacid to help heal the damage in her belly. She is feeling way better now. We modified her diet to add grains higher in fiber and she takes a fiber supplement too.