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Question About Three Month Gluten Challenge

Cara in Boston

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Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted

I was only gluten-free for about 10 days (gluten-"light" about a month before that), not even long enough to see if I felt better. Actually felt a bit worse because of headaches, etc.

Tested positive on blood test several weeks before, then negative on blood test and endoscopy (after 10 days gluten-free)

Doctor wants me to come back in three months after eating normal diet. No problem. I can do it for another three months. My symptoms were annoying, but nothing that would prevent me from getting through my daily activities.

So, starting last Monday I am eating gluten again. Headaches immediately went away. Last week was pretty good, I actually had very few symptoms. I felt better than usual. This week, since Monday, I have had a noisy stomach, diarrhea, GERD, etc. every day. I feel tired and just plain yucky.

I am assuming it takes a while (perhaps a week) for the gluten to start having an effect on me and that is what is going on.

My question is this . . . will it get back to what was "normal" for me or can I expect this for three months?

Does anyone have experience with this? Did I somehow make myself more sensitive to gluten in just 10 days?

Thanks -

Cara

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ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Hopefully things will level off if you are determined to continue the challenge. It does seem pretty clear though with a previous positive blood test and your reaction to the challenge that you will need the diet no matter what the testing says after another 2 and a half months.

Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted
  • Author

Yes, I plan to go gluten free after testing no matter what the results. I am pretty confident the tests will be positive again. I feel like the actual diagnosis is important - especially if it motivates my skeptical family (mother and sibs) to have themselves tested - they won't if it is just a "hunch".

If I test negative again, I'll just do whatever works for me. I don't really need any more "proof" than feeling better. Which I'm not sure will happen either . . .

I am just not very good at waiting around .. .

Thanks for your response.

Cara

salexander421 Enthusiast
salexander421
Posted

I am just at the end of my 3 month gluten challenge, my endo is fri and I will be gluten free immediately after. My symptoms have been pretty consistent for the whole 3 months, probably not what you wanted to hear...sorry :P

For me it's been constipation, occasional loose stools, gas, bloating, mucousy stools, stomach cramps, major brain fog, sleep problems, serious fatigue, mood swings, etc. I think this was all pretty normal for me before I went gluten free, but once I went gluten free and all this went away I realized it wasn't "normal" to feel that way. I think that's what is so hard about a gluten challenge, you realize it's not normal and the symptoms feel worse.

Hope everything goes well for you and that you get the answers you're looking for!

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