Question About Three Month Gluten Challenge

[Cara in Boston]

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

[ravenwoodglass]

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]

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]

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

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!