Elimination Diet

[momhmmx2]

Hi! I've been experiencing nausea, bloating, EXCESSIVE gas, some constipation and then gotta go gotta go right now D! off and on now for about 4 yrs and off and on plaque psoriasis for 6yrs. I've had a blood test about 1.5years ago that was negative for Celiac. I thought perhaps I was feeling so lousy because I was significantly overweight, so I started exercising and eating healthy and lost over 50pounds. Last November I went to my doctor because I couldn't understand WHY when I was doing all the right things I still felt so lousy. She suggested I have my gall bladder checked. Stones were found and out it came. Well, I'm still having problems. Yesterday I went with a friend to Olive Garden and was miserable after. Woke up this morning was sl. nauseous, but ok compared to other days. I had a bowl of oatmeal and within 10 minutes I had a runny nose, sneezing, and needed to go to the bathroom NOW!!

I'm pretty sure I have some lactose intolerance as I have tummy trouble when I eat large quantities of dairy. Small amt of cheese is ok, but bowl of ice cream is TROUBLE! So I thought I would try and eliminate Gluten. Any idea how long it can take to start to feel better? I'm not talking 100% as I know if this is the problem it can take a really long time for the GI tract to heal. I'm talking just basic bloating, diarrhea, etc..some sign that I might be on the right tract.

Thanks for reading and your time!

[healinginprogress]

It comes and goes for me...I went gluten-free for a couple weeks before going on the elimination (no gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, nightshades) and all whole foods. On the third day of this diet I felt amazing for two days in a row...then not so good for a week, then another good day. But it's definitely better than it was on gluten...while I'm very tired and foggy today, my stomach feels flat, not inflamed or bloated, and I think I've only puked twice so far, and it's been about a month and a week.

I've heard others say, it's never going to HURT you to get rid of this stuff (as long as you're eating enough and taking vitamins...check the ingredients), so it's worth a shot.

The elimination diet sucks, but feeling good is worth it. Beware of withdrawal, you will likely feel worse before better. My first week GLUTEN free, I was an emotional mess.

Hopefully others can add some more insight, everyone is different, and I'm still a newbie

[momhmmx2]

The elimination diet sucks, but feeling good is worth it. Beware of withdrawal, you will likely feel worse before better. My first week GLUTEN free, I was an emotional mess.

Thanks for your reply! I'm curious about this withdrawal?? Not sure what that means, but if I will feel better it will be worth it!

[cahill]

Thanks for your reply! I'm curious about this withdrawal?? Not sure what that means, but if I will feel better it will be worth it!

Open Original Shared Link

""The addictive nature of gluten is often overlooked. For some, the first

days and weeks of following a gluten-free diet are characterized by

food cravings, disorientation, irritability, sleepiness, depression,

mental fogginess, fatigue, and/or shortness of breath.""

[momhmmx2]

Open Original Shared Link

""The addictive nature of gluten is often overlooked. For some, the first

days and weeks of following a gluten-free diet are characterized by

food cravings, disorientation, irritability, sleepiness, depression,

mental fogginess, fatigue, and/or shortness of breath.""

Thank you a1956chill for the link. Officially day one is here. I was gluten free yesterday (after the fateful bowl of oatmeal). Woke up this morning with a terrible headache and a little stressed about what I'm going to eat and drink later today when I meet friends at a restaurant to celebrate St. Patrick's day. Of course Green Beer is off the menu So looking at my other options. I think I will just make sure I eat before hand because I've looked at the menu online and it already looks very intimidating .

[Cara in Boston]

I went gluten free for only 10 days (had to resume to do more testing) and I had the headache for DAYS. It was the same headache I had when I gave up caffeine - nothing would make it go away.

Hang in there.

Cara

[momhmmx2]

I went gluten free for only 10 days (had to resume to do more testing) and I had the headache for DAYS. It was the same headache I had when I gave up caffeine - nothing would make it go away.

Hang in there.

Cara

I'm considering the elimination diet as my testing. What would be the point to get an official diagnosis by testing? Isn't eliminating a test as well?

[Cara in Boston]

I'm pretty sure I have it. Tested positive with blood test and it looks like my 5 year old has it too. My second blood test and biopsy came back negative - not sure if the 10 days gluten free caused this. I suppose I don't really NEED an "official" diagnosis but I want one so my (somewhat skeptical) family will take this seriously and get themselves tested as well. I am now doing a three month "gluten challenge" and will have tests done after that. My doctor said he will do a second biopsy but I don't think I'll do it. If the blood is positive, that will be enough for me. Either way, I'll be going gluten free. I know it will make me feel better and my kitchen will be gluten-free anyway (for my son).

Also, if you have Celiac, you need to be monitored for other, seemingly related conditions. Having a diagnosis as part of my medical record will be helpful (I imagine?)

Waiting another three months is not that big of a deal for me. I wish I felt better, but my symptoms are not as bad as some people describe.

I should add: I didn't feel better after the 10 days gluten free. I'm wondering if I was on it long enough to change the test results, but not long enough to actually feel better. Looking forward to starting it again as soon as I can - headache and all.

Cara

[momhmmx2]

That makes sense Cara. Good luck the testing. I hope you get some answers. I'm just happy at the moment that Motrin seems to have lulled the headache to a dull roar I hope that I have some sign that I am on the right track by 10 days, that will be my goal, any sign will do at this point! Eating is done for the day and I survived an entire day of no gluten! Thought about it alot though!

[momhmmx2]

So tomorrow will be day 7 of gluten free and I am feeling so much better!

Now, here is my question, before I get so far in to this new change(and lose the antibodies and villi repair), is there a reason I should see my doctor before continuing? Is there a reason why I should need a confirmed diagnosis with a biopsy etc... Or is it simply OK to to continue on my journey and eat gluten free and feel better.

[ravenwoodglass]

So tomorrow will be day 7 of gluten free and I am feeling so much better!

Now, here is my question, before I get so far in to this new change(and lose the antibodies and villi repair), is there a reason I should see my doctor before continuing? Is there a reason why I should need a confirmed diagnosis with a biopsy etc... Or is it simply OK to to continue on my journey and eat gluten free and feel better.

If you have children it will be easier to get them tested if you have a firm diagnosis. All first degree relatives should be tested when one is diagnosed as it is strongly genetic and it can be easier to get Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters to test if we have a firm diagnosis. We also should be screened for osteoporosis and should have full vitamin and mineral panels done. Some doctors will do that without a diagnosis though. People with one autoimmune disease can have others although following the diet does lessen the chances. You do need to be eating a full gluten diet to be tested though so you would need to go back on gluten for a month or two before testing. The downside to testing is that you can have a false negative on both blood and biopsy and some don't want to have a preexisting condition on their medical records. In the end you need to do what is best for you. If you do choose testing keep those false negatives in mind and give the diet a good strict try after all testing is finished no matter what the results.