gluten-free For A Few Days - Is This Normal?

[nuttmegs17]

Hi!

I just went gluten-free after doing the biopsy on this past wednesday. My symptoms had been getting worse while I was Glutening Up for the test and some newer ones appeared: tdizziness, fogginess, concentration probs with vision (eyes feel like they jump around a bit and have a hard time focusing), ringing in the ears happens more frequently...I also have hashi's which I am also trying to get treated so I'm unsure if this can all be blamed one thing or another....

How long do the symptons north of the neck last after going gluten-free? I guess I assumed that after going gluten-free I would feel an immediate difference (w/in 24 hours). Can someone tell me if this is normal? Thanks!

[mushroom]

The GI symptoms are normally the first to resolve (if there is no other intolerance). Some of the neuro ones take a bit longer. When you go gluten free it is not like turning off the faucet. Your body is damaged and is going to take a while to heal. You do have to be patient, it is perfectly normal not to notice any improvement at first. In fact, sometimes you will go through a withdrawal from gluten where your symptoms actually appear to be getting worse, just like you go through when quitting smoking. After two or three weeks you can expect to be feeling quite a bit better.

[paddy86]

Is it normal to relapse with symptoms for no known cause. I've been to the ENT and got blood taken. Waiting for the results. All I know is that, after going gluten free, after two to three days most of my annoying symptoms had gone: bloodshot eyes, hot flashes, weakness, my abdomen had reduced in size, my lymph nodes shrunk etc.

It's been 3 and a half weeks, and suddenly I'm starting to wake up to bloodshot eyes again and yesterday I had hot flashes. I can't think of having eaten anything that might have contained gluten. Is it possible to relapse with symptoms for no reason? Or is there something else at play? Thank you!

I'm a 24 year old male.

[mushroom]

It is possible that you have received some cross-contamination from somewhere. You can also expect a somewhat up and down course for the first month or two while you are learning the ropes - it is not a straight line upwards. Check if you have added any new foods, done anything different like eating out, tighten up on your gluten free generally, and wait a little whiles is all I can say. This is about the time that you will discovery any other intolerances, if you have them. Have you eliminated lactose too? This is usually recommended especially if you had a positive biopsy because it means you are not producing enough of the enzyme to digest it. Good luck and hang in there!

[paddy86]

It is possible that you have received some cross-contamination from somewhere. You can also expect a somewhat up and down course for the first month or two while you are learning the ropes - it is not a straight line upwards. Check if you have added any new foods, done anything different like eating out, tighten up on your gluten free generally, and wait a little whiles is all I can say. This is about the time that you will discovery any other intolerances, if you have them. Have you eliminated lactose too? This is usually recommended especially if you had a positive biopsy because it means you are not producing enough of the enzyme to digest it. Good luck and hang in there!

Thanks Mushroom! I have decided to eat potatoes, meat, fish, vegetables and fruit for the most part and I'm starting to feel better again. I also got some gluten and lactose free vitamin B12 from the chemist. So here's hoping that I feel my normal self again soon. This forum is brilliant.