Feeling So Discouraged

[livelifelarge24]

To make a very long story short, like a lot of you, going gluten free ended a lifetime of misery for me- almost immediately. I had a small bout of withdrawals in the beginning but really I felt absolutely incredible from about day three or four. Twice I've mistakenly ingested a small amount of gluten (I think) and had traces of the old pain I used to feel but got through it no problem.

Now, 11 weeks into the diet I feel completely discouraged. I have had three gut-wrenching stomach aches this week, one was the exact kind I used to get from the gluten. I swear I am not doing anything differently. I have eaten every meal & snack at home, have not changed anything in my diet. I feel like I could just cry! Here I spent two and a half months with a confidence I've never been able to have before. I was going places I wouldn't usually and socializing. But now I'm back to canceling and putting people off and making excuses. I'm totally bummed out and confused. And I'm kinda scared that maybe celiac was never it at all? Any words of wisdom would be helpful right now because I am really upset

[domesticactivist]

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time! Three possibilities come to mind.

1 you may be becoming more aware of cross contamination. At first cutting out the main sources of gluten showed a great response. With your system under less stress you may be noticing smaller amounts. I have a post about going gluten free on the blog linked from my profile that may help.

2 if your home and food are safe, maybe the new places you are going are not? Our son got glutened at a pianO recital from eating blueberries without washing up after playing the same piano as gluten eaters! There is a post on here about bowling balls, too. Even if you eat your own food make sure to wash up well when you are out.

3 could you have other food sensitivities that are now becoming unmasked?

I do believe with some persistence you will figure this out and feel great again!

[livelifelarge24]

Thank you for the response. I always thought maybe I was OVERLY vigilant because I am constantly washing my hands & won't even kiss my fianc

[Bubba's Mom]

It gets dicouraging doesn't it? The Dr.s say "don't eat gluten" and leave you to deal with it. I'm about 7 weeks gluten-free myself. I've gotten reactions several times recently and it makes you retrace everything you've done and eaten.

I know once gluten is out of your system small amounts can send your immune system into full attack mode. Your problems could be from foods labelad as gluten-free, but aren't completly free, or you may be touching something that a gluten eater has touched (phone, keyboard, door knobs, etc.)and then transferred it to yourself?

Also, if you have, or are around gluten eating pets they can "get you".

If you've thought of all of those things, it could be some other food or additive that's causing you symptoms. Dairy if you have unhealed damage in your intestines is a biggy, and some people have problems with various other foods while in the process of healing. I know we think that we should be "cured" immediately when we stop gluten, but there's a lot going on inside of us.

Keep a food log and write down what you eat, including brand names. Make a note of any symptoms you have. It gets tricky because some reactions are delayed hours or days! Try to stick with unprocessed foods like fruits and veggies and unprocessed meats. it makes narrowing down suspicious items easier.

Good luck..chin up! You'll get it worked out.

[Bubba's Mom]

I forgot to add..taking digestive enzymes can help digest things that are a bit difficult on your system right now. You might want to give those a try?

[livelifelarge24]

I have been meaning to try a probiotic & just haven't gotten around to it. That's a great idea. I definitely stuck with mote whole foods in the beginning and have gradually added more packaged foods, maybe my body just doesn't like that. Or, could be the intense stress of deciding to sell my business maybe.