Gluten Free For 2 Weeks And Feel Great - Do I Need To Get Tested?

[benj]

I found out about gluten when searching for canker sore solutions. I've had significant problems with them all my life of 42 years. At the time I didn't consider a gluten free diet because it seemed more trouble than the sores. 6 months ago I started having leg ache pain while driving and then about 8 weeks ago I developed a constant sharp pain in my knee. My doctor brushed it off as arthritis and sent me home with instructions to take advil. Trying to self diagnose at home, I discovered a link between gluten and joint pain. I was planning on going on a low carb diet for the new year so I started researching gluten free as well and decided to try it.

This is amazing! My knee pain completely vanished in 2 days.... but even more amazing, and what I wasn't expecting, was how I feel about food now. After 6 days gluten free I woke up Saturday morning and cried. I was not hungry! I didn't care about food... I had NO CRAVINGS! Every morning for as long as I can remember I HAD to eat breakfast as soon as I got up, usually a quick bowl of cereal. I've been overweight all my life and in a constant struggle over food. I'd been on the starvation diet, atkins diet, cereal only diet, weight watcher's, south beach..... I'd never felt so free as I do now. Food no longer had a hold on me! The emotions of 25 years just flood through me. I'm tearing up now just writing about it.

I feel like I was in food hell my entire life and didn't know it.

This week I noticed food is tasting better, especially fruit. I've had kiwis before but I never said WOW after eating one before.

I've also had a problem with acne all my life. (I can remember my mother picking painfully at my face when I was 8) At 42 it's not terrible anymore but in the last few years I started developing painful acne like spots on my legs also. It hasn't even been 2 weeks yet but it certainly seems like my skin is clearing up. I can't wait to try a glass of orange juice and see if a canker soar doesn't show up.

I know most people are upset to discover they can't eat gluten any more. I happen to be a pizza fanatic myself.... But I couldn't be happier! I would gladly give up gluten forever just to rid myself of the cravings. Being able to walk and drive without pain is nice too.

I've lost almost 10 pounds. I have been trying to loose weight too but this is so easy! I could skip a meal more easily now than I could skip the snacks and candy after a meal just 2 weeks ago.

So, I'm thinking this is proof positive I am at least gluten sensitive. Am I wrong? Should I still get tested?

I was looking at DNA testing. Does anyone have recommendations?

[eatmeat4good]

I just want you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post!

I am thrilled for you!

You will find yourself aging backwards now...and oh gosh is that fun!

I have been gluten free one year. I have had a weight problem all my life. I've eaten more food in the last year than I did in the last 5 years. I weigh 115 now when at my sickest with Celiac I was close to 200lbs at one point. I didn't have to work at it a bit. Welcome to your new life...It really is amazing.

I'm very excited for you about your discovery. I have no opinion about testing. If you like gluten free do it. If you want to test do it. But the really cool thing is you are no longer in pain and you are discovering food again. I noticed food tasted like food for the first time in my life. I love it.