How Long For Symptoms To Go Away?

[AlexS]

Hi, I was recently diagnosed (via blood tests) with a gluten allergy, and have been gluten free now for 3 weeks. I suffered for years with almost daily pain in my stomach area, acid reflux and nausea. Now since going gluten free I have been feeling a little bit better, but not as much as I had hoped. I'm still dealing with pain almost every day, although usually not for as long each time. I've also started getting headaches a lot the last couple of days, but I'm thinking that might just be delayed withdrawal.

So how long does it usually take to feel better? How long should I give it before I start considering that I might have other issues or allergies...?

[BabsV]

Every person is probably going to give you a different answer...it depends on how sick you were prior to diagnosis, how strict you are with the diet (it is a steep learning curve and at the beginning I unwittingly glutened myself more than once), how your body heals, etc. There are those who feel better within days or weeks and then those who take longer. I am six months in and while I am feeling better overall I still have pain issues -- in fact I'm talking with the doctor this morning specifically about the pain issues. I try to focus on the things I know have improved e.g. brain fog is GONE!, balance issues are resolved, sleep has improved (still have a ways to go to great sleep but it is better than it used to be), my skin has improved, my nails no longer split and tear, etc. You just have to stick with it and take the small victories as they occur. They add up after a bit of time. Good luck!