I'm Having More Problems Now That I've Gone Gluten-Free!

[kimliz59]

First of all, let me say that I am gluten intolerant, not celiac, in case that makes a difference with the symptoms I've been experiencing.

Since I've cut out gluten, I've been so constipated that I had a colonoscopy to rule out cancer/intestinal diseases. I've done all of the usual stuff--drink more water, eat lots of fruits and veggies, not much processed food, etc., but the constipation is horrible, and I've dealt with some degree of constipation most of my life, so that's saying something!

Secondly, my lymph nodes have been swollen for four months. I am seeing my doctor, and in April she's ordering a CT scan if the nodes are still swollen.

Thirdly, I've started having panic attacks...can anyone tell me what is going on?? I thought I was supposed to feel BETTER after giving up gluten.

Please, if anyone else has dealt with any of this, let me know. Thanks so much!

[ravenwoodglass]

What are you usually eating? It is easiest for us to avoid CC in the beginning if we go with fresh unprocessed foods. Sweet potatoes are great for bowel regulation so you may want to try adding those to your diet daily to see if it helps. Also check all your meds with the maker as well as any supplements. Be aware that you need to read the whole label on supplements as wheat and barley grass can be included but the label will still say gluten free.

Did you drop dairy and soy? If not you should for a bit until you are feeling better. Then you can add them back in one at a time to see if you can tolerate them. In my case I discovered I have issues with soy which will bind me up for days but I don't know if that is the problem for you.

You say you are gluten intolerant rather than celiac. That doesn't really make any difference as far as strictness with the diet goes and with false negatives being common with celiac testing even if you tested negative you could still be celiac.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

[cahill]

I agree with Raven,,, I would try eliminating the soy and see how you respond .

Soy is in almost EVERYTHING So eliminating it is as difficult, if not more so ,than gluten

[pondy]

Hi kimliz59,

I can relate to the 'C' issues because I've been dealing with it for years - before and after being diagnosed with Celiac & going gluten free.

Here's my "fix"...

MiraLax twice daily, Culturelle probiotic every morning, 1 Senna tablet every night. This combination has made a huge difference, I'm happy to say!

Just recently I started a very low dose of Citrucel fiber (only 2 teaspoons once a day) to help bulk things up. So far, so good.

Other things that help me...

Quitting dairy & soy, blanching my veggies - raw ones are too tough on my GI system, taking a brisk walk every day.

Question: have you had blood tests done to rule out any vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues? Might be something to consider.

Regarding the anxiety - how long have you been gluten free? People can go through a period of withdrawal (from gluten), which could possibly be a cause of anxiety. I have that issue too... for me - exercise helps & avoiding soy & sugar & processed foods helps. Of course, I'm on a medication for it also - it's been an ongoing issue.

Best to you!

Pondy

[Blue-eyed bandit]

I felt horrible when I first got off gluten. Dairy really constipates me so I stay away. Try eating mixed nuts, adding flaxseed that's been ground into ur dishes and drinking even more water! Something that has helped me is water before bed then warm water with lemon in am before any food and then waiting 30 minutes. Could be magnesium deficient. Start taking 250 mg at night then work up to 500mg at night and you'll know if your taking too much because it causes the runs when ur body has it's full.