Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

New Member Newly Diagnosed

JanineK

By JanineK
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

JanineK Newbie
JanineK
Posted

Hi everyone, I was just diagnosed with celiac.I have started gluten free for 2 days now and i feel like i have been in a car wreck!!i am so exhausted!! and cant think straight, I have read these are withdrawal symptoms? how long will this last and why is this happening? I feel worse being off gluten!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Cara in Boston Enthusiast
Cara in Boston
Posted

Welcome to the board and to the gluten free life -

Not everyone gets withdrawal symptoms (I did, my son did not) but they don't last long. For me, the first 4-5 days were the worst (worst symptom was a terrible headache that would not quit) then it gradually got better and better until I started to feel great (1-2 weeks?). After that, each week that passed, I felt even better. Some symptoms are slow to leave, but just be patient.

The first months are also hard because you are likely to make mistakes that will set you back for a short time (mine was gluten in my B vitamin). It took me a long time to figure that one out. Stick with whole, naturally gluten free foods in the beginning (meat, dairy, fruits, rice, vegetables, nuts) and steer clear of the gluten-free processed foods (cookies, crackers, pasta, bread, etc.) until you are feeling better. It is easy to get caught up in all the gluten-free products - most of which have very little nutritional value. Get healthy first and give your body a chance to heal.

It gets easier and it is totally worth it. Hang in there -

Cara

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

I second what Cara said. I will tell you though that my withdrawal symptoms lasted a month but I had no headaches. Each of us is different & no one can predict or tell you your withdrawal will last x days or x weeks. But I will tell you like Cara said --- it DOES get better & you will be happy! You just have to hang in there & tough it out. Whole foods.

My husband is over 3 weeks gluten-free & has had ZERO withdrawal symptoms. I'm jealous!smile.gif

JanineK Newbie
JanineK
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much for your responses, the diagnosis is very overwhelming. but i need to heal my body, thanks for the food suggestions any advice helps ALOT! so glad i found this site.

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Ask any questions anytime Janine. And this is the place for ranting if you need to; also for voicing frustrations. We understand. Been there, done that you know.

The best thing you can do is to read as much on this board as you can & ask if you aren't clear on anything.

I also will say that most celiacs have to lay off the dairy for a while. Most can add it back after a time but some never can. And many celiacs cannot tolerate soy; I am one of those.

And the whole foods is the best for healing you right now & for say 3 months. Shop the edges of the store. Forget processed foods; even canned tomatoes. This also allows you time to learn all the rules without being stressed out & overwhelmed. The last thing you need as a newbie is to get accidentally glutened. There is a steep learning curve involved; VERY steep.

Have you had your thyroid checked & I mean the FULL panel not just your TSH? If not then get your doc to do so. Also, you need to have your vitamin levels checked before you begin taking vitamins so you can know where you're at now. Then after that you need to go on the appropriate vitamins.

I will reiterate that the withdrawal can get pretty hairy. Or not. ??? I got real woozy, dizzish feelings & like my knees were going to buckle. I had those things before going gluten-free b/c of the damage toll on my body from gluten but when I went through withdrawal it got much worse.

I had a lot of trouble (& others too) with what felt like low blood sugar. And most, myself included, get ravenous! Continually! It's normal during this. Don't worry about weight or calories right now. EAT! Your body is telling you to EAT b/c it has been lacking the nutrients for so long. It's trying to make you well & repair itself. EAT! Protein is a big factor --- we seem to need more of it & it's good to eat some fat with the protein. As far as that goes it also applies to carbs --- example: you eat an apple --- have a few cashews with it.

I wish you swift healing!

KendraAnn Newbie
KendraAnn
Posted

I'm on day 26 of being gluten free and I'm still having headaches everyday. They are the kind that don't go away, even with excedrine which always works for me. Our bodies are detoxing trying to get all of the poison out of us and some people get worse before they are better. I sure hope these headaches stop soon though. I am happy to say my GERD has gone away and my BMs are what most people probably consider "normal"! Yay for that! :)

Mnicole1981 Enthusiast
Mnicole1981
Posted

I'm on day 26 of being gluten free and I'm still having headaches everyday. They are the kind that don't go away, even with excedrine which always works for me. Our bodies are detoxing trying to get all of the poison out of us and some people get worse before they are better. I sure hope these headaches stop soon though. I am happy to say my GERD has gone away and my BMs are what most people probably consider "normal"! Yay for that! :)

Glad to hear that! I hope to feel like that in a month. I am learning that I can't tolerate anything that I ate before. I had GERD issues yesterday. Prior to this sickness, I had not had any issues with GERD since 2008. Can't wait to feel like that again.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


LauraB0927 Apprentice
LauraB0927
Posted

I can completely relate to what you're feeling - I was diagnosed earlier this month and the withdrawal symptoms were interesting (to say the least). I was very fatigued (naps all the time), walked around in a haze, couldn't concentrate on anything, and basically felt worse than I did prior to being diagnosed (please keep in mind I didnt have terrible GI symptoms to begin with). There were times that I cried over the smallest thing - specifically when I went into a fudge shop that couldn't guarantee that the fudge wasn't mixed with flour. Thank god my fiance has been very understanding and has been willing to deal with my mood swings....

On the positive side, I'm starting to feel a bit better and think that I'm continuing uphill. The people on this forum are VERY knowledgeable and supportive - I agree with the others - keep reading the posts and you'll learn so much. I know I did. Please hang in there and do NOT hesitate to reach out for support - feel free to message me anytime, we can both be newbies together. :) Best wishes!!!

dani nero Community Regular
dani nero
Posted

Changing the type of fuel (what you eat) that you run on, means your body's chemistry changes.. Or at least I believe so.. Hang in there :-)

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

Changing the type of fuel (what you eat) that you run on, means your body's chemistry changes.. Or at least I believe so.. Hang in there :-)

And leave it to dear Dani to put it so simply. I would have made a hash of it trying to get all technical & would have ended up tangled in my spurs.

Perfect Dani! My hat's off to you!biggrin.gif

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

I'm on day 26 of being gluten free and I'm still having headaches everyday. They are the kind that don't go away, even with excedrine which always works for me. Our bodies are detoxing trying to get all of the poison out of us and some people get worse before they are better. I sure hope these headaches stop soon though. I am happy to say my GERD has gone away and my BMs are what most people probably consider "normal"! Yay for that! :)

I only keep Aleve in my house, but here is a list:

Open Original Shared Link

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers that are gluten-free include Advil, Aleve, Excedrin Migraine, Aspirin-Free PM, Motrin, St.Joseph's Aspirin, Tylenol and Tylenol PM.

Read more: Open Original Shared Link#ixzz1vkdKHmyK

Aleve works for me.

dani nero Community Regular
dani nero
Posted

And leave it to dear Dani to put it so simply. I would have made a hash of it trying to get all technical & would have ended up tangled in my spurs.

Perfect Dani! My hat's off to you!biggrin.gif

Always at your service :-D

JanineK Newbie
JanineK
Posted
  • Author

Ask any questions anytime Janine. And this is the place for ranting if you need to; also for voicing frustrations. We understand. Been there, done that you know.

The best thing you can do is to read as much on this board as you can & ask if you aren't clear on anything.

I also will say that most celiacs have to lay off the dairy for a while. Most can add it back after a time but some never can. And many celiacs cannot tolerate soy; I am one of those.

And the whole foods is the best for healing you right now & for say 3 months. Shop the edges of the store. Forget processed foods; even canned tomatoes. This also allows you time to learn all the rules without being stressed out & overwhelmed. The last thing you need as a newbie is to get accidentally glutened. There is a steep learning curve involved; VERY steep.

Have you had your thyroid checked & I mean the FULL panel not just your TSH? If not then get your doc to do so. Also, you need to have your vitamin levels checked before you begin taking vitamins so you can know where you're at now. Then after that you need to go on the appropriate vitamins.

I will reiterate that the withdrawal can get pretty hairy. Or not. ??? I got real woozy, dizzish feelings & like my knees were going to buckle. I had those things before going gluten-free b/c of the damage toll on my body from gluten but when I went through withdrawal it got much worse.

I had a lot of trouble (& others too) with what felt like low blood sugar. And most, myself included, get ravenous! Continually! It's normal during this. Don't worry about weight or calories right now. EAT! Your body is telling you to EAT b/c it has been lacking the nutrients for so long. It's trying to make you well & repair itself. EAT! Protein is a big factor --- we seem to need more of it & it's good to eat some fat with the protein. As far as that goes it also applies to carbs --- example: you eat an apple --- have a few cashews with it.

I wish you swift healing!

Thanks for all the info!! my gi doc sent me for full thyroid work im awaiting results.also did b12 which has been low for months..now i know why lol! I had a negative blood test for celiac but positive biopsy..had genetic gene in blood though..my GI is also sending me for hydrogen breath test on June 5th...Im lucy my GI is very up to date on celiac..I ordered some vitamins called CELI-ACT are they any good? they seen to have lots of good stuff and gluten free

JanineK Newbie
JanineK
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for all the well wishes In sure I will have lots and lots of questions!!

squirmingitch Veteran
squirmingitch
Posted

I can't speak for the Celi-Act vitamins as I don't know anything about them. Others may be able to speak on those.

Since you're neg. blood work but positive biopsy, this thread may be of interest to you & perhaps you can add to it:

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/92407-negative-blood-test-poitive-biopsy/page__p__792305__fromsearch__1#entry792305

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. marlene333
      - marlene333 replied to Grace Good's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Bee balm lipbalm not gluten free

      To play it safe, use Vasoline Lip Therapy. No questions as to it containing gluten.
    2. Mari
      - Mari replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      4

      Related issues

      jmartes, Thank you for sharing more information with us. Most of us Celiacs whose problems do not clear up with in a few years have to decide what to do next. We can keep seeing DR.s and hope that we will get some medication or advice that will improve our health. Or we can go looking for other ways to improve our health. Usually Celiac Disease is...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to catsrlife's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      4

      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      It's unfortunate that they won't work with you on this, but in the end sometimes we have to take charge of our own health--which is exactly what happened to me. I did finally get the tests done, but only after years of going down various rabbit holes and suffering. Just quitting gluten may be the best path for you at this point.
    4. catsrlife
      - catsrlife replied to catsrlife's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      4

      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      My doctor didn't take the time to listen to anything. I don't even think she knows what it means. She is more concerned about my blood pressure that is caused by her presence than anything else and just wants to push pills at me. The so-called dermatologist wouldn't do a skin test. she prescribed all of these silly antihistamine skin meds. This lady...
    5. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      4

      Related issues

      I had the test done by one of the specialist through second pcp I had only a few months because he was saying I wasn't.Even though Im positive HLA-DQ2 .My celiac is down played.I am with new pcp, seeing another girl doctor who wants to do another breathe test next month though Im positive sibo this year.I have high blood pressure not sure if its pain from...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,260
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    sbr
    Newest Member
    sbr
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • marlene333
      Bee balm lipbalm not gluten free

      By marlene333 · Posted

      To play it safe, use Vasoline Lip Therapy. No questions as to it containing gluten.
    • Mari
      Related issues

      By Mari · Posted

      jmartes, Thank you for sharing  more information with us. Most of us Celiacs whose problems do not clear up with in a few years have to decide what to do next. We can keep seeing DR.s and hope that we will get some  medication or advice that will improve our health. Or we can go looking for other ways to improve our health. Usually Celiac Disease is not a killer disease, it is a disabling disease as  you have found out. You have time to find some ways to help you recover. Stay on your gluten-free diet and be more careful in avoiding cross contamination . KnittyKitty  and others here can give you advice about avoiding some foods that can give you the gluten auto immune reaction and advice about vitamins and supplement that help celiacs. You may need to take higher doses of Vit. B12  and D3.  About 20 years before a Dr. suggested I might have Celiac disease I had health problems that all other Dr said they could not identify or treat. I was very opposed to alternative providers and treatments. So many people were getting help from a local healer I decided to try that out. It was a little helpful but then, because I had a good education in medical laboraties she gave me a book  to read and what did I think. With great skeptism I started reading and before I was half way through it I began using the methods outlined in the book. Using those herbs and supplements I went from hardly able to work to being able to work almost fulltime. I still use that program. But because I had undiagnosed celiac disease by 10 years later some  of my problems returned and I started to loose weight.    So how does a person find a program that will benefit them? Among the programs you can find online there are many that are snake oil scams and some that will be beneficial. by asking around, as I did. Is there an ND in your area? Do they reccomend that person? If you would like to read about the program I use go to www.drclark.net   
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's unfortunate that they won't work with you on this, but in the end sometimes we have to take charge of our own health--which is exactly what happened to me. I did finally get the tests done, but only after years of going down various rabbit holes and suffering. Just quitting gluten may be the best path for you at this point.
    • catsrlife
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By catsrlife · Posted

      My doctor didn't take the time to listen to anything. I don't even think she knows what it means. She is more concerned about my blood pressure that is caused by her presence than anything else and just wants to push pills at me. The so-called dermatologist wouldn't do a skin test. she prescribed all of these silly antihistamine skin meds. This lady didn't even know what she was talking about and said "they never turn out as celiac, they usually just say it's dermatitis so here's your meds," just like my regular quack. I'm trying to change insurance companies at the moment and that has been a battle because of red tape, wrong turns, and workers having wrong phone numbers. What a joke! The allergy blood days say I have a wheat allergy of .31. Hopefully it's just that and until I find a decent doctor and dermatologist, I'll just lay off the wheat anyway, since it gives me asthma, high blood sugar, and joint pain. So frustrated at this point. The rash on my back of arms/elbows is mostly gone. Both calves and chest have started up. smh. It comes and goes. It fades faster now, though, although my forearms still produce one or two bumps on each side. The itching has calmed down a lot except for the bump area. I have dry skin to begin with so anything affecting it just makes it crazy. i'm never going to eat wheat again. I don't care if they need it to produce results or if it is just an intolerance, allergy, or celiac. It gives me hell.
    • Jmartes71
      Related issues

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      I had the test done by one of the specialist through second pcp I had only a few months because he was saying I wasn't.Even though Im positive HLA-DQ2 .My celiac is down played.I am with new pcp, seeing another girl doctor who wants to do another breathe test next month though Im positive sibo this year.I have high blood pressure not sure if its pain from sciatica or sibo, ibs or hidden gluten. Im in disability limbo and I should have never been a bus driver because im still suffering and trying to heal with zero income except for my husband. This isnt fare that my health is dictating my living and having ti beg for being revalidation of my disregarded celiac disease. Its an emotional roller coaster I don't want to be on and the medical made it worse.New pcp new gi, exhausted, tired and really fed up. GI doctor NOT girl..
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.