How Long Does It Take?

[GFreeMO]

After a pretty long gluten challenge with bad results, I am on a gluten free diet. I had a doctor tell me that because I had mucus, I had ibs and not celiac. After eating gluten for a few months as ordered by my doc., I had migraines almost daily, joint pain and muscle weakness so badly, I had to literally crawl up the stairs. With D and C and severe lower abdominal pain and gas with bloating so badly that I looked 5 months preg.

I've been on the gluten free diet for a week today and my stool is now well formed and I haven't had any diarrhea but I still have pretty bad lower gut pain - it almost feels like bladder pain but my urine test came back showing no infection. Can gluten affect your bladder?

How long does it take for the lower abdominal pain to go away? My intestines no longer feel bruised like they did before but there is just a general soreness almost like period cramps but they are not.

Thanks! - MO

[GFinDC]

HI GFMO,

It could be a week or so before the immune system winds down and stops attacking your gut. Maybe some Pepto Bismol would help with the pain? Can you do aspirin? Drinking lots of water may help too. Some people find the nettle tea helps.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

After my gluten challenge (I only lasted 3 weeks but had very similar symptoms) it took about a month for the gut pain to go, and another couple for the other symptoms to go. I now get 1 or 2 migraines a month. I think what I thought were period problems were gluten too, as I now get those cramps if I get glutened.

I also get more bladder urgency when glutened and also had it on the challenge.

I also found some of the gluten-free food replacements gave me similar symptoms and have to limit those.

I hope you start to feel better soon. Several months is a long time for your body. I found my reactions a very good incentive to stay gluten-free!

[GFreeMO]

Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it.

Celiac Mindwrap, it sounds like we have very similar issues with gluten.

I'm with you, it's a perfect incentive to stay gluten-free..that and the fact that I have elevated liver enzymes from gluten is enough to scare me straight!

I just need to keep reminding myself that I am not going to be all healed in a weeks time. It may take quite some time.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

Hang in there and come and ask questions.

Happy healing