How Long Does It Take?

[Peppa-minto]

I know it is different for everyone but I kind of wanted to know how long it took people to have more energy and feel less fatigue after going gluten free? I just got a negative bloodwork back but I was only eating gluten for ten days... My doctor wants to do an endoscopy but I just started a new job and I need to be healthy. I need energy!!!

[rosetapper23]

Generally, fatigue means that you're deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, and/or hormones. Your doctor should be testing you (at a minimum) for the levels of your B vitamins (particularly B12 and folic acid), Vitamin D, iron, and thyroid. Your fatigue will subside once you're able to absorb vitamins, minerals, and hormones again. For me, I continued to be deficient in iron for 18 months--that's how long it took for that part of the intestinal lining to repair itself. It always depends on how severe and extensive the damage is. It's possible that you may need sublingual Vitamin B12 (or injections) and/or intravenous iron infusions until your body is able to absorb these nutrients.

Unless you want an "official" diagnosis, there's no reason for an endoscopy. If you suspect celiac or gluten sensitivity, simply follow a gluten-free diet and continue to get blood work to check on your absorption or nutrients.

[nvsmom]

Rosetapper gave you great advice. Before I was diagnosed I was taking a huge amount of vitamins and supplements because of my lack of energy. I had all those vitamin tests done, and it turns out my thyroid isn't working well. as a result, my energy isn't up yet since my meds aren't spot on yet but my gut feels much much better.

Hope you feel well soon.

[ChristineWas]

It has been 8 months for me and I'm still not there (though there was a dramatic difference when I first went gluten free... I'm still not close to 100%). A new aquaintance at work recently told us it took her about a year. This actually encourage me, renewing hope that things still will get even better than they currently are.

By the way, my endoscopy was misleading. A waste of time and money.