How soon do you start to feel better on a GF diet?

[LisaB]

Once you remove gluten from your diet, how soon do you notice some improvement? Days, weeks, months?

What are the first improvements you notice?

[Kristie]

Lisa,

I am writing on behalf of my son Matthew who is on a GF and dairy free diet. Once we removed everything completely from his diet that made him sick, it was 2 or 3 days before we started to see improvement, and a week before he was "normal" But I have heard this vary quite a bit between people. However, for him... he started sleeping through the night, being less fussy, and the big one for us, he went from 20 big D's a day down to 4-5 in a couple of days and by the weeks end down to 2 normal stools.
Now if he happens to have "run ins" with Gluten (dairy is more forgiving on him if he happens to get it by mistaken than Gluten is). It's 3-4 days before he's back to himself even if he's only had something that was made on the same machine.

[LisaB]

Thanks, Kristie. That's very helpful! So there's some kind of noticeable effect within a few days, and an even more noticeable improvement within about a week.

I'd also like to hear from adults with CD or gluten intolerance -- do you find some problems improve after a few days?

What about those of you who don't have diarrhea? Do you notice other kinds of improvements, and when?

[Padams]

I was diagnosed roughly 5 days ago. My symptoms have not improved, yet. I still have large amounts of pain and bowel movements. My parents keep asking me how I am doing, but I don't know how to reply. "I poop a lot and my stomach kills all the time, mom." Not a very good conversation piece. So, I usually just say "same 'ol, same 'ol." They catch my drift.
_________________
Patrick
06/14/05
I love Danna Korn

[beckyhiker]

Hi Lisa!

I was diagnosed in mid-February and it actually took quite a while for me to feel significantly better. I never had much diarrhea, just slightly loose stools. My problems were a burning stomach, gas, extreme fatigue, vomitting, complete lack of energy, and brain fog. I would say that the burning stomach and vomitting were gone within a week and by around 4 weeks (can't remember exactly) I finally felt that I had energy again and that I was able to think clearly. The other symptoms took longer to go away and also new ones started up (woo-hoo!), but they might be caused by something else.

Anyway, hope this helps!

Becky

[Nikster57]

Padams: It took me about a week before I quit having the diareah and the cramping. I think everyone is different. Hang in there girl, it will happen. Also make sure you are not cross contaminating. I just found out about this from another thread. You can't use the same toaster as the rest of the family, get rid of cookware and get seperate for you if it is pourous and don't even use the same utensils. Use seperate butter. I don't know a lot because I am new at this too. Haven't been sick-sick (in bed) in 2 weeks and 2 days now. I know others can tell you a whole lot more. We have all been where you are and hope you feel better soon......Nikki

[tlloyd]

I have been diagnosed for only 3wks now. The only think I noticed was that I was hungry! About my second week eating Gluten & Wheat free I eat some dounuts and as you know it contains wheat. After eating 3 of the mini dounuts I got light headed, dizzy and fatigued. The nxt day at lunch time I eat 2 breaded chicken stips and got the same reaction. So I know now that if I eat anything that has Gluten or Wheat I will get those symptoms. I am usually not back to normal until 3 hours and durning that time the world seems to be turning.
I would also have to use the bathroom, my stomach would start to bubble and I would also get nauseated. But to answer your question I can not tell other wise if I am better, but I do know that the diet must be working because if it wasn't my body would not be rejecting the food. I am just having a hard time finding something at work to eat.

[Nikster57]

Tlloyd: I know the hungry thing. I am just now getting to where I can figure out what I can and can not eat. Go to a Whole foods place and ask them to help you find gluten free muffins and such and get a loaf of GF bread. I lived on that until I could figure things out. GF noodles are great. At work, I ate bag of fritos and chicken salad. (I think I will be sick if I eat anymore chicken salad) . Fruit is good as is celery with GF peanut butter. Hummus with onion flavored rice crackers got me thru a day. I went to Wendy's today and got chili. So far, I'm ok today. Corn tortillas, heated in the microwave, with butter.
Like I said to Padam, I am still learning myself and just now don't feel hungry all the time. Oh, by the way, get your own mayo and don't let anybody else use it. I have a frig at my office and wrote big letters for no one to use my stuff because it will make me sick if cross contaminated. Thank goodness they are sympathetic to my eating habits now. good luck to you....Nikki from TX

[LisaB]

Thanks for your responses, everyone.

[Nikster57]

Lisa and Padam: How are you feeling? Have suggestions helped at all. Been thinking about you 2 and wondered if today may be a better day.

Take care,

Nikki from Sugar Land, TX

[Jeannine]

xxx

[Jeannine]

xxx

[Padams]

Nikki,
Thank you for your concern.

I can tell that the GF diet is really working! My stomach cramps are nearly gone and my numerous poops are down to 2-4 times a day from 15-20 just a few days ago. I am happy with the progress. It helps having a great support system on this board, and with my family.

I've gotten used to not eating gluten. In fact, I was just in the pantry and I didn't second look at any of my former foods. I went straight for the gluten free rice rolls. So, I think I have finally tricked my mind and body into not craving those nasty foods.

I am still somewhat scared to venture out. I don't want to end up ill on my first experience eating at Applebee's or Outback. I will have to wait a few more weeks or months and let my intestine really heal. I will also have time to research the menus and talk with the managers.

I am still losing weight, but it may be because I am eating healthier. I am now down to about 167lbs. That's not too shabby, down from 250lbs.

Again, thanks for the concern.

-Patrick
_________________
Patrick
06/14/05
I love Danna Korn

[Nikster57]

Jeanine: No I have never heard of this bakery. I will check it out though. Thanks for the tip. Also, what support groups are down here? I am curious to know because if there wasn't one close to me I wanted to find some people and get one started. I live in Sugar Land now. My daughter and I are in the process of moving to West University near Rice Stadium to live with my fiance and his son. We were child hood sweethearts and reunited at a friends funeral last June. I know, The Big Chill. Anyway, I would love info on groups and I will check out the bakery. I'm really excited.

Patrick: I'm glad you are feeling better. I was GF for 2 weeks and 6 days and got sick Saturday night. It took it out of me all Saturday night and all Sunday. Feel like I have been beat up. Getting back on tract though. Keep feeling good.

Nikki from Sugar Land and soon Houston/West University, TX

[tlloyd]

Thank you NIKSTER 57
I did buy the gluten free bread and it tasted like wet paper. I tried putting allot of jam on it and warming it up. I hope the muffen taste better. thanks for the info. I also found out that I have to get my 4yr old daughter tested. I hope she does not have the problem, I can't imagine having her on this diet while she goes to school.