Hi,

I have just been told by my specialist to start my gluten free diet. I had my gastroscopy on Friday and I have to go back and see him in two weeks, but I have to go gluten-free between now and then.
How long does it take for the symptoms to subside??
I am now learning that gluten free does not always mean wheat free??
Guess I should visit the health food store tomorrow

I also have Graves disease and bi-polar, so I should probably check my meds to make sure they don't have gluten in them...

Anyway just wanted to say hi

Hi and good morning to you! Welcome to the world of gluten-free eating. First of all, you really didn't give much information as to how long you have probably had celiac disease before you were dx. The healing rate has many variables - the amount of damage done, your own natural healing rate, the length of time from onset of celiac disease to dx. You probably will be feeling better in about three weeks - but only if you are truly gluten-free! Beware of cross-contamination and hidden sources. And yes, a product can be wheat free but not gluten-free. You must look for rye, barley and oats. You didn't state where you are located, but oats in the U.S. are severly cross-contaminated. Studies have been done on oats and celiac disease, but the studies were too small for definite yes or no for those with celiac disease.
Anyhow, you will probably get responses from other forum members who have Graves and have been dx with bi-polar. Graves and other thyroid problems seem to be very common with celiac disease sufferers, and the bi-polar may be in response to your body not being able to handle the gluten. But of course, checking your meds for gluten is very wise. I don't go to my health food store very often as I am a label reader and have found spaghetti sauces, soups, and many mainstream items to be naturally gluten-free. My meats are broiled or poached, lots of veggies and fruits. You will learn what you like and what's really good for you. Just maintain a high protein diet and you won't even miss all of your favorites because you will be feeling much better. It's a different lifestyle, but after awhile it will be second nature. Sorry this is so long and rambling, but again welcome!

welcome to the board and welcome (hopefully) to feeling much better very soon! I've been dx now for 2 1/2 years and am finally really starting to feel human again. I did start feeling better right away, but it took me awhile to completely get all of the hidden glutens out of my diet. You don't have to go out and buy a lot of specialty gluten-free foods (sure you can try a few here and there, some are good, some are terrible!) you can eat gluten-free by sticking to a diet that is as close to the way nature made the food as possible. There are a lot of companies that are good about not hiding any ingredients in their labeling and Wal Mart is even starting to label their Great Value brand products that are gluten-free... Fast food restaurants even have gluten-free menus available on some of their websites and their are mainstream restaurants that even have gluten-free menus that they keep on hand! You'll get the hang of it and you've got this board to come to for any questions you have!

Remember, there are no stupid questions!

Like they've said, anywhere between 3 weeks and 3 years (like me) ...

You've come to the right place, don't forget your proteins and your green veg, eat simple foods ...

Best wishes,

Welcome! Gluten - free is all you need to worry about, and it should mean wheat free. Wheat free does not always mean gluten free, however, so be careful with that one. I felt better immediately, but certainly not 100%. It was a noticeable difference, but I think it is going to take a while (several more months in addition to the 4 already) for me to get back up to 100% healthy, if I can ever get there. I suppose 95% is good. Glad you found it and get to start feeling better! Here's to no gluten accidents! Be careful!