New to this.

Tori · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 13

I have recently decided to try a gluten-free diet. I have had some symptoms, and nothing else I have tried has worked. I am of to a good start and I already feel really good. I am going to try for one month, and see if things improve.

I am a 16 year old vegan. I have had amenorrhea for the past two and a half years (I was very consistant before that, for three years). No trace of menses for the two and a half years.

Also, in the past year, my eyesight has decreased rapidly. I can still see, just not that well. I am nearsighted, and I need glasses. Neither of my parents have glasses.

I have periodically had stomach and digestive problems (ibs like) and they have been worse and more frequent.

I also have strange moments where my eyes get kind of blurry and I feel like I could pass out.

It has only been about 16 hours since I have started. But last night after dinner I didn't experience my usual lethargia and stomach ache. So I feel like this is going to be positive.

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State

Hi, Torey. Do you intend to pursue any celiac testing? Generally it is diagnosed by bloodwork and biopsy. The reason I am asking is that the accuracy of the testing depends on one continuing to consume gluten. If you do want to be tested, don't get too far down the GF path before getting it done. if you do, you may get a false negative.

Welcome to the board, and I hope we can be of help to one another.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Tori · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 13

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State

Lack of menstruation can be a symptom of celiac, both from weight loss and malnutrition. It was one of the symptoms that told me something was seriously wrong inside my body. I ended up getting my period back 2 months after going GF, and got pregnant in my next cycle.

If you will be 100% comitted to the diet without a formal diagnosis, testing may not be necessary for you. It all depends on what motivates you.
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

adminhelper · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 16

Tori · Joined: 01 Aug 2008 Posts: 13

yeah, I am kind of worried about staying motivated. But I think I can tough it out. I am not to worried about when I am home, but when I go out if what scares me. I know of several good gluten free vegan friendly places near where I live, so that is good. How long was your period gone? It is good to know someone else had that symptom. From what I was reading, it sounded as if it was rare.