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Mark,
I don't know if my experience can be generalized, but here it is:
I was diagnosed in the second week of December, 1994. I have tried my
very best to observe the diet, but there was so much to learn that I kept
making mistakes for the first several months. It is thus difficult for me
to say exactly how long I have been gluten free.

In the first weeks, the only change I noticed was that it seemed to be
getting worse. Then, at about a month, I noticed that my body seemed
warmer. I wasn't chilled all the time. Then, because we didn't have a
bathroom scale, I was shocked when I stepped onto my doctor's scale. I
had h
 gained twenty pounds. When I got home and told my wife about it,
she was sure that there was some mistake. It not only turned out to be
accurate, but I gained 20 pounds more over the ensuing several months.
I returned, almost to the pound, to my weight when I was a teenager.

During that first 5 or 6 months, I avoided driving because I kept making
stupid decisions on the few occasions I was behind the wheel. My judgement
was unsound. My emotions also seemed "disturbed". I was quick to anger, and
usually regretted what I said. I became preoccupied with suicidal thoughts.
My doctor prescribed paxil. I started sleeping 16 hours per day. I had two
brief periods when I lost my eyesight completely. My hearing, having
degenerated over the last 6 or 7 years to 35% of normal (in several
conversational frequencies) was at a low ebb. Not only could I not understand
what was being said, I couldn't process the information quickly enough to
respond in normal conversation. I felt lost and cut off from the world.
I had been learning sign language, to prepare for what I thought was
inevitable.

Nobody suggested vitamin supplements. My GP was just learning about celiac
and the GI specialist has referred me to a dietician whom it took me 2 months
to get in to see, due to her busy schedule.

During my few wakeful hours, and with frustratingly variable eyesight and
what seemed like a constant headache, I began to read about celiac. I found
the information from the celiac association helpful, but it didn't touch on
many of the symptoms I was experiencing. I went to the library at a local
hospital that is connected with the university. I read, and read and read.
I didn't understand most of the words. I just about wore out one medical
dictionary.

I found that hearing and eyesight problems, of the sort I was experiencing,
are sometimes caused by deficiency in essential fatty acids and problems
metabolizing calcium. I found that vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid deficiencies
are often responsible for depression, confusion, etc. I also found that
molecules of food, especially wheat and milk, are sometimes absorbed into
the bloodstream before they are fully digested, and the "opoids" as they
are called, have been identified in the urine of
are called, are often found in the urine of people with mental illnesses
related to their moods.

I embarked upon a new path of nutrition and nutritional supplement. I no
longer wear bifocals. In fact, I no longer wear any eye correction. My
hearing tests at 75% of normal. I can hear music. I can watch the sun rise.


I am now seen as a fanatic by some family members and my GI specialist, but
I can hear their condescending tones, and see their frowns. Those who were
close to me and watched me go through it express no doubt. In fact, many of
them are on the g-f diet now too.

I still have some problems with my bowells. My readings suggest that strict
adherence to the diet may still require 4 years for a full recovery. After
just one year, I am terribly grateful for both the diagnosis, and that
I had the academic training to be able to find and read, with some
 comprehension, the information on my disease.

I hope this is helpful, Mark.
Have a good christmas.
Ron Hoggan