25 replies to this topic

[Bubba's Mom]

Hi:) I'm new to this site as well as to being gluten intolerant. I am 18 years old (nearing 19 now) and had been complaining for many years about aches, an always upset stomach, and incredible headaches. We thought at first that I was lactose intolerant because I noticed my stomach beginning to hurt immediately after breakfast (I would eat cereal or grits almost every morning) and we thought the dairy was causing the problem. It was in fact my favorite cereal (Frosted MiniWheats). Now that I have been gluten free for around 4 months now, I have noticed that my symptoms are more severe when I do slip up. I become extremely dizzy and my head starts hurting almost immediately. Stomach issues usually take 2-3 days to get rid of. Does anyone know why my symptoms would be getting worse? Is it just because my body isn't used to the gluten anymore..?

Your immune system fights against gluten. When it has been gone from your diet, those little immune system "soldiers" get all rested. Then, when gluten enters your system those well rested "soldiers" can attack with full force. That's why your reactions are stronger now.

[Junior Chef]

When I get glutened, I typically don't notice anything for at least 5-6 hours, but then it hits. Hard. I get diarrhea, gas, constipation, I'm typically very tired, and achy. I get miserable enough that even though I'm not a diagnosed celiac, I never cheat intentionally. Yes, I occasionally get accidentally glutened, but when I do, I can tell. Yuck.

[luvs2eat]

I can point to exactly four serious glutenings in my 10-year gluten-free journey. One was very early and I had no reaction. The next was a few years later and I just made it to the bathroom 4 hours after the offending food. Next was a few years ago and I spent several hours trying not to barf and spent the next day on the couch feeling weak and foggy. The last was just a few weeks ago when I ate a Rudi's hot dog bun that was not gluten-free (MY bad in not being more careful reading the bag!). About 2 hours after I ate it I spent the next 3 hours sitting on the john w/ a waste can in my hands as my digestive system completely purged itself from both ends. I've never been that sick!! Since then, I've "gone off" some foods and had to take it really easy for the next day or 2.

[Razzle Dazzle Brazell]

Hi:) I'm new to this site as well as to being gluten intolerant. I am 18 years old (nearing 19 now) and had been complaining for many years about aches, an always upset stomach, and incredible headaches. We thought at first that I was lactose intolerant because I noticed my stomach beginning to hurt immediately after breakfast (I would eat cereal or grits almost every morning) and we thought the dairy was causing the problem. It was in fact my favorite cereal (Frosted MiniWheats). Now that I have been gluten free for around 4 months now, I have noticed that my symptoms are more severe when I do slip up. I become extremely dizzy and my head starts hurting almost immediately. Stomach issues usually take 2-3 days to get rid of. Does anyone know why my symptoms would be getting worse? Is it just because my body isn't used to the gluten anymore..?

This is a late response but in answer to your question, when you are exposed to something so long it can actually weaken your immune system by exhausting it essentially. Once the immune system has a chance to "relax" and build itself up again, it can attack with more force. This is why it may seem as though it is worse than it once was.

[shauniscrazy]

i feel pretty sick and really tired im 16 by the way

[patz16]

16 oh wait Im 17 now my stomach hurts for 5 days and I can't sleep well. I start having horrific arthritis symptoms and I get very tired. Oh and I bloat.

[love2travel]

Had my first obvious (accidental, of course) gluten-related reaction in my life this week. I was diagnosed as a silent celiac and had never felt ill (when I say ill I mean GI issues) until now. Wow - what a change! I began eating a pudding cup and 15 minutes later had an instant migraine, my sinuses became very plugged, I vomited and had D. I re-checked the dumb label and somehow had missed "wheat starch". No clue how I missed that but sadly I did. Symptoms lasted about 48 hours then I developed several canker sores on my lips. That too is unusual for me. Anitihistamines took care of that, thankfully. So, now I know I react badly to gluen after being gluten free for nearly two years. Interesting! In fact, as I mentioned on another thread, I am actually relieved I had a reaction so I know now that I do react so know what to look out for. It can be tough not knowing whether you have been glutened or not, even if you are as strict as you can be!

[rebeccanicole88]

Instantly ulcers appear in my mouth, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash (sometimes fine rash, sometimes hives), irritability, anxious, brain fog.

[ShaynaTerina]

Hello, I'm new to this site

I am 17 years old, and have been gluten-free for a little over 2 years (wow, I didn't realize it has been this long). I have a younger cousin, 3 years my junior, who has Celiac and Juvenile Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. She has been gluten-free for about 5 years now. When she eats gluten, she doesn't get sick at all (in fact, she cheats all the time. *jealousy* :/ ). However, when I slip up, I am ridden with crippling pain, and do not feel better for atleast 6 hours. My reaction has always seemed very severe, and I was wondering, how bad are your reactions?

Kaitlyn

Hi Kaitlyn!
I am 22 and have been eating gluten free since August of 2012. My reactions to gluten have gotten slightly more severe since I stopped eatting it. I have had severe cramping and other gastrointestional upsets from gluten my whole life (Though I didn't know what was causing it untill I was 21...). Now in addition to that my throat swells when I eat it The pain lasts an hour or so and I have to take an antihistamine for the throat swelling. I am sorry the reaction lasts so long for you! I know how bad that pain can be!

- Shayna

[DerpTyler]

i barely get anything from slight contamination, but if i accidently ingest a noticable amount. I get cankersores, then about 6-24 hrs later i might get some diarrhea, and ill be tired for a few days.

If you do ingest gluten i recommend taking some glutamine, i used it as a training supplement, but it turns out that it helps re-line your intestines and get everything going to the proper speed again.

[keeponsingin]

I'm not diagnosed, but I am symptomatic. I get headaches, nausea and fatigue...and depending on how much gluten I have, the reaction can start within an hour and stay with me for up to a day.