Think It's Time To Abandon The Gluten Challenge

[Poppi]

So I've been gluten free for 2 1/2 years. My doctor has been wanting me to do a gluten challenge and I've refused.

 

However, my middle son was diagnosed with Autism recently and as part of the full physical workup his pediatrician wants him tested for Celiac as well as all the other possible metabolic/genetic issues that can show up in kids with autism. Sounds rational to me and I figured that if I have to feed him gluten for the whole summer it would be almost impossible for me to avoid cross contamination so I might as well do the challenge as well.

 

Week 1 was fantastic! I ate all the things I have missed. Croissants, good bread, cinnamon buns, homemade goodies, burgers at restaurants.... I have to admit I really, really enjoyed the first several days. However, today is day 12 and the back pain and nausea hit me hard last night. I was up at 5 this morning because my back hurt too much to continue lying down and I'm cranky and nauseous.

 

I can't decide what to do.

 

Continue gluten challenge?

 

Pros: I am enjoying the food, I could proceed with testing, it's easier to do my son's challenge if I am not gluten-free myself, there are still foods on my bucket list I haven't eaten yet

 

This is my 3rd attempt at a gluten challenge, the other 2 attempts didn't even last a full day, if I bail on this one I will never try again so as far as testing goes, it's now or never.

 

Cons: I feel really sick and sore and that's not going to go away until I ditch the gluten again.

 

Mostly I'm just really disappointed. I had hoped when my first week went so well that I had somehow magically healed my gluten issues and I could go back to all the foods I love and miss.

 

What to do, what to do.

[w8in4dave]

You may be over indulging , I read somewhere in this site, That a slice of bread a day will bring your levels up. 

[Celiac Mindwarp]

Tough call.

I Iasted 3 weeks before I became too ill to continue ans my doctor told me to stop.

How long have you been told to do? Do you have a blood test and endoscopy scheduled?

My take in the end was to last as long as I could, then get tested immediately.

The positive for me of having tried was that I 100% knew I bad a problem with gluten and needed to be gluten-free for life.

Let us know how you go

Mw

[Renegade]

I don't see why indulge yourself pain when clearly you can't tolerate it.

[Poppi]

You may be over indulging , I read somewhere in this site, That a slice of bread a day will bring your levels up. 

 

I probably am. I'm just afraid of not having enough. I want to know going in to the testing (if I last that long) that I have definitely done enough to get a positive test if indeed I have Celiac.

[Poppi]

Tough call.

I Iasted 3 weeks before I became too ill to continue ans my doctor told me to stop.

How long have you been told to do? Do you have a blood test and endoscopy scheduled?

My take in the end was to last as long as I could, then get tested immediately.

The positive for me of having tried was that I 100% knew I bad a problem with gluten and needed to be gluten-free for life.

Let us know how you go

Mw

 

I was told 2-3 servings of gluten for 6 weeks. Blood test doesn't need to be scheduled, I can get a lab requisition from my GP and can get an appt with her with 2 or 3 days notice. As far as I know, endoscopy would only be scheduled if blood work was positive.

[charlie76]

Hi, I'm in a very similar position to you. Today is day 11 of gluten for me. I too think I might be overindulging and also want to make sure I get a positive result if  I do have Celiac.

 

From what you've described, your symptoms sound worse than mine. I've got lots of symptoms but they're not too severe yet although I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow to discuss.

 

The specialist I saw suggested eating 4-6 slices of bread per day for 4-6 weeks before the biopsy.

 

I would suggest reducing the amount of gluten your eating for a couple of days and see if it makes your symptoms more tolerable. 

 

Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

[Scarletgrrrl]

I recently did the gluten challenge and I know how tough it can be. I was sick for the whole 7 weeks. I persevered however to get a proper diagnosis (still waiting for my results). For me it is important to know whether this is celiac or gluten sensitivity. I suspect my 3 year old son has issues with gluten and my dad is in a nursing home with dementia and I suspect he has issues with gluten too. It is important for me to get tested as much for them as it is for me.
I wrote down a gluten bucket list of all the foods I would potentially miss and went through the list. I also learnt a lot about how gluten affects my body.
It is a personal choice and I understand not going through with it. I wish you all the best for you and your family.

[Poppi]

Update:

 

I had 2 days where I felt awful and then I woke up Sunday morning feeling more or less okay. My back is a bit tight and I've had moments of stomach upset but all in all, totally manageable with some Tylenol. I popped some Immodium in my purse this morning before heading off to my son's IEP meeting but my stomach settled quickly and I didn't need it.

 

So I am going to continue and see how this all plays out.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

Hope it stays manageable and you get through.

You know where we are