In Pain, Questions About Being Glutened.

[wystearya]

This morning I woke up with another of my migraines.  Thankfully I am not in too much pain, but enough to bother me.  I am also frustrated because I don't know why this happened, and I think I must have eaten something.

 

I seem to have a delayed reaction from when I eat gluten and when I show symptoms.  The last time I noticed it, it was several days before the full effect was on me.   This was only a couple of weeks ago.

 

Can symptoms come and go after being glutened?   If so how long can they linger?

 

I am also concerned because I ate some chili my Mom had fixed the other day.  I know they use several canned items in the chili, so I am worried maybe this is my problem.   I'm going to have to not eat her cooking for a while...  This should be 'fun' to explain to her. 

 

I fixed a meal last night and realized one item I used had citric acid in it.  From what I have been reading, this can come from wheat, correct?  - I always thought this was from citrus fruit!  I'm not sure this is my problem, since I have eaten this same thing before and not had a problem.  But I am concerned.

 

I'm just frustrated that I don't know why I am hurting.  I'm upset with myself too.  I'm still new to eliminating ALL sources of hidden gluten.  I am trying and making progress, but it makes me upset when I mess up.

 

Thanks for any help and listening to me,

~Wystearya

[shadowicewolf]

If you are in the US, wheat has to be listed. So, it is highly unlikely that the citric acid came from wheat.

 

I believe i have heard that it can come from corn, but I could be wrong. Feel free to correct me if I am.

 

I would be more concerned about that Chilli, as well as any cooking item (pans, spoons, ect) that could be cc'd.

[w8in4dave]

 You have to be careful eating at someone else's home , we are so careful at our home we clean we buy new pots and pans, we throw away a bunch of stuff so we don't get CC'd then we go eat at someone ele's house. My friends try but they just don't understand the CC thing. I try not to hurt anyones feelings , I just say I am sorry I cannot eat right now. Or bring a dish and eat what I take over. It is hard! It is very hard!! 

 

I have been having problems with Corn, If you do a food diary you may find your possibly having an issue with something eles.... besides Gluten

[GF Lover]

I have seen wheat as an ingredient in canned beans.  As always, read labels. 

 

Colleen

[wystearya]

I have seen wheat as an ingredient in canned beans.  As always, read labels. 

 

Colleen

This is probably it then.    

 

While I didn't cook it, and thus didn't read the labels, I know it's my fault for eating it without -knowing- it was gluten-free.

 

I'm going to have to have a sit down with my parents, and probably go back to the doctor for some testing.  My Mom probably won't believe me unless I go to the doctor.  She is terribly stubborn. 

 

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Thank you all for the replies!

[Adalaide]

Citric acid will be fine in the US. Any ingredient sourced from wheat will actually have the word wheat on the label.

 

A very simple rule you need to live by. Every label, every time. If you haven't read the label of every product that went into what your mom made, you don't eat it. Oh, she stirred her chili with a wooden spoon. You don't eat it. Oh, it's in that old, chipped, non-stick pan? You don't eat it. She cut up the onions on that old cutting board she always used for bread? Don't eat it. See where this is going?

 

I'm not sure how old you are, but unless you are a minor you don't need to justify your decisions to your mother. You have a medical condition that is treated by diet, instead of taking a pill you eat a particular way to be healthy. It isn't a terribly difficult concept.

[wystearya]

Every label, every time.   I like this, and will remember!

 

My Mother is another issue.  I'm 33 and know she can't legally tell me what to do or control me.  She is just so controlling in nature and stubborn and easily angered that it makes it hard for me to talk to her about anything, especially something important.  It's sad, but I am much closer to my Dad than my Mom.  She also treats my Dad like a child at times, and I don't know why or how he puts up with it!  Not to say he lets her run everything, but keeping the peace with her means letting her have her way...a lot.   So, that is why I am concerned about talking to her, especially without 'official' proof from a doctor. 

[notme]

when you are trying to figure out what is making you sick, keep a food journal and write down everything (i mean EVERYTHING) that passes your lips.  then it is a process of elimination. 

 

have you not been to the doctor?  you may want to rule out other things that could be making you ill... 

[wystearya]

About a year ago I went to the doctor thinking I might have IBS, and she recommended I try a gluten free diet.  No tests were done at the time.  I felt better and thought I was "just gluten sensitive" and would be OK.

 

Fast forward to now:

 

I have learned that I used to get DH.  I had a bad reaction to eating gluten two weeks ago.  The more I read and learn the more I believe I am Celiac.

 

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I actually did make an appointment to see my Doctor this Monday.  I will be telling her all this and see if there is any testing I should get done.

[notme]

very good - you know that if she wants to test you for antibodies you will have to be on gluten for them to show up on the test.  

 

my doc also tested me for crohns, thyroid, intestinal blockage, cancer, etc, to rule out other problems that needed other treatments.  i had telltale vitamin deficiencies (and dh, but they never could catch it to test it - "here's your dermitologist appt in 2 weeks" by that time it would clear up, sneaky rash )    good luck! 

[NoGlutenCooties]

Citric acid is safe.

 

From glutenFreeLiving:

 

Citric Acid

This ingredient is gluten free. It is usually made from corn, beet sugar or molasses. Even when made from wheat, citric acid is so highly processed and purified that no gluten protein would remain.