Questions And A Tiny Vent.

[JosieToxic]

Few things:

1. This is my first post so, Hi!
2. I have only been dealing with all this stuff for a short time, was confirmed Celiac July 9th, been gluten-free for less than a month (started gluten-free after my EGD on June 25th).
3. My brain fog is pretty terrible right now and I am sorry if this is as much of a hot mess as it feels like to me.
4. I know there are threads about changing symptoms after being gluten-free for a while, but I am having a heck of a time finding them, so my apologies if the answers I seek are they I was unable to find them.
5. Up to this point I have not had obvious Digestive symptoms (Cramps, bloating, Diarrhea) 

 

Alrighty, Sister-in-Law is getting married tomorrow rehearsal was today and we all went to a Mexican place for dinner. Long story short I got gluttened cause I didn't stick to my guns and not order food, and my mother-in-law was starting to spaz out that I wasn't going to be able to eat anything. Ultimately my fault, I really knew better, and did it anyway. Maybe now they will be more aware of what is going on and not make things harder for me if I don't order anything.

 

So this is the second time since going gluten-free that I have been gluttened, the first time was only a few days after starting and my symptoms were pretty much what I was used to. This time things are very different, a lot of the same stuff is there: Brain Fog (did not miss that let me tell you!), irritability, joint pain, attention issues, super tired, and a rocking headache. Then there are some new things: I keep coughing for no reason (maybe unrelated but not sure), and stomach pain, like muscle pain not really what I expect cramps to feel like. Kind of like someone punched me in the stomach a couple times. Oh and my skin is super itchy.

 

The stomach pain started about the time the food was probably hitting my small intestine from what we (me and the hubs) can tell. I know this stuff is different for everyone but does this ring bells for anyone else?

 

Thank you all so much, this forum has been SUPER helpful for me so far even though I haven't posted before now.

[Georgia-guy]

Josie, welcome to the cool peeps club!

I have not heard of cough directly being associated with celaic (so maybe unrelated?). The other symptoms you list, I have heard them all associated (and I have experienced them all). I have not heard the stomach pain described as being punched in the stomach, but it does kinda fit to be described that way. I'm going on the assumption (yeah, I know what happens when we ass-u-me) that you are female, and I will say someone I spoke with described her stomach pains as a "higher up menstral cramp". (Which on that description mean when a woman says I don't know what menstral cramps feel like, I can say I do

[user001]

I really hate when families are like that. I also have some in my family that are very not-understanding. It is really hard but I always bring at least a quest bar in case. They are under 200 calories but have a ton of protein so it keeps you really full and they gluten free. Chocolate chip cookie dough is the best. When I accidentally have gluten or just make a bad choice, my symptoms aren't so much gastro either. The biggest symptom I have is brain fog, followed by flushing face, fever, irritability, extreme fatigue, and headache. I also discovered that I still cannot eat oatmeal, even certified gluten free oatmeal because I have alot of the same symptoms.

 

The stomach pain.I have this, no matter what I eat. I have been struggling with this since january. I have brought it up to my doctor several times, but he seems to not want to properly address the problem. For me it starts to feel almost like a hunger pain, so I first thought I had an ulcer but my endo revealed no ulcers. Then it may get a little worse and start to feel like a cramp or like someone is kicking me in the gut, almost takes the wind out of me! If I pay attention it is more so to the left side and I can sort of feel it in my back. For me, It starts between 1-2 hours after eating, sometimes 1-3 hours. I have determined this to be a pancreas issue. From the little that I have read, it has something to do with the small intestine not producing enough enzymes for digestion and things get all crazy with the pancreas causing a lot of pain during digestion. I could be wrong, but I am sure there is a veteran who would be better educated on this.

 

Things that have helped. I just recently have started figuring out what helps. I bought some digest gold at the vitamin store and I take 2 at each meal. I tend to eat larger breakfasts so sometimes I will take 3 in the morning. This confirmed what the problem was for me, because the enzymes worked. If I have more food than I anticipated or just don't take enough enzyme pills I end up having the pain. The only thing that seems to help is if I lay on a heating pad for awhile or just drink my meals in the form of a protein shake instead.

 

Edited to add- BTW I have had a little nasal drip since I had a cold in october/november. It sometimes causes me to cough.

[w8in4dave]

Yup I remember when I started the gluten-free diet. Felt like I was hit by a Mac truck when I got Glutened. It did feel like I got socked in the gut and I also threw uo was on the floor because I couldn't get up. I layed there for hrs. It was just crazy! I feel so bad that you didn't get support. I tell the waitress I have Celiac and have them help for a choice. I am also Corn intolerant it is had on me at a Mexican restaurant but is do able. Don't be afraid to ask a waitress or talk to a manager and see what they say. I was always shy about that kind of stuff. And the 1st time I asked a waitress what was a good gluten-free selection my friend said she doesn't have to know your problem I said yes she does so she can help me. And they will. Good luck! I hope you feel better soon. 

[cyclinglady]

My stomach twinges, I burp and I feel like a rock is in it when I first get glutened. I hope you feel better soon.

Mexican restaurants are no safer than others. Sure, you can order tacos, but be sure they are 100% corn soft (not fried) tortillas as some are now adding wheat to make them more appealing to gringos (and pliable). Ask to see packaging. No corn chips or fried taco shells due to cross contamination issues (chimichungas or flautas are often thrown into the same fryer.) Enchilada sauces are often thickened with wheat flour.

The bottom line is that you have to ask and I am not talking about a waiter, but a manager or chef. If you get a "deer in the headlight" look then do not order! Listen to your "gut" feelings and do not discount them. I try to check reviews from other folks who have celiac before trying a new restaurant or use a celiac disease website.

I always travel with some safe food. You can just order a drink and enjoy the company.