Celiac Symptoms 11 Days After Changed Diet

[rh13]

I am 22 years old and was just officially diagnosed with celiac a week ago.  However, I had blood work done a month ago and my doctor thought that I had celiac based on those results.  I have been slowly changing my diet out since then, but was not allowed to completely change it until after my endoscopy and biopsy 11 days ago.  Since then, I have been 100% gluten free (other than accidentally eating salad dressing that contained gluten).  I have been feeling great since I completely changed my diet.  Until today, that is.  I have been having symptoms all day that were similar to my gluten-induced symptoms, including stomach cramping, loose stools, and having to use the bathroom multiple times throughout the day.  Another thing that I did not really experience before was bright red, what I assume to be blood, in my stools.  The trouble is, I haven't ingested any gluten.  I checked and then double checked all of the food labels from foods I've consumed over the past three days, and I haven't found anything that contains wheat.  I suppose there is the possibility that there could be some cross-contamination, but I'm not sure what it would be from.  My symptoms are pretty bad, and I don't really think trace amounts of gluten would cause this bad of a reaction.  I understand it could be something else, such as an oncoming illness, stress, or god forbid, yet another condition.  But I was just wondering if anyone else experienced anything similar shortly after changing their diet.  If these symptoms persist for more than two days or so, I of course will go to the doctor.  Thanks for any input!

[ravenwoodglass]

Trace amounts can cause just as severe of a reaction as eating a slice of bread. Celiac is an autoimmune disease and your symptoms are caused by the bodies reaction to the antibodies formed from gluten.

What are you eating? It is best at first to go with whole foods like meats, fruits and veggies etc as close to as nature made them as possible. Dairy products can be a problem for us until we have healed so you may want to limit dairy for now. 

Do be sure to read the Newbie thread at the top of the coping page so you can keep yourself safe and know what you need to do with your environment to stay symptom free like a new dedicated toaster, strainer, not sharing condiments like butter and mayo with gluten eaters etc.

Things are often up and down for a while as we heal but eventually things will be more up than down.

Ask any other questions you need to and I hope you are feeling better soon.

[SMRI]

Blood in your stool should be a reason to go to the doctor depending on how much is there.  It might be a hemorrhoid if it's just a small amount when you wipe, but if it is more than that, call your doctor.

[nvsmom]

I agree that the blood on your stools is most likely a hemorrhoid.  They can make a fair bit of blood to the point where toilet water is tinged red.  If it lasts more than a few weeks, or as SMRI said, there is a lot of blood, then see your doctor about it.

 

I think you may still be in the up and down stage - it can last for many months. At 2 months gluten-free, I remember a severe backsliding of a few of my symptoms to the point where I was convinced I must have lupus or another disease.  The gluten-free diet is not a quick fix despite what other may lead you to believe.  All you can do is recheck all of your labels (celiacs make the most mistakes in the first few months) and just be patient... And take a few extra supplements.  L-glutamine is thought to help with intestinal healing and many find probiotics can help.

 

Best wishes.

[SMRI]

I agree that the blood on your stools is most likely a hemorrhoid.  They can make a fair bit of blood to the point where toilet water is tinged red.  If it lasts more than a few weeks, or as SMRI said, there is a lot of blood, then see your doctor about it.

 

I think you may still be in the up and down stage - it can last for many months. At 2 months gluten-free, I remember a severe backsliding of a few of my symptoms to the point where I was convinced I must have lupus or another disease.  The gluten-free diet is not a quick fix despite what other may lead you to believe.  All you can do is recheck all of your labels (celiacs make the most mistakes in the first few months) and just be patient... And take a few extra supplements.  L-glutamine is thought to help with intestinal healing and many find probiotics can help.

 

Best wishes.

 

I started a thread when I was about 2 months out because I couldn't figure out how I was getting glutened....something about that 2 month mark.  Others posted the same experience.  Not sure why, but it seems common.  I wasn't getting glutened, just weird healing stuff I guess.

[notme]

maybe try taking probiotics and/or digestive enzymes.  the probiotics will help to re-populate your gut with 'good' bacteria to aid digestion.  if you are like many of us, getting every infection known to man was common to us prior to dx, and we have been pumped with antibiotics over the years that kills *all* bacteria in our gut, good and bad.  i still take them and i am 4 years plus gluten free.  if you do decide to take them, it will sound like a war zone for about 2 weeks in your gut lolz that is normal.  just getting settled in digestive enzymes will help to break down foods and help your healing gut until you are healthy enough to produce your own.  skipping the dairy helps in the beginning, and maybe keeping a food journal.  sometimes it's not gluten, just things that are difficult to digest for your body until it heals some.  soy, corn, eggs, etc.  you can figure out what is bothering you and cut it out of your diet for now, and maybe add it back later.  red blood is more than likely from straining when you have the big D, but if it worries you, by all means go to the dr.  good luck and welcome to the forum

[cap6]

The rule of thumb on healing is six months to two years, even four years depending on how old you are, how sick you were etc.  At two weeks it is to be exoected that you will have ups and downs.  But how encouraging that you are feeling so much better so quickly!

[hrenee101]

I also was just recently diagnosed and am having a lot of difficulties and super sensitivity. I am taking some time off from work because it is affecting my job. I am just trying to focus on getting better and I know it will take some time. Good Luck

[beth01]

For you two that were just diagnosed, the first year is rough. My first few months I reacted to a lot of foods, foods that I know to be gluten free. It takes time to heal. Some people also have other food intolerances that can make you feel like gluten. Keep a food and symptom diary and take it day by day. Hope you both start feeling better and welcome to the forum.