how long does it take to show signs of being glutened?

[pschwab]

My two year old son has been diagnosed with celiac for almost three months. So far, I think we have done well keeping him completely gluten free. Our biggest worry is cross contamination because he is so young and constantly putting his hands in his mouth. My question is, how long does it take to show signs that he was glutened? He complained of a stomachache yesterday before bed (I wasn't sure at the time if it was just a bedtime stalling technique) and also had two very messy diapers today. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out if he could have gotten glutened somehow, or maybe it's just a normal stomach issue for any kid. It would help if I knew the average time it took for symptoms to show up after someone has been glutened. Thanks!

[Milscarl]

3 hours ago, pschwab said:

My two year old son has been diagnosed with celiac for almost three months. So far, I think we have done well keeping him completely gluten free. Our biggest worry is cross contamination because he is so young and constantly putting his hands in his mouth. My question is, how long does it take to show signs that he was glutened? He complained of a stomachache yesterday before bed (I wasn't sure at the time if it was just a bedtime stalling technique) and also had two very messy diapers today. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out if he could have gotten glutened somehow, or maybe it's just a normal stomach issue for any kid. It would help if I knew the average time it took for symptoms to show up after someone has been glutened. Thanks!

I don't know about anyone else or a child but I find for me it takes about 4 to 5 hours.  But I am sure everyone is different.  

[cyclinglady]

I did not have any symptoms (tummy wise) when I was diagnosed.  My symptoms have evolved though.  Now, I start belching within an hour or so (as soon as the stomach starts emptying).  But....everyone presents differently.  Three months is still in the newbie stage.  He could have a virus .....who knows?  Do not beat yourself up.  Just move forward!  Keep up the good work, Mom!  The gluten-free diet has a steep learning curve.  Hugs to your little one!  

[Dani D]

Hi - I'm new to the board and new to the gluten free diet. I was diagnosed with celiac disease a little over a month ago. I was wondering the same question. I went out to dinner Thursday night - it was TGI Fridays (was I wrong, won't be returning there again). I had awful stomach pains yesterday afternoon while at work. They went away, but came back Friday evening. I think I might have been able to distract myself with work. However, I woke up this morning, feeling like I'm going to throw up. Is this normal? Can you have off and on pain/nausea? My dinner last night was fine. It was steak and French fries though. I am not sure if my stomach can handle such heavy foods right now.  Could that have been the case? Any help is much appreciated. Trying to navigate down this path is quite tricky!

[kareng]

2 hours ago, Dani D said:

Hi - I'm new to the board and new to the gluten free diet. I was diagnosed with celiac disease a little over a month ago. I was wondering the same question. I went out to dinner Thursday night - it was TGI Fridays (was I wrong, won't be returning there again). I had awful stomach pains yesterday afternoon while at work. They went away, but came back Friday evening. I think I might have been able to distract myself with work. However, I woke up this morning, feeling like I'm going to throw up. Is this normal? Can you have off and on pain/nausea? My dinner last night was fine. It was steak and French fries though. I am not sure if my stomach can handle such heavy foods right now.  Could that have been the case? Any help is much appreciated. Trying to navigate down this path is quite tricky!

That seems normal for a glutening.  The thing is, you have only been gluten-free for a month....and probably not completely gluten-free for that month.  There is a big learning curve.  You might want to skip eating out, especially at sketchy gluten-free places like TGI Fridays, for a few months.  It can take months to years to heal completely .  Trying to avoid these glutening for a few months will help you get better.  

I am assuming the second meal of steak and fries was at home?  If not, the fries might not be gluten-free.  If they are fried in the same fryer with gluten stuff, they are not gluten-free.  Rembering all those times you got a piece of over cooked onion ring in your fries?