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Hi

justsc

By justsc
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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justsc Newbie
justsc
Posted

I'm new here and thought I'd just say "Hi." :)

I am pretty overwhelmed with this disease and all of its intricacies and related conditions. I commend all of you who have found a way to manage your lives in the midst of having Celiac disease.

I was told I "probably" have Celiac disease after an intestinal biopsy and concurrent blood tests in September of 2004. They also told me I probably had some form of auto-immune condition. It almost cost me my life. No one knew what was wrong with me. I had lost almost 100 pounds in 6 months and was in the hospital being tested for anything and everything, including communicable diseases. I had honestly reached the point where I didn't even have the energy to "explain" my condition to each new doctor put on my case.

Anyway, I am doing the best I can at staying gluten-free. I'm sure I don't have to tell any of you how overwhelming it is to do the necessary homework and try to stay gluten-free, all the while trying to lead some semblence of an ordinary life.

I kinda feel like I'm a walking diagnostic device that goes off whenever my body detects gluten. I'm still learning what does and does not have gluten - and if I happen to ingest some by mistake it takes very little time before the bells go off.

I do have a question - how long does it usually take for a person to begin to suffer from taking in gluten?

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Rusla Enthusiast
Rusla
Posted

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the board.

As for your question, everyone reacts in a different amount of time, including me to things I have come into contact with. One day at work I came into contact with a very small amount of bread and I got DH instantly. Other times it could take hours or even a day but the last one is pretty rare..

You will get lots of great support and info on this board. I really don't have a problem sticking to gluten-free foods, just I have to clean everything at work. When I go out I question serving staff and people extensively and make them show me the ingredients so I can read them. I guess I have become the Wheat-free/ gluten-free Nazi. I just don't want to go through what I went through before.

mookie03 Contributor
mookie03
Posted

Steve,

Welcome! I found that initially, my rxns were a lot more severe than they are now, but i usually feel a little sick immediately and get more sick over the next few hours. It also depends what i eat and i noticed that if i drink alcohol after or during an accidental glutening, my rxn is delayed but multiplied by 1000 the next morning (and coupled with a hangover, so even more fun!) :D You'll probably notice that your rxns are not the same to every food - cross contamination affects me differently than actual gluten. Good luck, and feel free to ask any questions!

dlp252 Apprentice
dlp252
Posted

Just wanted to say welcome! Wow, I'm glad they finally found what was wrong.

hez Enthusiast
hez
Posted

Welcome to the board! When I have been glutened I usually notice within an hour to two hours.

Hez

justsc Newbie
justsc
Posted
  • Author
Welcome to the board! When I have been glutened I usually notice within an hour to two hours.

Hez

That's similar to how I react as well. Often I can get a feel for how bad it's going to get based on the level of the early indication. Sometimes it goes on and gets worse.

Unfortunately, I also have a condition where I get bowel obstructions, once to twice a year. They both feel somewhat similar at first, so I'm not usually sure what's really happening for a bit. Believe it or not, I'm usually thankful it's a gluten reaction.

Guest nini
Guest nini
Posted

welcome to the board... make yourself at home!

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mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

hello

I also wanted to welcome you to this site. I have learned so much since joining and I think we are a great bunch of smart people.It's kind like being in school again someone always has a good ? Then someone else finds the clue and many come up with good advice.

Stay calm and don't let this pull you down - there is light at the end of the tunnel.......

You will receive loads of support from this group....

blessings

mamaw

mommida Enthusiast
mommida
Posted

Welcome,

I notice a reaction from 15 minutes to about 14 hours from eating. I notice at first my belly starts to bloat and then... well let's just say it is not pretty! I can feel tired for up to 3 days afterwards.

Laura

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