Hi

[justsc]

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?

[Rusla]

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]

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!) 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]

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

[hez]

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

Hez

[justsc]

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]

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

[mamaw]

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]

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