So Why Am I Having Symptoms Now?

[mamatide]

My DD, I'm fairly certain, has Celiac Disease. She had all of the classic symptoms and some "indicative" blood test numbers and was referred to a Ped Gastroenterologist but we still have no confirmation of an appt. So we went ahead and put her on gluten-free food as a trial (with a diary of her symptoms). She's improved noticeably and almost all of the symptoms are gone now, after 8 weeks.

So of course, since I've always had a noisy belly, I'm wondering whether I too have an intolerance/Celiac disease. Because of DD and my fear of CC the household has pretty much been gluten-free. I work at home so have been eating her food as have we all, but I've been keeping some gluten in my diet purposely because I'd like a firm diagnosis for me. Which means a regular hambuger or shredded wheat for one meal each day added to my gluten free (otherwise) diet. Essentially gluten-lite I guess.

Then on the weekend I ate regular noodles for supper. Then the next day I ate spicy thai (gluteny) chicken and some regular pretzels. Last night I was doubled over in pain. All of the symptoms you mention here, bloating, a feeling like there's a rock in my belly, flatulence and burning D (probably because of the spice).

My question is this - why am I noticing all of these symptoms now? I haven't been gluten-free really. Just gluten-lite. Why am I bound up now? Is it that I'm just more aware now? I can't stop burping today and my stomach feels "delicate" and I still have (not burning) D this morning. I feel exhausted.

I have a Dr. appt booked for this week and I'm afraid he's going to tell me it'll take weeks for tests to be scheduled/to receive results. I think I might cry if he says this. I just really want to know, mostly for myself (before I change my diet and eating-out habits forever) and partly because I feel a little guilty for self-diagnosing DD.

Can you think of any reason for my symptoms to be so remarkable now?

PS I've always had a loud belly, went through a rashy stage for a year or more after my first pregnancy, and was very very skinny as a child, but never had the pain I had this past weekend - I was out of commission.

mamatide.

[mamatide]

Oops!

I think I had the flu. Apparently it's going around.

Colour me embarrassed!

[ravenwoodglass]

Oops!

I think I had the flu. Apparently it's going around.

Colour me embarrassed!

Flu huh, did you have a fever? If you didn't then I would not assume it is the flu. Sounds like a gluten reaction. You could drop the little bit of gluten you are consuming for a week or two and then challenge again to see if you have the same reaction. Celiac is genetic and there are many different presentations to it from prodominently neuro to severe GI to just a few rumbles and burps and occasional heartburn.

[mamatide]

Flu huh, did you have a fever? If you didn't then I would not assume it is the flu. Sounds like a gluten reaction. You could drop the little bit of gluten you are consuming for a week or two and then challenge again to see if you have the same reaction. Celiac is genetic and there are many different presentations to it from prodominently neuro to severe GI to just a few rumbles and burps and occasional heartburn.

While I didn't take my temperature, I did have the chills all day yesterday, just couldn't get warm. Today I'm feeling great.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to pursue the Celiac diagnosis because I think I do have it - I was just so puzzled that I was having such a crazy-bad reaction all of a sudden like that.

I'm back on gluten today so we shall see. Doctor's appt tomorrow. If he says it's going to be a long wait for testing I'll probably just go on the diet on my own and challenge it after a few months. If it's soon then I'll just wait. I have a gassy belly and probably brain fog (who knows until the fog clears I guess - if you've been foggy all your life?) but other than that I usually don't have any debilitating symptoms. If I do have Celiac disease however, I'll be on the diet without reservations.

Thanks for your reply. From your sig I see you have lots of experience (unfortunately).

[CarlaB]

Sounds like you had the flu. However, I wanted to mention that when I went "gluten-lite" my symptoms became more severe. This was before I knew I had it, all I knew is that eating wheat made me sick.

[mamatide]

Sounds like you had the flu. However, I wanted to mention that when I went "gluten-lite" my symptoms became more severe. This was before I knew I had it, all I knew is that eating wheat made me sick.

Well, less than 1 hour after consuming a cheeseburger, the burping has returned... I think I know my fate!

Thanks for the reply.

[CarlaB]

When I say my symptoms became more severe eating gluten-lite, I am talking only about the digestive issues. Obviously, other issues caused me to go on a rotation diet to find out what was bothering me. Funny thing is, I always thought toast was great when I had an upset tummy!

[key]

If your daughter has it, then blood relatives should be tested. Some people have such mild GI symptoms or not at all, so you could have it. My son had it and I found out after him I have it too. So I would definitely rule it out.

Monica