Symptoms Several Days Later

[valerie-s]

I should have titled this "Symptoms Appeared Several Days Later?"

Okay, so my situation is slightly complicated. Maybe someone can wade through it enough to advise me.

I was never officially diagnosed celiac disease. I am hypo-thyroid (due to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) and was going through some depression and fatigue, but my thyroid levels were all normal. My doctor suggested testing for celiac disease. I had elevated levels of one of the celiac disease antibodies, but not the other two. He recommended going off gluten to see how my body would feel. I did an elimination diet for 2 weeks, but felt no difference upon reintroducing gluten (or dairy, or corn, or anything else).

So, I decided to see a specialist. He did genetic testing and found that I have the Celiac gene. But he said I probably have not yet activated the disease and that I should continue to eat gluten.

No biopsy was done.

My primary doctor heard this, and convinced me that my body probably doesn't react well to gluten, even if I haven't triggered the disease yet. He suggested that I go gluten-free for six months to see how I feel.

Last Tuesday, I went to a very special anniversary meal at an extremely expensive restaurant. In a moment of weakness, I decided to eat a tiny amount of gluten for one night.

I have never had gastro-intestinal symptoms.

On Friday morning (2.5 days after ingesting gluten), I felt really sick and kept burping all day. In the afternoon, I threw up. I continued feeling sick that night. Saturday and Sunday, I was fine. I ate rice noodles and broth to calm my stomach.

But then, on Monday, I got really bad diarrhea - worse than I've ever had it. It has continued through today and shows no signs of stopping.

Is it possible that my symptoms are related to celiac disease? Everything I've read has said that symptoms are nearly immediate - could they really be delayed by three days? What has been your experience when you've accidentally consumed gluten?

Sorry this is so long. Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[valerie-s]

Oh, I forgot to add that I've been gluten free since April 22 - about 2 months.

Also, any general thought/opinions regarding my situation are appreciated - don't feel limited by my questions.

[celiac3270]

I'm not even going to try to understand the medical stuff, but all I know is that they don't have to be immediate. First, every Celiac has unique symptoms. Most got their symptoms shortly after eating gluten. For example, if they had diarrhea, they'd get it after eating a gluten lunch, or something. Another Celiac I know would be eating dinner and then have to run to the toilet and throw up. Then, he'd come back, be fine, and even eat dessert. My symptoms, which included cramping, vomiting, bloating, gas, and occasional diarrhea, didn't come at any particular time. I always ate a big NYC bagel for breakfast and had no symptoms from it. Rather, I'd get sick once every 1-2 weeks...vomiting, cramping, for about 24 hours...could it have been build-up of gluten? The diarrhea was random, the bloating was constant, and the gas was constant. I had other symptoms including floating stools, and stinky stools, but I noticed no connection between symptoms and the time of my meals.....it doesn't need to come right after....mine didn't. Most importantly, everyone's symptoms are different: for example, with weight, many w/celiac disease are really thin from malnourishment, yet others are overweight until they start the diet. Everyone is unique. Good luck.

-celiac3270

[valerie-s]

Many thanks -- I guess I just wanted confirmation that it could be the gluten even though the response was delayed.

I guess my post was too long for most people!

[lovegrov]

I've heard of people reacting as much as 48 hours later, but I think that's pretty unsual. Your could be a gluten reaction but it also sounds like a possible stomach virus. It's not unusual with a virus to go through the throwing up stage and then have the diarrhea.

richard

[Guest gillian502]

I would push for more testing. It sounds like your symptoms are too varied and persistant at this point to rule anything out until you've been properly tested, including an endoscopy, maybe colonoscopy, and barium X-rays. Ask your dr. about some of these.

[GEF]

I agree... just keep pursuing the answers until the answers come.