Antibody Tests Negative -- Still gluten-free

[WhimsiKay]

Boy, is this frustrating. The blood tests came back and they're all negative for gluten antibodies and "normal" for anemia. And yet... My symptoms have all but vanished on the gluten free diet. (Note: I had the blood tests taken before I started the diet.) I haven't gotten an endoscopy because I'm uninsured and the doctor says I'd be looking at about $2000 for the test.

So, she says if the diet is working, stick with it, and I can safely consider myself as "gluten-sensitive". Pending investigation, I guess.

Well, all right, I can live with that. In the meantime, I think I have accidentally "glutened" myself for the first time. I'm not sure, but my stomach "upset" has come back sneakily and I have the same chills I usually got when my symptoms were in full swing. The only thing I've done differently today is take Kirkland-brand pepcid -- which may have gluten in it, but I didn't think about it when I took it to settle some heartburn. I'm not sure.

Otherwise, I may have gotten something odd from my corn-tortilla burrito earlier today. It tasted different today, but I thought maybe the refried beans were a little overcooked.

That said, my question is: How long (or how fast) before "glutened" symptoms occur? Do they take time? For example, should I be looking for any other culprits in the past few days? I got the flu, so they gave me hydrocodone to tamp down my cough so I can sleep. Edit: Apparently hydrocodone can cause nausea, but I've been taking it for two days and have had it before with success, so I'll assume it's gluten-free based on a few posts I saw.

And lastly, about how long do the "glutened" symptoms last?

Thanks in advance, and oof, I'm going to lie down for a bit. ;

Cheers!

[Ivanna44]

Boy, is this frustrating. The blood tests came back and they're all negative for gluten antibodies and "normal" for anemia. And yet... My symptoms have all but vanished on the gluten free diet. (Note: I had the blood tests taken before I started the diet.) I haven't gotten an endoscopy because I'm uninsured and the doctor says I'd be looking at about $2000 for the test.

So, she says if the diet is working, stick with it, and I can safely consider myself as "gluten-sensitive". Pending investigation, I guess.

Well, all right, I can live with that. In the meantime, I think I have accidentally "glutened" myself for the first time. I'm not sure, but my stomach "upset" has come back sneakily and I have the same chills I usually got when my symptoms were in full swing. The only thing I've done differently today is take Kirkland-brand pepcid -- which may have gluten in it, but I didn't think about it when I took it to settle some heartburn. I'm not sure.

Otherwise, I may have gotten something odd from my corn-tortilla burrito earlier today. It tasted different today, but I thought maybe the refried beans were a little overcooked.

That said, my question is: How long (or how fast) before "glutened" symptoms occur? Do they take time? For example, should I be looking for any other culprits in the past few days? I got the flu, so they gave me hydrocodone to tamp down my cough so I can sleep. Edit: Apparently hydrocodone can cause nausea, but I've been taking it for two days and have had it before with success, so I'll assume it's gluten-free based on a few posts I saw.

And lastly, about how long do the "glutened" symptoms last?

Thanks in advance, and oof, I'm going to lie down for a bit. ;

Cheers!

Hi WhimsiKay,

First off welcome to the forums. You're in the right place to gather advise, search for ?/a's and vent the odd day ( Lol)

In terms of the gluttening >which you may believe happened to you recently. How long it lasts, how long it takes to react. Really depends on the person. It may have even been like you said a result of a booster shot you needed due to your flu.

No one no matter how "super man/woman" we are can avoid the accidently gluttening. Alias we do try . The first time like you, I just have a doc with the wisdom to say, it bothers your system go off it!! the gluten. A lot of people here, like it when they don't have to do a herd of tests to prove gluten makes them sick. If going gluten free helps your body and well being. Then stick to it. Its your body afterall.

I've just been a little over a month gluten-free now. The first time I got gluttened it was done on purpose, I gave into temptation so to speak. Ate Italian bread that was starring at me!!!! <how dare it> lol. 2 hours later, I got symptons like stomach problems, a round in the bathroom and it was gone the next day. The 2nd time I was accidently glutenned by some crackers I just assumed with gluten-free . Threw me for a loop. I never want to be near anything that has gluten on it. In 10 minutes, I had the stomach problems, had to rush to the bathroom 3 times that night. And it lasted 2 and half days. NOT fun.. But, it helped in a way. As it gave the doctor the information she needed to support her claim that I'm gluten intolerant, and need now to focus on removing ALL traces of it in my life.

How long recovering from being gluttened is? Depends on person. How long before reaction to be gluttened? Again, depends on the person. Some are just more sensitive than others. However froma prior post of mine, I did find out that others said it seemed to worsen the "reaction" and time frame endured. At least for the first few years, it seems like if its 10 odd year later, the system is more healed, therefore, being gluttened and in good shape >it has more fighting power to resist the "invader"

Hope that kinda helps