How I Know I Got Glutened...

[mamaesq]

My mom and I were diagnosed three weeks ago and have been gluten-free ever since. Tonight we went out to dinner. We talked to the chef who would be cooking our meal and she said that we should be ok with our meal (we got the same thing). She made sure to clean the grill before she cooked our meal. Well, a little while ago, I got major stomach cramps and ran to the bathroom and had diarrhea. On my way, I grabbed my cell phone, and when I got setted, I called my mom to warn her. Turns out, she was in the bathroom doing the exact same thing.

It was pretty funny, but we realized that even though we thought the meal was gluten-free (chicken over onions, peppers, and cheese), there must have been something in the seasoning that did us in. Now we know not to get that again!

How long does this last? This is the first time I have had anything with gluten since I went gluten-free. I feel pretty yucky, I am really cold and my stomach is in knots.

[dilettantesteph]

Sorry to have to tell you this, but it lasts about a week and gets worse for the first few days. (At least with me.)

[JNBunnie1]

  dilettantesteph said:

Sorry to have to tell you this, but it lasts about a week and gets worse for the first few days. (At least with me.)

It depends on the person. I'm sick for a month, some people for a day. You'll see hwat happens as things go on.

[Jestgar]

I feel bad for a few hours

[mysecretcurse]

For me it lasts a month. But I get Dh, not D.

The initial stomach problems last 2-3 days. Then the DH continues to break out throughout the next month.

Sucks. It's why I basically live in constant fear. And I NEVER eat out. Not worth it. I can't even enjoy the meal because of the fear.

[jsb727]

I have a hard time because I don't have any symptoms to alert me if I've eaten gluten. The only potential symptom I have is bone hypersensitivity, but it hasn't gotten better since starting the gluten-free diet. I sort of wish I had some immediate symptoms.

[JNBunnie1]

  jsb727 said:

I have a hard time because I don't have any symptoms to alert me if I've eaten gluten. The only potential symptom I have is bone hypersensitivity, but it hasn't gotten better since starting the gluten-free diet. I sort of wish I had some immediate symptoms.

You haven't been gluten free that long. You may find that the longer you are gluten-free, the more you react on the occasion you do get glutened. It happens that way for a lot of people.

[mamaesq]

My digestive issues seem to have improved, fortunately, but oh, the headache I now have...

Restaurants make me nervous, although this has been a good thing for my bank account...I've saved a lot of lunch money so far this month!

[luvthelake21]

To me just cleaning the grill wont work. We will have a cheif prepare our meal in a cleaned stainless still skillet. I just imagine them cooking buns or bread on a grill. During cookouts I will take alum. foil to put down on the grill to cook my meat on and make foil packs with veggies in them. I also can get resturants to grill my food on alum. foil.

[mamaesq]

  luvthelake21 said:

To me just cleaning the grill wont work. We will have a cheif prepare our meal in a cleaned stainless still skillet. I just imagine them cooking buns or bread on a grill. During cookouts I will take alum. foil to put down on the grill to cook my meat on and make foil packs with veggies in them. I also can get resturants to grill my food on alum. foil.

With this particular restaurant I feel ok, my brother and sister both work there. That night my brother requested one specific cook make our dinners and then he went back and watched. After I got sick, I went online and looked at the allergy information and think that it was something in the mushroom and onion combo because the steak topper has wheat in it, and I'm wondering if they used the same stuff.

It's definitely a learning process...I'm feeling much better, the diarrhea is gone, my headache isn't as bad as it was, but I am developing two canker sores.

And I'm going out to dinner again tonight, this time with my in laws (who don't yet know about my celiac, aren't they in for a treat when we order...), and I really don't trust this place. I suspect I won't be eating much.

[gadgetgirl]

  mamaesq said:

but I am developing two canker sores.

Canker sores are my latest sign that I've gotten glutened, too. I have a one on the roof of my mouth because I ate some Twizzlers licorice that the secretary had in her candy dish on Friday.

I also noticed a major change in my temperament that same evening. I flew into a rage over something that I shouldn't have. I used to have a really short-temper before I discovered I was gluten intolerant. I've been pleased that I'm so much more even-keeled since giving it up.

Other than the canker sore, I was pretty much back to normal in 24 hours. The canker sores always take 7 days to heal.

[SunnyDyRain]

Sometimes my symtoms range from canker sores to D to feeling like I have the flu. Depends on how bad i get it. Last night went to applebees and they sprinkled bread crumbs on my meal (WTF!) so all i could eat was the steak, i didn't see any crumbs on it, but alas today I have a canker sore.

One Time I ordered a dip with veggies that was usally served in bread bowl, and i guess they put flour or something itte dip it'sself... I was sick for 4 days.

[wilem008]

My symptoms generally last a few days. Initially I will have a few hours of stomach aches/cramps followed by two-three days of headaches, irritability and depression. I'll also have constipation for a week.

Does anyone else find this? My biggest symptom (aside from stomach aches and constipation) is depression.

I know if ive been glutened becuase the next day I feel totally down and sad...for no explainable reason!

Its awful. I do my best to stick to my diet. Luckily there are quite a few resturants and cafes in my town that cater for a gluten-free diet. Im a big fan of Thai and Indian restaurants! :-)