Immediate Weight Drop After Being Glutened?

[MarsupialMama]

Our daughter was ridiculously tiny for age.......long long story made short here, but we took her off gluten. She has been gluten-free since July, minus a few gluten accidents. During the gluten accidents, we noticed all her symptoms (bloated belly, dark circles under eyes, trouble sleeping, HORRIBLE attitude, etc) come back, and they last about 3 weeks.

During these three weeks, she drops weight and gets really skinny again. She has been looking so wonderful lately - filling out, gaining muscle or fat, and has become a healthy looking child. Previous to going gluten-free she looked like a starving little child that you see in third-world countries - so skinny and sickly looking.

About 3 weeks ago I noticed her going "downhill" again, although I never found the source of where she got glutened..........thinking maybe an old piece of cereal found in a carseat or in a couch cushion somewhere?? Who knows. All the symptoms are back again, so I don't doubt that it is a gluten issue........but I am second guessing myself because it totally tears me up and breaks my heart to see her so skinny and sickly looking again. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with this symptom, and looking for reassurance.....? She is 2 years old, and I have a newborn (1 month) whose wrists and arms are the same size as hers right now!

Is this really a gluten issue, or should I start looking for other problems as well?

Not knowing what to do...........(just very upset)

[ang1e0251]

Did you take her off dairy too? Most of us cannot tolerate dairy for awhile. Has she started any new drugs or supplements during this time? Those can hide gluten and lactose in them. Does she play with crafts or paints and pastes? She must avoid Play Do and any other craft with gluten. Have you been remodeling? Some dry wall and wallpaper paste can have gluten. Be suspicious of products that list natural flavor, natural often means oats or flour. Finally does she or anyone in the house use personal care products with gluten? Shampoo, lotion, body wash? Again natual ingredients can be a big problem. Do you have a mixed household? Someone mentioned their child was glutened by his brother's chocolate sauce.

I know, it's a lot to take in but the possibilities are numerous and gluten can be very sneaky.

[MarsupialMama]

We have been soo careful with her - no new drugs or supplement, no toys or playdoh, etc. Remodeling???? Good grief, have to say I never heard of that. Oh nuts! My husband works in construction - drywall, painting, etc! We haven't done anything new around here that I can possibly come up with, but have to re-look over everything. Sometimes I feel like we have to raise her in a bubble!

Thanks for your thoughts.

[MarsupialMama]

Oh yeah, she is dairy and soy and egg free too. Seems like everyone in the house has one allergy or another. Am praising God that we are not allergic to nuts/beans/rice/corn/potatoes. Food gets limited with all these restrictions! Sometimes we eat rice and potatoes three times a day! lol!

[CeliacAlli]

Our daughter was ridiculously tiny for age.......long long story made short here, but we took her off gluten. She has been gluten-free since July, minus a few gluten accidents. During the gluten accidents, we noticed all her symptoms (bloated belly, dark circles under eyes, trouble sleeping, HORRIBLE attitude, etc) come back, and they last about 3 weeks.

During these three weeks, she drops weight and gets really skinny again. She has been looking so wonderful lately - filling out, gaining muscle or fat, and has become a healthy looking child. Previous to going gluten-free she looked like a starving little child that you see in third-world countries - so skinny and sickly looking.

About 3 weeks ago I noticed her going "downhill" again, although I never found the source of where she got glutened..........thinking maybe an old piece of cereal found in a carseat or in a couch cushion somewhere?? Who knows. All the symptoms are back again, so I don't doubt that it is a gluten issue........but I am second guessing myself because it totally tears me up and breaks my heart to see her so skinny and sickly looking again. I guess I'm wondering if anyone else has dealt with this symptom, and looking for reassurance.....? She is 2 years old, and I have a newborn (1 month) whose wrists and arms are the same size as hers right now!

Is this really a gluten issue, or should I start looking for other problems as well?

Not knowing what to do...........(just very upset)

Often the villi all have to heal for the symptoms to go away. Including dairy villi. That description is a celiac baby so stick in there!