Is This A Typical Gluten Reaction?

[Jonine73]

My family and I went gluten free on New Year's Day. We are a large family and I really thought we might all benefit from the diet besides the fact that I suspect me, my oldest son, and my youngest son have either gluten intolerance or celiac. (without being tested I can't say for sure) We are not insured and so testing is an expensive issue for us when we can go off wheat.

With that little bit of history background, this past Saturday I was in a pinch for time and bought some frozen pizzas. I and my oldest son immediately had bloating, belching, reflux, the burning and a general unwell feeling since then. My youngest son (2) actually refused to eat the pizza! (I'm glad now) So the issue is....my MIDDLE son (whom I did not suspect) woke up that night howling with pain and ended up being up all night with diarrhea and he vomited once. He STILL has diarrhea today. He does not have a fever and despite running to the bathroom and an occassional complaint about pain in his bowels he is his normal self. Is this a gluten reaction? No one else is the family has come up with diarrhea.

If this is a gluten reaction is there anything I can give him to help with the discomfort until is passes? When can I expect the diarrhea to clear up?

I feel so awful! I don't believe I will ever have a problem again with falling off the wagon.

[Lisa]

Unfortunately, there is no "typical" reaction. Everyone is different, but this does sound like a gluten response. The BRAT Diet helps sooth the tummy - banana, rice, apple sauce and tea/gftoast.

I would strongly recommend, if possible, you get your family tested. It might be important down the road when they are older and independently living. Or start to test the one with the most severe reaction first.

Hope everyone feels better soon.

[rinne]

What a painful lesson.

As others have said, yes to it being a reaction to gluten although I don't know about your son who is still ill, perhaps he should see a doctor if it doesn't resolve soon.

It is also a brilliant example of how varied our reactions can be.

I hope you are all feeling better soon.