Different Levels Of Sensitivity

[MKat]

I've been gluten free for about 12 weeks now. Went gluten free in the spring for a few weeks - felt great! Went back on gluten for 3 months to be tested and was horribly ill!! I have negative celiac test results s so I'm assuming I'm just gluten intolerant. I feel SO much better not eating gluten!! Many symptoms have gone away

Last night I accidentally mixed up waffle mixes (made a gluten-free and regular one) and ate 5 bites of the one filled w/gluten...UGH! I freaked out because I read on this forum about the horrible reactions people have to being glutened...I kept waiting and waiting. The only thing I experienced were some more intense stomach rumbles and gas pains and a little bloating.

My questions are - are there people out there that don't have major reactions? I know from previous experience of eating gluten again for the test I was very sick w/D 10-15 times a day. But maybe a little isn't going to hurt me? Or have I not been off it long enough to develop bad senstivities yet? My hubby said it would be a good thing to not be that sensitive then I wouldn't have to be so concerned about CC

It's all so confusing....especially w/out an official diagnosis, to know what's going on!

[ENF]

Just because you're not very sensitive, and don't notice a reaction, doesn't mean that there isn't damage when you consume gluten or ingest small amounts from cross contamination. It's best to avoid it completely. I know people with a medical diagnosis who risk their health by drinking non gluten free beers, and cheat in other ways, becasuse they don't notice anything. Not a good idea.

[ravenwoodglass]

Many times the severest of the reaction takes up to 3 or 4 days. Hopefully the reaction you have had will be all you will have but don't be surprised if it takes a day or two for the D to hit. If and when it does if at all possible don't medicate it, let your system clear it out. I hope if you are someone who doesn't have a delayed violent reaction that you don't decide it is okay to have a little gluten now and then, it isn't. Also do not assume you are not celiac because of the negative tests after your challenge. False negatives are not uncommon on both blood and biopsy and even if you are 'gluten intolerant' rather than celiac you still need to be just as strict with the diet.

[ranger]

I was gluten free at the time of my blood work, so, of course, tested negative. I get an immediate respnse to even cc, but everyone is different. Your past experience must show you that gluten is not an option, but to each his own. I wouldn't but, I have a friend dx'd with celiac, and she eats bread all the time. She doesn't have a bad reation like I do, but I think I'm the fortunate one. There's little doubt in my mind -I don't even have to wonder, should I or shouldn't I. Good luck to you!