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What Does Being Glutened Feel Like?

Jennifer2

By Jennifer2
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Jennifer2 Explorer
Jennifer2
Posted

I've been gluten free for about 4months now. When I was first diagnosed, I thought after a few months I would purposely gluten myself to see what my symptoms would be. After reading other people's experiences that doesn't sound like such a great idea anymore!

So, my question to you: If you get glutened are your symptoms the same as before diagnosis or does a glutening come with different symptoms?

Before diagnosis, my main symptom was chronic D. Not pain or anything, but definately a major inconvenience! But, when I've read about other people's glutening experiences it almost sounds like a case of bad food poisoning. Were you like this before diagnosis, or is this more common with a glutening after you are gluten free?

Thanks

Jennifer

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Roda Rising Star
Roda
Posted

My first symptom to occur after getting gluten is burping and heartburn. The severity and how soon it occurs seems to be related to how much I have consumed. I have even gotten bad gas/bloating with pain. For a few days after I am usually constipated.

tmbarke Apprentice
tmbarke
Posted
I've been gluten free for about 4months now. When I was first diagnosed, I thought after a few months I would purposely gluten myself to see what my symptoms would be. After reading other people's experiences that doesn't sound like such a great idea anymore!

So, my question to you: If you get glutened are your symptoms the same as before diagnosis or does a glutening come with different symptoms?

Before diagnosis, my main symptom was chronic D. Not pain or anything, but definately a major inconvenience! But, when I've read about other people's glutening experiences it almost sounds like a case of bad food poisoning. Were you like this before diagnosis, or is this more common with a glutening after you are gluten free?

Thanks

Jennifer

For me it's worse!

Yes I still get the ache and swelling in the neck ...........but for me the cramping and flu-like symptoms also occur.......I get cramping and body aches........my attitude is Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde! Do NOT piss me off! I'll chew you up and spit you out then run over you with a car!

It's terrible!

I hurt more now than I did before! And it's not because I'm not cautious....cuz I am! But it happens and I pay dearly for it. I bought fresh gound sausage 2 x's and the second time it was a glutening....same place too.

I can't say I can trust the gluten-free mixes either. So as I learn......I rebel. It is so difficult to not be glutened on gluten-free stuff especially for people with a sensitivity. Gingersnaps that were gluten-free got me this weekend when I made a pie crust for my pumpkin pie......and I thought I was doing so good.

Good thing it was a small taste that later sent me into a reaction later. My neck swelling is the first sign........when I feel that, I'm done.

Don't take the risk........enjoy your happy feelings and health now........it's so not worth the risk.

sunnybabi1986 Contributor
sunnybabi1986
Posted

Before I figured out I had a gluten sensitivity, my main symptoms were nausea, stomach pain, intestinal pain, bloating, fatigue, body aches and gas. However, these symptoms weren't severe (except the fatigue) and I really just learned to live with it for years, not knowing what was going on.

However, since going gluten free, my symptoms of being glutened have drastically changed. I no longer have the nausea, stomach pain, intestinal pain, gas, or bloating UNLESS I've been glutened, and it's much more severe than it was before. My only guess is that my immune system is strengthening and I'm having more intense reactions to gluten than before.

For example, I got glutened last night at my in-laws' Thanksgiving dinner :(

At midnight last night I started getting nauseous. Not uncommon for getting glutened, and I immediately knew I'd eaten something wrong. The nausea subsided and I went to sleep.

At 6 am I woke up with intense nausea, stomach cramping, intestinal cramping, bloating, and burning in my stomach. I thought I had a stomach bug, as I've never gotten this sick from gluten. This really felt different, like when I've had the stomach flu. However, I noticed that when I accidentally burped, my stomach felt better, and this was a huge indication to me that it was gluten, not a bug. I always feel better after I burp when I've been glutened bc of the gas build up in my stomach.

So I breathed though the nausea and pain for a couple of hours until I could finally go back to sleep. Now my stomach is sore and I feel like I've been punched in the gut. My abdomen is still bloated and I know for sure I've been glutened, but it's never been this bad. My symptoms are definitely changing since I've been gluten free, I suppose, because like I mentioned, my immune system is getting stronger and my reactions to gluten are stronger....I'll definitely have to start being more careful now!!

Janie

freeatlast Collaborator
freeatlast
Posted

That sounds exactly like a bug I got two weeks ago. The symptoms went on for about two wks. off and on with the nausea, but didn't throw up. I'm pretty sure I wasn't glutened.

Hope you feel better soon.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

My initial reaction is major bloating, usually followed by feeling extremely tired/foggy within an hour or two that can last for many hours.

Flu like symptoms have happened as well.

Raven's Mum Newbie
Raven's Mum
Posted

Such a good topic! As a mum to a celiac child, especially one with CF as well, it's hard for me to know when she might have been glutened, when it's her CF talking, or if something comepletely different wrong with her. It'd be nice if I could tell the difference, so if she is being glutened, I can make the necessary changes.

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jabberwife Explorer
jabberwife
Posted

Let's see...before I went off of gluten, I was having bad heartburn, gas, bloating, chronic constipation, brain fog, fatigue (low Vit B12), tingling in hands and feet, swelling of feet, moodiness. When I challenged with gluten after being gluten-free for 2 months, the brain fog and foot swelling hit nearly immediately. Then the stomach rumbling, gas, bloating. Then within 24 hours, severe diarrhea. Then of course, fatigue for a few days, along with chronic heartburn.

As I've healed (almost 6 months gluten-free), the only remaining symptoms are heartburn and constipation. Both of which I'm suddenly relieving with apple cider vinegar, surprisingly...but that's another story. If I accidentally am glutened now, which happens rarely and its usually a small amount (crumb or two), I get brain fog for the first day, and heartburn for a few days. Gas, bloating, and loose stools (but not for a while if it's a really small amount - I am first constipated for DAYS until I can get relief).

Not a wonderful experience - but I still consider myself lucky to not have severe reactions like I've read some others have!

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