New Member, My Story & Questions

[Sammyj]

Second post, first one got submitted by accident. Not sure where to post at, so I started here.

I have had worsening symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation. Also much gas and bloating. Bloated to the point I have trouble breathing. (Lung function test Monday to make sure lungs are OK)

Doctors for the last 4 to 5 years have not been much help. Finally a good one. He did a celiac sprue which was negative. The Genetic marker was positive. He has me gluten free for a month to see what happens.

Two weeks ago I went coffee free, and the diarrhea went away as did most of the gas. A small flair up after taking inulin fiber.

Questions:

1) With Celiac or gluten intolerance, how long after going gluten free before the symptoms recede. How long after eating gluten before the symptoms come back?

2) Can I tell if I have either by how my body reacts to gluten?

Please comments or suggestions.

[Lisa]

Second post, first one got submitted by accident. Not sure where to post at, so I started here.

I have had worsening symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation. Also much gas and bloating. Bloated to the point I have trouble breathing. (Lung function test Monday to make sure lungs are OK)

Doctors for the last 4 to 5 years have not been much help. Finally a good one. He did a celiac sprue which was negative. The Genetic marker was positive. He has me gluten free for a month to see what happens.

Two weeks ago I went coffee free, and the diarrhea went away as did most of the gas. A small flair up after taking inulin fiber.

Questions:

1) With Celiac or gluten intolerance, how long after going gluten free before the symptoms recede. How long after eating gluten before the symptoms come back?

2) Can I tell if I have either by how my body reacts to gluten?

Please comments or suggestions.

Question #1:

Everyone is different. The majority of people with Celiac Disease, do not have digestive issues, which can be the most obvious symptom. Celiac Disease can have over 200 symptoms. Much depends upon how diligent your are, how long you have been on the diet and what are your specific symptoms. Some people can react within several hours, others up to 24 or 48 hours. Some don't reaction, only to repetitive exposures over a period of time. (it took a long time to destroy the villi, and once healed, it also will take time).

Question #2:

Most likely no, unless you have a gluten allergy. With Celiac Disease, consuming gluten, will trigger an autoimmune response which takes place in the small intestines. A gluten intolerance, may create the same symptoms, but not create the internal damage. Many people feel that a gluten intolerance precedes Celiac Disease. But I have not seen any research that supports that theory. Either can cause serious life style concerns.

Your genetic marker, can be a piece of the puzzle. Thirty percent of the general population also carries those genes, and do not develop Celiac. Only a small fraction of those people will go on to develop Celiac.

If you have the genetic markers, you have a positive dietary response, it may not tell you if you have Celiac Disease, but it does tell you that gluten is not a good fit for your body. Many people here are self diagnosed and feel quite comfortable with that choice.

I'm not sure that my answers have given you any satisfactions, but it sounds like you're on the right road.

It's pretty complicated and I am sure that others will fill in what I have left out. Hope this was helpful.

Oooops, forgot my manners.... WELCOME! Glad to have ya.