How Do You Treat A Gluten "attack"?

[hobokenworkingman]

Hi all, wanted to get some answers on the ever-mystifying symptoms of Celiac disease. So a few months back, my wife was severely anemic (iron deficiency), vitamin D deficient and getting horrible cramps in her tummy. She also was not digesting any of her veggies (but starches/proteins were ok). As we got iron and vitamin D treatment, we started to probe more into what the deal is with the indigestion. In the meantime, she had a colonoscopy which revealed some damage in her small intestines (jejunum), where major nutrient absorption takes place.

Doing some research (and thanks to this site!), we figured that she was gluten intolerant. This was back in Dec 2010. We started 2011 by going gluten-free. for the last couple of months, her cramps virtually disappeared, her digestion came back and she started feeling much better. But in the last couple of weeks, we had a little slip up and she ate some blue cheese and Dannon yogurt (non-gluten free stuff) and from then on, she gets these horrible sharp pains in her tummy, accompanied by headaches, "fogginess". We of course, ensured that everything we're eating is gluten-free and not to have any more slip-ups. While the 1st attack was a week and half ago (which lasted for half a day), the last couple of nights (after dinner and before bed), she's been getting the sharp pain which would last for a few minutes (although would start to dissipate) but accompanied by headaches. She would be ok after sleeping through it by the morning.

Question is what do you guys do for such a gluten attack? Do you experience these "flares" even after on a gluten-free diet? Do you use painkillers? She has taken peptobismol and tylenol when it happens but the relief is minor. Please list what you do for this, for I cant really bear to see her in pain. We thought we got the situation fixed by going gluten-free and things seemed to be ok for the last couple of months, but these flares are now occurring. Could it be that the slip up that we had week and half ago caused this and eventually this will go down?

Also, do you guys go about specifically getting treated by celiac disease specialists or do you stay with your GI? Thanks very much!

[escanlon]

Hi all, wanted to get some answers on the ever-mystifying symptoms of Celiac disease. So a few months back, my wife was severely anemic (iron deficiency), vitamin D deficient and getting horrible cramps in her tummy. She also was not digesting any of her veggies (but starches/proteins were ok). As we got iron and vitamin D treatment, we started to probe more into what the deal is with the indigestion. In the meantime, she had a colonoscopy which revealed some damage in her small intestines (jejunum), where major nutrient absorption takes place.

Doing some research (and thanks to this site!), we figured that she was gluten intolerant. This was back in Dec 2010. We started 2011 by going gluten-free. for the last couple of months, her cramps virtually disappeared, her digestion came back and she started feeling much better. But in the last couple of weeks, we had a little slip up and she ate some blue cheese and Dannon yogurt (non-gluten free stuff) and from then on, she gets these horrible sharp pains in her tummy, accompanied by headaches, "fogginess". We of course, ensured that everything we're eating is gluten-free and not to have any more slip-ups. While the 1st attack was a week and half ago (which lasted for half a day), the last couple of nights (after dinner and before bed), she's been getting the sharp pain which would last for a few minutes (although would start to dissipate) but accompanied by headaches. She would be ok after sleeping through it by the morning.

Question is what do you guys do for such a gluten attack? Do you experience these "flares" even after on a gluten-free diet? Do you use painkillers? She has taken peptobismol and tylenol when it happens but the relief is minor. Please list what you do for this, for I cant really bear to see her in pain. We thought we got the situation fixed by going gluten-free and things seemed to be ok for the last couple of months, but these flares are now occurring. Could it be that the slip up that we had week and half ago caused this and eventually this will go down?

Also, do you guys go about specifically getting treated by celiac disease specialists or do you stay with your GI? Thanks very much!

I'm new to the Gluten-Free diet myself, but I've been researching quite a bit in my spare time. There is an enzyme called 'DPP IV' that is made by Kirkman. From what I've heard from other Celiacs, it can be helpful when accidentally ingesting Gluten. It is a plant-based enzyme though, and apparently if you have certain health concerns you should not take it, but there are lots of people who swear by it. I would maybe look into that for her.

There isn't really much you can do once you've ingested it. Inducing vomitting is not healthy, nor will it necessarily get the Gluten out of your system. The best defense is to just be vigilant and read labels. Stay away from anything processed, and in any instant when she's unsure about a food containing Gluten, just don't eat it.

Hopefully this helps. Take care

[ravenwoodglass]

It can take a little while for the antibody reactions to stop. Do make sure to check and make sure that any meds she is taking are gluten free. I know name brand Pepto Bismal is safe and it is what I use for the stomach pain. Do check the brand of Tylenol you use by calling the maker and do the same with any scripts she may take. Something that can also happen with us is development of other intolerances. She may want to drop soy and dairy for a little while and see if that helps. Since there is no treatment for celiac other than the diet even her GP can monitor her. If she continues to have issues being on the diet will not prevent testing for other problems. You cannot however be tested for celiac after being gluten free without a lengthy 3 month gluten challenge.