Severe Abd. Pain And Bloating; Am I Screwing Up?

[musikate]

Hello, again,

I went gluten-free almost 3 wks ago. I felt better immediately, but now I seemed to have relapsed. My belly has swelled to 5-mo-pregnancy size again, and it hurts. Not much diarrhea, but it feels like I have to go constantly. I also slept about 15 hours today, and even when I got up (I had to teach a voice lesson), I couldn't stop yawning and my eyes drooped. I have vertigo as well, and the puffy, pasty face and neck that I had before I started the diet. For two weeks I was on a continual high because those symptoms were slipping away! But now it's as bad as ever.

I don't know if I messed up and got glutenized. I've been vigilant about reading labels. I shop in a Korean Market because they have so many types of noodles (bean threads, rice sticks, potato pasta,sweet potato vermicelli,etc), and they have good rice cakes and snacks as well. I'm avoiding dairy because I figure it's probably contributing to my digestive problems. I cook at home, so I feel pretty in control of my food.

I'm also looking into the possibility that I have lupus. I had a positive ANA test and an elevated ESR, which points to some type of connective tissue disorder. I read that untreated Celiacs can develop Lupus, and I wonder if that what's going on.

[higgins]

Hi Musicate. Are you a musician? I used to play and compose (in an earlier day, before electricity ) but I digress....

I was diagnosed about 2 years ago, and despite all efforts to go gluten-free, I kept getting contaminated - and still get it on occassion. It is almost impossible to avoid getting "glutenized" (I like that word).

The Asian stuff is a real pain. For a year and a half after my diagnosis I practically lived on these Japanese Rice crackers that had a HUGE "gluten free" label on the package. I later found out (through a related forum, and subsequent follow-up) that the damn things had gluten - despite the label! That explained why I had remained symptomatic despite all my efforts. You simply can't be careful enough. Stick to the walls in the grocery store; avoid the aisles.

Richard

[misskris]

A lot of times, vermicelli is made from wheat. You may want to check that. However, there is also rice vermicelli (I just found out).

But yes, it does sound that you have been glutenized. I'd stay away from the Asian Mart - I don't trust ours anymore. Stick to simple things...plain rice, veggies, meat - watch the marinades and sauces. This board has plenty of food ideas and lists lots of products that are 100% gluten-free. Don't let this slip-up get you down though. You can rebound just as fast as soon as you get the rest of the gluten out of your diet.

And I do hope that your lupus tests come back negative. I have heard that it's a common disease among Celiacs.

[elbar]

  higgins said:

Hi Musicate.  Are you a musician?  I used to play and compose (in an earlier day, before electricity  )  but I digress....

I was diagnosed about 2 years ago, and despite all efforts to go gluten-free, I kept getting contaminated - and still get it on occassion.  It is almost impossible to avoid getting "glutenized" (I like that word). 

The Asian stuff is a real pain.  For a year and a half after my diagnosis I practically lived on these Japanese Rice crackers that had a HUGE "gluten free" label on the package.  I later found out (through a related forum, and subsequent follow-up) that the damn things had gluten - despite the label!  That explained why I had remained symptomatic despite all my efforts.  You simply can't be careful enough.  Stick to the walls in the grocery store; avoid the aisles.

Richard

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Do you remember the brand name of these Asian crackers because I had some for lunch and I'm now feeling like I've been glutened. The ones I had were made by the Asian Gourmet company. Thanks.

Elbar

[Billygoat]

I've had some Asian bean mung threads yesterday for lunch and had a TERRIBLE gluten attack. One of the worst in years. Doubled over in pain, major gas, bloating. I've been miserable. I don't remember the brand name.