Prolonged Celiac Reaction?

[Afternoon]

Has anyone had a reaction to "getting glutened" that lasted for several weeks or longer?

I was diagnosed with Celiac twelve years ago (via blood test), and at the time my only symptom was DH. I've been gluten-free since then, with only a minor accidental contamination here and there. Since going gluten-free, these minor incidents have caused weird abdominal pain-- they sort of felt like my insides were being twisted.

However, about six weeks ago, I started having very severe abdominal pain. It wasn't nausea-- it was a strong cramp-like pain, very low in my abdomen. And it went on constantly for over a month. The pain has finally eased over the past couple of weeks, but I still feel a little sore.

Since this started, I have eaten only at home, and I've eaten only things that I am 100% sure are gluten-free. Fresh meats, fruit, etc, no seasonings or flavorings. I know that I'm not being continually exposed to gluten, so... is it possible that I got glutened six weeks ago and am still feeling the after-effects?

As a side note, my doctor ordered a CT scan to rule out things like diverticular disease, ovarian cysts, etc. We've also ruled out parasites or any other kind of GI infection. Dr. now wants to refer me to a GI specialist, but since the pain is finally easing up I don't really see what the point would be. I'm just scratching my head, wondering what just happened to me. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[tom]

...

I know that I'm not being continually exposed to gluten, so... is it possible that I got glutened six weeks ago and am still feeling the after-effects?

...

It is.

If you read through some sections like 'Coping With ...", you'll see others w/ weeks-long effects.

I'm not sure how common that is & it's certainly good that your Dr is looking for other causes, but it's definitely possible.

[Bubba's Mom]

If I get glutened I feel the effects for several weeks or longer. I was glutened Aug 9. It's now just over 4 weeks later and I'm still feeling the effects very strongly.

[IrishHeart]

Sadly, I also have symptoms for many weeks after I am accidentally CCed. (including having my hair shed--ugh)

I had a check up with the GI doc yesterday after some blood work and I told him I was glutened at a restaurant on August 19 and I have just started to feel better. I asked him: Is this the norm? Other people report that they rebound faster. This is a bummer.

He said what he always says: "Now, what did we talk about regarding the inflammatory process?" And I answer: "that it can take a very long time to subside and my body was under chronic stress for my most of my life while undiagnosed?"

and he laughed and said "Very good answer".

I am sorry you take so long, too and I hope you feel better soon!

I agree that it is wise to be checked out, too.