Just trying to understand

lotsaquestions · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 29

If I'm having symptoms SOMETIMES....is it possible that eating a LOT of gluten causes a lot of symptoms, and eating a little causes less? I do understand that a celiac cannot have any gluten and even the smallest tidbit causes damage (and I've read about people who, once GF, react BIG to small amounts). But I'm talking before diagnosis (if it matters). I'm just trying to figure out why I could have symptoms sporadically.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

mrsppmrxky · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 1471 Location: GF Kitchen

If you are totally GF, then you need to look for hidden gluten. Did you replace your toaster, wooden spoons, cutting board, pans with scratches?

Each person is so different in their reactions, so it is hard to say about how big or small reactions are. That is what makes this disease so hard to figure out.

If you are pre-diagnosis, then you need to continue to eat gluten if you are going to do the biopsies or your tests will not be correct.
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ostrich · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 4170 Location: Nebraska

MrsP gave you some good advice. It could also be another food issue. For example, if you have CD and lactose issues, the symptoms could flare up more when you have a glass of milk.
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cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State

It is difficult to generalize about reactions between celiacs because they are so different. Sometimes the reaction is delayed too, so it can be difficult to pinpoint what the actual culprit is. There have been times when I accidentally consumed gluten and thought for sure I would react but didn't (read - OUTWARDLY react. Perception of symptoms does not equate to the amount of damage that occurs). Then it seems like the smallest bit of CC makes me sick for days. Different reactions for different exposures, but not always predictable.

If you are asking if there is an amount of gluten that is safe to consume, the answer is no. There is no safe level of gluten for celiacs. We cannot eat any gluten ever, period.

The most important question is this - when is your doctors appointment to get your testing going? You will never know if you have it until you start with the testing.........
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-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

lotsaquestions · Joined: 18 Sep 2007 Posts: 29

cruelshoes · Joined: 23 Sep 2005 Posts: 2550 Location: Washington State