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Change in symptoms

Sydney B

By Sydney B
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Sydney B Newbie
Sydney B
Posted

I was diagnosed with celiac 21 years ago when I was 1 years old. My symptoms always presented more or less as good poisoning (two hours after eating I threw up for 2 hours). I grew up with this being my only visible symptom for the past 20 years (to the best of my knowledge). However, I have not gotten sick in some time (could just be good luck). Until today...I had some food that a restaurant claimed was gluten free but I questioned. A few hours later my intestines felt like they were being tied in knots and yanked from my body, but no throwing up. This lasted for about 4-5 hours. This being said I am trying to figure out if an individuals symptoms can change with age. I always was under the impression that my symptoms were what they were but now I’m starting to think they might have changed. Any ideas? 

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ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Yes symptoms can change. When I was young my main symptoms were DH and severe constipation. The C eventually eased up then was replaced by D and nerve issues. Time from exposure to first syptoms also can vary with some folks. For example a DH outbreak was my first sign that something 'got' me but now after many years gluten-free it is the last symptom to show up. I hope this is helpful. Welcome to the board and ask any other questions you need. We have a lot of good folks here.

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Yep, Ravenwoodglass is right.  Celiac disease is like a chameleon, symptoms can ebb and flow.  (Some celiac disease researcher, (I think it was Dr. Fasano) came up with that statement.)   I was not diagnosed until much later in life.  As a kid and young adult, I had GI issues, but when I was diagnosed, I only had anemia.  Reflecting back, I experienced a variety of symptoms that I realized was probably due to celiac disease.  

My last gluten exposure not only triggered a celiac disease flare, but aggravated my other Autoimmune issues.  In addition to GI upset, I developed chronic hives which thankfully only lasted for six months.  My allergist blamed that on flaring Hashimoto’s, but my GI thought it was celiac disease.  Both agreed it was probably an autoimmune issue.  

But remember, not everything is due to celiac disease.  You might have had severe food poisoning. In any case, you can only move forward.  But I am not sure I would go back to that restaurant!   ?

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