Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Back And Rib Pain After Being Glutened


bridgetm

Recommended Posts

bridgetm Enthusiast

I've noticed that quite a few people have mentioned muscle and rib pain as symptoms and I'm wondering if my symptoms are similar or if I need to keep looking for the cause:

I took some Target brand Acetaminophen over the weekend and had the usual abdominal symptoms of a glutening, especially on Sunday and Monday. Since then that pain and discomfort has slowly isolated to just the lower left quadrant. However, I noticed some back pain on Monday night which I originally thought was due to helping my sister move on Saturday (3rd floor, no elevator), but stretching did very little to improve it. The pain continued to spread: upper and lower back, ribs, chest, shoulders, neck and even my jaw and the muscles at the base of my skull.

If I rub any of those areas, it feels as if there's a bruise. Actually bruises, plural, might be more appropriate as I feel like I was clubbed repeatedly with a baseball bat. It seems to be superficial, my muscles are not overly tight. I had similar (though much less severe) pain the last time I was glutened so I'm thinking that it fits my timeline for consuming glutenous painkillers (ironic, eh?). This pain is also similar to how I feel when I get a severe asthma flare-up, but that can't be it since I've had very few respiratory symptoms.

Does this pain sound familiar to anyone? I am pretty sure it was the gluten, but I'm always afraid that I am missing something.

Thank you. Bridget


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



k2626 Explorer

I've noticed that quite a few people have mentioned muscle and rib pain as symptoms and I'm wondering if my symptoms are similar or if I need to keep looking for the cause:

I took some Target brand Acetaminophen over the weekend and had the usual abdominal symptoms of a glutening, especially on Sunday and Monday. Since then that pain and discomfort has slowly isolated to just the lower left quadrant. However, I noticed some back pain on Monday night which I originally thought was due to helping my sister move on Saturday (3rd floor, no elevator), but stretching did very little to improve it. The pain continued to spread: upper and lower back, ribs, chest, shoulders, neck and even my jaw and the muscles at the base of my skull.

If I rub any of those areas, it feels as if there's a bruise. Actually bruises, plural, might be more appropriate as I feel like I was clubbed repeatedly with a baseball bat. It seems to be superficial, my muscles are not overly tight. I had similar (though much less severe) pain the last time I was glutened so I'm thinking that it fits my timeline for consuming glutenous painkillers (ironic, eh?). This pain is also similar to how I feel when I get a severe asthma flare-up, but that can't be it since I've had very few respiratory symptoms.

Does this pain sound familiar to anyone? I am pretty sure it was the gluten, but I'm always afraid that I am missing something.

Thank you. Bridget

In my experience when I have had this pain its been my pancreas inflammation or GERD (causing esophogeul pains)

AliSha097 Rookie

In my experience when I have had this pain its been my pancreas inflammation or GERD (causing esophogeul pains)

Usually when I accidently eat gluten I first notice with severe lower left abdominal cramping and it moves up my back to right in bewteen my shoulder blades. The first time this happened to me I thought I was dying. My ER doctor said a lot of time the pancreas starts acting up and causes these symptoms. :angry:

bridgetm Enthusiast

It's crazy how painful it can actually be and there are so many possible causes. Heart attack came immediately to mind, but I'm 99% sure that's not it B)

My mom reminded me tonight that I was on Prednisone last week to head off an asthma flare-up and these symptoms are similar to those side-effects. I had pushed that to the back of my mind. This must be a nasty combination of gluten- and prednisone-induced inflammation in addition to whatever bugs are going around campus with finals week quickly approaching. :angry::(

k2626 Explorer

Alisha-I have been dx as having flares of chronic pancreatitis...I have never had an acute attack (thank God). I get upper left stabs of pain about an inch and half under my breast. My drs have been dumbfounded as my scans have all been clear (thank God again as dad died of pancreatic cancer) The new GI I consulted with is the one that said he is 95% sure its due to possible celiac disease, which he feels would also account for my yrs of GERD and also neuropathy issues (stabbing joint pains, electrical stabbing pains, muscle twitching all over etc) Results pending!

Isnt it interesting how when you consult different drs they all say something else?

AliSha097 Rookie

Usually when I accidently eat gluten I first notice with severe lower left abdominal cramping and it moves up my back to right in bewteen my shoulder blades. The first time this happened to me I thought I was dying. My ER doctor said a lot of time the pancreas starts acting up and causes these symptoms. :angry:

Both times I went to the ER they said I was having a esophageal attack...this GERD issue, is this gluten related? or a whole nother problem? Eeek!

AliSha097 Rookie

Alisha-I have been dx as having flares of chronic pancreatitis...I have never had an acute attack (thank God). I get upper left stabs of pain about an inch and half under my breast. My drs have been dumbfounded as my scans have all been clear (thank God again as dad died of pancreatic cancer) The new GI I consulted with is the one that said he is 95% sure its due to possible celiac disease, which he feels would also account for my yrs of GERD and also neuropathy issues (stabbing joint pains, electrical stabbing pains, muscle twitching all over etc) Results pending!

Isnt it interesting how when you consult different drs they all say something else?

Yes it is! The range of answers that the doctors give is frustrating at best! I struggle with that issue often. My future mother in law also has celiac and her and I are often comparing what our doctors have to say. It seems we are never on the same page. When I first started going to the doctor with celiac symptoms *having no clue what it even was at the time, they tested me and it came back negative. The doc told me it was just bad nerves and all in my head. After a year of suffering, he finally double checked with another test, and well what do ya know!? Maybe I should get a second opinion about this issue he mentioned with the pancreas. I hope that everything gets better for you. Sounds very painful!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



k2626 Explorer

Yes it is! The range of answers that the doctors give is frustrating at best! I struggle with that issue often. My future mother in law also has celiac and her and I are often comparing what our doctors have to say. It seems we are never on the same page. When I first started going to the doctor with celiac symptoms *having no clue what it even was at the time, they tested me and it came back negative. The doc told me it was just bad nerves and all in my head. After a year of suffering, he finally double checked with another test, and well what do ya know!? Maybe I should get a second opinion about this issue he mentioned with the pancreas. I hope that everything gets better for you. Sounds very painful!

Yes, I have had what was dxd as gerd for about 4 yrs....with me, I get stabbing chest pains as what I imagine a heart attack to feel like. I did think it was my heart at first and after that cleared my dr at the time put me on aciphex for acid/gerd and it helped, though I was on the meds for almost 2 yrs verses the 8 wks they recommend! I dont know if it was celiac causing it or underlying pancreas issues at the time. The esophogeul spasms do hurt and are scary, I always wonder when I have heart like pains how I will know one day if it IS my heart or the spasms.

The pancreas pains I get are like quick squeezing pains in my epigastric area-left side. That only scares me because my dad died of pancreatic cancer so anything dealign with the pancreas I want NOTHING to do with. I would imagine I should have my gene test back by Monday, that will make it two wks.

I am going to be so disappointed if that is not the cause behind my stomach and other very odd neuro issues.

katifer Apprentice

your symptoms sound Exactly how i used to feel before i knew about gluten intolerance---- i felt like that all the time and have only felt it again when having gluten.

AliSha097 Rookie

Yes, I have had what was dxd as gerd for about 4 yrs....with me, I get stabbing chest pains as what I imagine a heart attack to feel like. I did think it was my heart at first and after that cleared my dr at the time put me on aciphex for acid/gerd and it helped, though I was on the meds for almost 2 yrs verses the 8 wks they recommend! I dont know if it was celiac causing it or underlying pancreas issues at the time. The esophogeul spasms do hurt and are scary, I always wonder when I have heart like pains how I will know one day if it IS my heart or the spasms.

The pancreas pains I get are like quick squeezing pains in my epigastric area-left side. That only scares me because my dad died of pancreatic cancer so anything dealign with the pancreas I want NOTHING to do with. I would imagine I should have my gene test back by Monday, that will make it two wks.

I am going to be so disappointed if that is not the cause behind my stomach and other very odd neuro issues.

That is awful. It sounds like we have had similar attacks, but mine seems very mild compared to what you are describing. I know the feeling of wondering whether or not it is a heart attack some day or just a spasm. Very scary. I guess if the time ever comes *hopefully not... we will know! I hope you fell better soon.

bridgetm Enthusiast

Thank you all for your help. Just knowing that it's normal makes me feel better.

I am feeling much better today. In just one more week I will be home with farmer's markets nearby and Udi's bread within the same area code. :D

k2626 Explorer

Thank you all for your help. Just knowing that it's normal makes me feel better.

I am feeling much better today. In just one more week I will be home with farmer's markets nearby and Udi's bread within the same area code. :D

Glad you are feeling better!! If it comes up again, try an antacid and if that doesnt help go get your amalyse and lipase drawn..

lynnelise Apprentice

I have gotten this pain off and on ever since my gallbladder was removed. According to my GI it's bile reflux going into my stomach. It has caused me to develop gastritis. I call it the bone crushing rib pain. It usually lasts about 30 minutes and then I feel bruised and sore for a day or two afterward. Staying gluten-free has helped this problem tremendously and I usually see a flare afer being glutened.

bridgetm Enthusiast

Glad you are feeling better!! If it comes up again, try an antacid and if that doesnt help go get your amalyse and lipase drawn..

I am already taking Prilosec daily. But I see my doctor for a follow-up hemoglobin check in a week so I'll ask if he'll order a few other tests as long as I'm there.

  • 10 months later...
deezer Apprentice

I am already taking Prilosec daily. But I see my doctor for a follow-up hemoglobin check in a week so I'll ask if he'll order a few other tests as long as I'm there.

Bridget, How are you doing now? Any clarity on what caused the problem? I am having these exact same challenges - left upper quadrant abdominal pain and also "brusing" pain all over - my entire ribcage and most of my back is quite tender.

  • 7 years later...
Genelle Newbie
On 5/5/2010 at 3:47 PM, bridgetm said:

I've noticed that quite a few people have mentioned muscle and rib pain as symptoms and I'm wondering if my symptoms are similar or if I need to keep looking for the cause:

 

I took some Target brand Acetaminophen over the weekend and had the usual abdominal symptoms of a glutening, especially on Sunday and Monday. Since then that pain and discomfort has slowly isolated to just the lower left quadrant. However, I noticed some back pain on Monday night which I originally thought was due to helping my sister move on Saturday (3rd floor, no elevator), but stretching did very little to improve it. The pain continued to spread: upper and lower back, ribs, chest, shoulders, neck and even my jaw and the muscles at the base of my skull.

If I rub any of those areas, it feels as if there's a bruise. Actually bruises, plural, might be more appropriate as I feel like I was clubbed repeatedly with a baseball bat. It seems to be superficial, my muscles are not overly tight. I had similar (though much less severe) pain the last time I was glutened so I'm thinking that it fits my timeline for consuming glutenous painkillers (ironic, eh?). This pain is also similar to how I feel when I get a severe asthma flare-up, but that can't be it since I've had very few respiratory symptoms.

 

Does this pain sound familiar to anyone? I am pretty sure it was the gluten, but I'm always afraid that I am missing something.

 

Thank you. Bridget

Left quadrant pain is usually an indication of diverticulitis

Breaux Newbie
(edited)

I get pain in both by left and right ribs that feels like a pressure at times, and other times it feel like its bruised. I've been on a gluten free diet for 2 weeks now and still feel it, but some of the other symptoms are being alleviated. I do not know the metabolic process that would cause this to occur (inflammation or gas build-up), but I'd imagine that there are folks out there that also get this pain/pressure feeling you are having. 

Edited by Breaux

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - knitty kitty replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      8

      My only proof

    2. - Wheatwacked replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      8

      Related issues

    3. - NanceK replied to Jmartes71's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      8

      My only proof

    4. - Wheatwacked replied to Scatterbrain's topic in Sports and Fitness
      4

      Feel like I’m starting over

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Kirita's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      3

      Recovery from gluten challenge


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,291
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    DottieLyn
    Newest Member
    DottieLyn
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      @NanceK, I do have Hypersensitivity Type Four reaction to Sulfa drugs, a sulfa allergy.  Benfotiamine and other forms of Thiamine do not bother me at all.  There's sulfur in all kinds of Thiamine, yet our bodies must have it as an essential nutrient to make life sustaining enzymes.  The sulfur in thiamine is in a ring which does not trigger sulfa allergy like sulfites in a chain found in pharmaceuticals.  Doctors are not given sufficient education in nutrition (nor chemistry in this case).  I studied Nutrition before earning a degree in Microbiology.  I wanted to know what vitamins were doing inside the body.   Thiamine is safe and nontoxic even in high doses.   Not feeling well after starting Benfotiamine is normal.  It's called the "thiamine paradox" and is equivalent to an engine backfiring if it's not been cranked up for a while.  Mine went away in about three days.  I took a B Complex, magnesium and added molybdenum for a few weeks. It's important to add a B Complex with all eight essential B vitamins. Supplementing just one B vitamin can cause lows in some of the others and result in feeling worse, too.  Celiac Disease causes malabsorption of all the B vitamins, not just thiamine.  You need all eight.  Thiamine forms including Benfotiamine interact with each of the other B vitamins in some way.  It's important to add a magnesium glycinate or chelate supplement as well.  Forms of Thiamine including Benfotiamine need magnesium to make those life sustaining enzymes.  (Don't use magnesium oxide.  It's not absorbed well.  It pulls water into the intestines and is used to relieve constipation.)   Molybdenum is a trace mineral that helps the body utilize forms of Thiamine.   Molybdenum supplements are available over the counter.  It's not unusual to be low in molybdenum if low in thiamine.   I do hope you will add the necessary supplements and try Benfotiamine again. Science-y Explanation of Thiamine Paradox: https://hormonesmatter.com/paradoxical-reactions-with-ttfd-the-glutathione-connection/#google_vignette
    • Wheatwacked
      Your goal is not to be a good puppet, there is no gain in that. You might want to restart the ones that helped.  It sounds more like you are suffering from malnutrition.  Gluten free foods are not fortified with things like Thiamine (B1), vitamin D, Iodine, B1,2,3,5,6 and 12 as non-gluten free products are required to be. There is a Catch-22 here.  Malnutrition can cause SIBO, and SIBO can worsen malnutrition. Another possibility is side effects from any medication that are taking.  I was on Metformin 3 months before it turned me into a zombi.  I had crippling side effects from most of the BP meds tried on me, and Losartan has many of the side effects on me from my pre gluten free days. Because you have been gluten free, you can test and talk until you are blue in the face but all of your tests will be negative.  Without gluten, you will not create the antigen against gluten, no antigens to gluten, so no small intestine damage from the antigens.  You will need to do a gluten challange to test positive if you need an official diagnosis, and even then, no guaranty: 10 g of gluten per day for 6 weeks! Then a full panel of Celiac tests and biopsy. At a minimum consider vitamin D, Liquid Iodine (unless you have dermatitis herpetiformis and iodine exasperates the rash), and Liquid Geritol. Push for vitamin D testing and a consult with a nutritionist experienced with Celiack Disease.  Most blood tests don't indicate nutritional deficiencies.  Your thyroid tests can be perfect, yet not indicate iodine deficiency for example.  Thiamine   test fine, but not pick up on beriberi.  Vegans are often B12 deficient because meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy are the primary souces of B12. Here is what I take daily.  10,000 IU vitamin D3 750 mg g a b a [   ] 200 mg CoQ10 [   ] 100 mg DHEA [   ] 250 mg thiamine B1 [   ] 100 mg of B2 [   ] 500 mg B5 pantothenic acid [   ] 100 mg B6 [   ] 1000 micrograms B12 n [   ] 500 mg vitamin c [   ] 500 mg taurine [   ] 200 mg selenium   
    • NanceK
      Hi…Just a note that if you have an allergy to sulfa it’s best not to take Benfotiamine. I bought a bottle and tried one without looking into it first and didn’t feel well.  I checked with my pharmacist and he said not to take it with a known sulfa allergy. I was really bummed because I thought it would help my energy level, but I was thankful I was given this info before taking more of it. 
    • Wheatwacked
      Hello @Scatterbrain, Are you getting enough vitamins and minerals.  Gluten free food is not fortified so you may be starting to run low on B vitamins and vitamin D.   By the way you should get your mom checked for celiac disease.  You got it from your mom or dad.  Some studies show that following a gluten-free diet can stabilize or improve symptoms of dementia.  I know that for the 63 years I was eating gluten I got dumber and dumber until I started GFD and vitamin replenishment and it began to reverse.  Thiamine can get used up in a week or two.  Symptoms can come and go with daily diet.  Symptoms of beriberi due to Thiamine deficiency.   Difficulty walking. Loss of feeling (sensation) in hands and feet. Loss of muscle function or paralysis of the lower legs. Mental confusion. Pain. Speech difficulties. Strange eye movements (nystagmus) Tingling. Any change in medications? Last March I had corotid artery surgery (90 % blockage), and I started taking Losartan for blood pressure, added to the Clonidine I was taking already.  I was not recovering well and many of my pre gluten free symptoms were back  I was getting worse.  At first I thought it was caused a reaction to the anesthesia from the surgery, but that should have improved after two weeks.  Doctor thought I was just being a wimp. After three months I talked to my doctor about a break from the Losartan to see if it was causing it. It had not made any difference in my bp.  Except for clonindine, all of the previous bp meds tried had not worked to lower bp and had crippling side effects. One, I could not stand up straight; one wobbly knees, another spayed feet.  Inguinal hernia from the Lisinopril cough.  Had I contiued on those, I was destined for a wheelchair or walker. She said the symptoms were not from Losartan so I continued taking it.  Two weeks later I did not have the strength in hips and thighs to get up from sitting on the floor (Help, I can't get up😨).  I stopped AMA (not recommended).  Without the Losartan, a) bp did not change, after the 72 hour withdrawal from Losartanon, on clonidine only and b) symptoms started going away.  Improvement started in 72 hours.  After six weeks they were gone and I am getting better.  
    • Scott Adams
      Hopefully the food she eats away from home, especially at school, is 100% gluten-free. If you haven't checked in with the school directly about this, it might be worth a planned visit with their staff to make sure her food is safe.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.