<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

> ... I can almost guarantee an
>infection if I consume gluten as I did about a week ago by mistake.
>Cystitis is an infection of the bladder by microorganisms and can
>generally be remedied by antibiotics.
>
>Interstitial cystitis is bladder discomfort which is not always related to
>an infection, is to do with problems with the integrity of the bladder
>lining, and I think is an autoimmune problem which I have read on our
>group is something some celiacs will be prone to ...
>
>Lissy

I am answering to the list because I have additional information I feel
it is important to repeat even though it has appeared here before.

Yes, I do get a sort of weakness and a lot of discomfort in the bladder,
along with all the other symptoms of gluten ingestion.  I get the same
symptoms when I am actually sick, so it's hard to tell the cause right
away.  I try to drink quite a bit of water, but not excessively, and go
to the bathroom often to prevent overflows or accidents.

Related to these immune problems (probably), my doctor recently
prescribed systemic steroids for me so I could do some walking and
standing for a special occasion while traveling and away from my usual
support bases (I have a deformed foot which cripples me with pain if I
use it).

I was SOOOO sick, for over two weeks.  Classic malabsorption, beginning
the first day I took the steroids.  I did not recognize the symptoms
right away, because the steroids covered some of them.  After tapering
off the steroid, I "blew up" like a pumpkin with edema, abdominal
swelling, etc., and realized my supposed "stomach flu" had been the
beginning of a monumental malabsorption attack.  I spent three days too
weak to walk, foot or no foot.

So, be careful with the steroids.  Save them for a true emergency, like
massive burns or anaphylaxis, unless you are sure you will not have such
a drastic reaction to them.

Patty