I have Celiacs Diease

strange_wings

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I sort of suspected and was suspicious for a few years due to getting gallstones in my teens (actually probably closer to 12-13 years old) when I didn't eat that fatty of a diet, and was very much underweight then. In fact until the last two years I've always been underweight.. which can be a symptom of celiacs, too.

The reason I was getting so sick and not digesting food well is because of all the inflammation from it. And back to the ER visit when my heavily wheat gluten laden meal of pasta made me extremely sick - not a virus or even bacteria, but wheat that made me so ill.


If anyone else has had digestive issues from fairly young, gallstones with no risk factors, get tested for celiacs.

I'm dreading going through the cabinets to find something edible for the next couple of days, I think I'll be stuck to meat only.
 
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strange_wings

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I know. Though there are a lot more things with wheat hidden in them then without.
There are, for example, no places in town that I could go out to eat to (small town) with this.
The smaller grocery stores in town don't carry many specifically marketed toward gluten intolerance foods either, which is nice....
 

catmom2wires

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Sorry for the diagnosis but what great news that it is something that can be treated!

My dd was on a gluten free/casein free diet for 3.5 as part of our biomedical treatment for autism and food allergies. I learned a lot. Basically, you will have to learn to eat "old fashioned meals" consisting of a protein source and sides of veggies, potatoes, etc.

There are lots of sources online where you can learn and even order food. Kinnikinnick foods was our favorite online source for baked goods, mixes, etc. Also, talk to your grocery and ask that they begin stocking some stuff. "Tinkyada" brand rice pasta is absolutely wonderful--can't tell the difference.

Don't forget that many health and beauty products such as lotion and makeup have gluten in them. Even postage stamps do!

Good luck on your transition to the gluten free life. Don't expect perfection right away as it is a huge change.

Take care,

C
 

kittkatt

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Originally Posted by CatMom2Wires

Sorry for the diagnosis but what great news that it is something that can be treated!
I don't know anything about the disease, but I'm glad it's something that can be treated.

I'm sorry you're been feeling poorly, StrangeWings.
I sure hope you get to feeling better soon!
 
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strange_wings

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I've had it by itself before, not made into other products. I gagged, the texture was awful. I have a lot of weird textural food issues though… just thinking of couscous makes me shudder (it's much worse). That's actually something of a problem, I'm not too keen on some foods due to texture - anything that's more gritty or feels weird. (Corn tortillias for example
)

What about V8? Is there anything hidden under "natural flavors" that I need to worry about?
 

darkmavis

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Well. It's not the nicest thing to be diagnosed with, but at least you have an answer now, and can learn to live with it. I don't know how I would be able to do gluten-free. But I guess with time and adjustments, you'll make it. Good luck!!!!

As for "natural flavors", you might just want to call the company to ask. I know that can pretty much mean anything, even beetles or something nasty.
Kind of one of those "It's best not to think about it" things, except, well, you need to know.
I hope the new diet works for you!!!
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

I've had it by itself before, not made into other products. I gagged, the texture was awful.
Aw, that's too bad. I really like it. Well, perhaps you'll like it as pasta.
 

blueyedgirl5946

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

I sort of suspected and was suspicious for a few years due to getting gallstones in my teens (actually probably closer to 12-13 years old) when I didn't eat that fatty of a diet, and was very much underweight then. In fact until the last two years I've always been underweight.. which can be a symptom of celiacs, too.

The reason I was getting so sick and not digesting food well is because of all the inflammation from it. And back to the ER visit when my heavily wheat gluten laden meal of pasta made me extremely sick - not a virus or even bacteria, but wheat that made me so ill.


If anyone else has had digestive issues from fairly young, gallstones with no risk factors, get tested for celiacs.

I'm dreading going through the cabinets to find something edible for the next couple of days, I think I'll be stuck to meat only.
HOw did the doctor diagnose the gluten intolerance. I hope you can get on a regulated diet and feel better.
 
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strange_wings

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Originally Posted by DarkMavis

As for "natural flavors", you might just want to call the company to ask. I know that can pretty much mean anything, even beetles or something nasty.
Kind of one of those "It's best not to think about it" things, except, well, you need to know.
I hope the new diet works for you!!!
I certainly hope not. Many beetles have a bitter taste (opinion of my reptiles and keepers odd enough to taste test insects). Though they'd certainly be gluten free…
Usually it's how they sneak odd things in like gluten and lactose. I'll figure it out and I have an appointment with a dietition to cover the smaller things.
I didn't have time to dig around for a safe lunch, so I defaulted to one of the Ensure shakes in the fridge as I usually do when I have problems eating. I never noticed before that they are gluten free, though that explains why they settle ok.
 

meow meow meow

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Well i dont know anything about this at all, but i hope that you find some nice food to eat
It would suck having that disease...
 
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strange_wings

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Originally Posted by blueyedgirl5946

HOw did the doctor diagnose the gluten intolerance. I hope you can get on a regulated diet and feel better.
Endoscope biopsy of the duodenum (first part of the intestine just passed the stomach). The changes it cause were present. The other way is through a blood test, but they were down there poking around with the scope so the biopsy was easier. If one doesn't need a scope, go for the blood test.

What is important is that if anyone thinks they have it and wants an official diagosis of it. Keep eating wheat gluten, otherwise the tests will show that you don't have it. As far as GI disorders go, it's not too uncommon, but not everyone has it and the diet isn't needed for someone who doesn't have it. (In otherwords its not a fad cure all diet for other disorders)
 

kluchetta

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One good thing is, you will probably start feeling a LOT better!

(I just did some reasearch on Tuesday after I woke up feeling really really bad from whatever I ate Monday night, and that was one of the possibilities...)
 

cococat

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Sorry you can't eat whatever you want and life changes a bit from here but very glad you finally have a diagnosis that you can work with. My local grocery store has a section of foods that are gluten free, pretty nice range of products. Whole Foods I think has a whole aisle.
Amazon online has a good selection of gluten free foods.
There are gluten free blogs that can give you great snack and meal ideas.
 

jennyr

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That is actually quite good news - that you have something that is controllable by diet. And it is actually not too bad to follow anywhere - I have two friends here who have to eat gluten free, and they have been able to make all the adjustments necessary without spoiling their social lives or going hungry. There are many online sites to help, many with good recipes. I have made delicious chocolate cakes for them that others would never know were gluten free. ANd you can buy things like spelter flour and rice flour and pasta online and get it delivered to your door if the local shop can't supply. But all big supermarkets carry gluten free products these days. If you don't have one, get a bread machine - I make gluten free bread and rolls and cakes for my friends in mine.

It is a change of lifestyle, but I am sure you will manage it. You are strong and practical. All the very best for a swift recovery.
 

ducman69

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Originally Posted by kluchetta

There are a lot more gluten-free products out there these days! Even pasta!
That is one thing I love about my Krogers, its one of those huge ones that even sells furniture and what not, and their health food section is HUUUUGE w/ lots of gluten free choices amongst other things in there!

Side benefit is that the gluten free stuff tends to be the healthy ingredient stuff as well, so it kind of forces you to eat well.
 

sharky

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Oh yes I was tested in my teen s... In my case not celiacs but a severe intolerance to gluten... You have a PM... Today it is a breeze to eat this way ,even restarants have gluten free section s and menus...
 
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