A Place where gluten-free people can meet each other--Adults only please. http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:44:20 -0800 60 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63445 Doctor put me on a gluten-free diet with symptoms I was having 3-1/2 weeks ago.
Swelling in the neck/throat and tongue - twisting pain in the shoulder - depression - eyes not focusing together - major F'it's - lower back pain - swelling of the legs and ankles - weight gain....sores on the sides of my mouth...the fog!...

I haven't been doing bad at all on this gluten-free diet but think I'm getting glutened this week from Rolaids.
All trial and error I suppose. (waiting for a response from Rolaids about gluten in their product)

Wonder if anyone else lives near GR that would like to talk.]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:38:44 -0800 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63445 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63280
And of course it's the searchable forum which allows me to fairly easily find out all the invaluable info on what's gluten-free and what's not.

So HUGE THANKS

That being said, I'm going to post my own story, since I've found it so helpful and comforting to read the stories of others, and as a way for myself to vent (I'm afraid my friends family haven't been entirely helpful to that end).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


My problems became obvious in July 2008. Over a period of one or two weeks I had increasing digestive problems to the point where I was experiencing extreme indigestion after nearly every meal. For about 2 hours after eating I was super tired, sluggish, and bloated if not in outright discomfort. At the time I was working as a secretarial temp in Burbank in a small tech office where my officemates would usually be working around the building in the afternoon (so I would have periods of having the office to myself). On one day I had decided to have a big salad and grapes for lunch and as soon as my colleagues were gone I promptly curled up in a ball under my desk, that's how bad the pain was. It felt like my allergy to avocado (immensely distended stomach to the point of tears), but there was no way that I had eaten any. Tums didn't help, only time. That was about the worst I remember things being. I couldn't do anything - not even think.

At the time I was also 24 years old, only 1 year out of college and on no certain career track. My mother - my major source of support in case of emergency - was back in PA, and I had no boyfriend and few friends (it's hard to get into a social scene in LA). I had no health insurance, and to be honest, it's almost always been evident to me that our healthcare system in the US is good at the extreme and obvious stuff - like heart disease or diabetes - and totally crappy at the "little" stuff like common diseases and ailments. Case in point: in 2006 I was having seemingly random stomach pain after eating. I went to see a university doctor who after a few questions insisted on a stomach ultrasound. After finding nothing (and an expensive bill) I figured it out on my own - avocado allergy. This would have been easily diagnosed with one question for me: have you been eating anything out of the ordinary lately?

Anyway, a very trusted friend recommended me to an alternative medicine specialist whom she felt was "really kind of a miracle worker." He was a kinesiologoist who was also highly knowledgable in chiropracty and different aspects of chinese medicine and ayurveda, etc. In one session he diagnosed me as having an illeoceacal valve disfunction, a parasite, and a little bit of a candida overgrowth. So I was given some supplements and put on the illeoceacal valve diet for 2 weeks (no alcohol, caffiene, spices, chocolate, whole grains, uncooked vegetables or fruits - low-fiber encouraged). It took 3 weeks, but it worked and I even realized other health problems that I had been having after they went away - like frequent urination, lower back pain, problems sleeping the whole night, bags under the eyes, etc.

But, sadly, shortly after I went off the diet symptoms would always come back. So, after I was more financially stable, I worked with him for 4 straight months from December through March. I stayed on the diet longer but still wasn't healing and it wasn't working as well as before. I ammended the diet based on any number of paranoias - I thought maybe a peanut allergy or vegetables that I hadn't cooked well enough, sensitivity to onions - it was so impossible and unpredictable to tell what was irritaing my system!

Finally, in Febrary I hit my lowest point. My trusted friend always said she thought she would be healthiest if she ate "70% green vegetables, 20% protein and 10% 'other stuff'". So at her recommendation I ate nothing, virtually nothing, but tons of green beans, broccoli, and brussel sprouts accompanied by some chicken or boiled eggs, and a little sweet potato every day for 3 weeks. At first it helped - but after 5-7 days I had developed the worst bloating and gas - literally every 5-15 minutes I let loose a huge amount of gas and was bloated from the minute I started eating until my digestive system stopped. I was majorly fatigued (could barely make it through my dinky 40 hr/week shift job) and stopped what few activities I had managed to do previously. I didn't really see anyone, my poop was green, and something was obviously very wrong. After months of very hard work and next to no understanding from my family (they actually made it more difficult and sometimes made me feel like it was all in my head), I truely felt like I was going to die. And I was only freaking 24. And alone.

In short, after this point, I re-strengthened my religious practices and actually started finding a group of friends in a local religious community (which helped a lot psychologically and emotionally, though I rarely mentioned my troubles). I threw the diet to the wind and ate some rice - and my gas and bloating were cut nearly in half. (as it would turn out, all those greens are just as high in fiber after they're cooked - so my body was more than likely having a very hard time processing all that fiber which resulted in the ridiculous gas). And since I had recently acquired health insurance, I decided to get my money's worth.

I went to see the dentist first, thinking that this would be the easiest thing to deal with. After all, I have always brushed and flossed every night, like clock work. Wrong. Turns out, I have periodontal disease and bruxism (grinding of the teeth).

I also went straight to a gastroenterologist. Dismissing all of my alternative medicine experiences and supplements as "proven to do absolutely nothing" (as opposed to at least checking to make sure I wasn't taking anything that might be harming me), he tested my blood for celiac disease and crohns (I think?) and had me go in for an x-ray of my upper GI tract. The celiac test is negative (which I now wonder about since I had unintentionally not been eating much in the way of gluten and had in fact gone without it for almost a month. I think I had a bowl of mac and cheese sometime before the appointment...), and the x-ray turns out to be normal (and it was cool to see but MAN that stuff they make you drink will mess you up BIG TIME).

By April I finally was able to get myself to see a "normal" doctor to see what one had to say - and at this point I had also developed a persistent brain fog and near-dizziness when standing. He diagnosed me as having subclinical hypothyroidism, and sent me to a gyno since I also hadn't had my period since Feb. (and to my knowledge I've never missed a period in my life).

So April - August I totally quit all of the alternative ideas that I had previously been following and just do whatever "normal" doctors told me. Strangely, after being on such a restrictive diet for so long, the first thing I wanted wasn't what I had fantasized about (fresh fruit and veggies, chocolate, thai food, etc). I gorged on whole wheat crackers and ceral and granola.

BUT, of course, not much got better, and infact got a little worse. The thyroid medication had helped a little, but my GP didn't have any advice outside of it - "just wait for it to work" was his idea after even several months of no improvement. And every few weeks when I went to see my gyno he was diagnosing me with either a vaginal infection or a urinary infection. My frequent urination was getting worse with each set of antibiotics (though I avoided sugar as much as I could and took probiotics to recover). By the third prescription of antibiotics I was scared to take any more. Further, Ramadan was coming up, and I really wanted to be able to fast (no food or water from sunrise to sunset), and you're not supposed to if you are ill, etc.

So I stopped the pill. And I didn't take the antibiotics. And I went back to my kinesiologist who gave me some Urinary Tract pills which were amazingly good at keeping the virus from sticking to the walls of the bladder (the same kind of substance which can be found in cranberries, etc., only I suspect more concentrated). And I went back on the crazy diet for few weeks and felt a lot better, even if only temporarily.

It was during this time that a friend of my family was remarking about how "we're often most addicted to the substances that are worst for us." For him it was chocolate. And when I thought about it, really the only thing that I was "addicted" to, was grain. Particularly whole grain. So in late July/early August I figured out, by way of talking with my kindesiologist and espcially reading on this site, that all of this really may have come from gluten intolerance.

So I also kept myself from any gluten-containing products on that diet, and surprisingly managed to stay away from gluten for the first half of Ramadan as well (mosques love chicken and rice, thank god).

Fasting was exceedingly difficult - in addition to dehydration from the heat and general hunger I was exceedingly hungry all night and exceptionally moody. I had headaches for the first time in my life and my bruxism was noticable worse. I was so irritable I actually developed road rage and almost constant anxiety - very new for me. I now understand that this was probably "gluten withdrawal" at it's worst.

But, after about a month of course my "gluten-testing" opportunity presented itself: an iftar (fast-breaking meal) potluck with every delectable dessert you can imagine. So I indulged. And was unable to stop eating the whole night. The next morning, after not much sleep, I awoke with very red, swollen eyes and felt feverish though I had no detectable fever. Then came the diahrrhea.

Yup. Definitely gluten intolerant.

More surprising to me was that a day or two later I had a couple sort of "depressive waves" where I found myself depressed even though I knew I had no reason to be. My body was literally causing my mind to want to think of sad things, even though I could think of nothing sad at the time. It was strange. And I cried for no reason. And then I realized that I may have been developing or have had this condition for a very long time - possibly since I was a teenager. The more I look at what I know realize could have been cause by the disease, the more I think that. And it's amazing.

So now I go through periods of being thankful for this, and being totally frustrated and nearly hopeless that I'll ever fully recover. Since Ramadan ended in late September I've lost my job (I saw it coming) and returned home to central Pennsylvania (Happy Valley, no less - thought don't ask me how people can be happy at all with so little sun...). I thought that I could recover here but am wondering now how possible that might really be. I'm living with my mother and brother both cast quite a bit of crumbs around. I know I need to rearrange the kitchen, but I don't want to impose such bothersome, pain in the ass rules on them. My mother has already complained about how "annoying this is going to be" just to have to prepare different foods for me at holidays, etc.

And of course, when I'm having a depressive wave (not helped but the utter lack of sun- did I mention that?) I worry about how much of a life I can really live like this. Who would want to marry someone as special needs as me? How much am I going to have to suffer just because I don't want to be a burden on others and insistent upon uber-cleanliness? How can I ever travel the world like I want to when something as basic as food is such an issue? And if some of these other health issues don't go away, how can I possibly have a career/be independent if I can't think or I'm always tired?

I feel like I should have more hope of healing because I'm so young - so I read stories on here a lot and hope that's the case. But it's hard.

And then of course I always wonder about some of the theories that I've come across - like the validity of illeoceacal valve malfunction, candida overgrowth, etc. I guess it's only naturally to always be looking for a way to cure your ills, and when you have celiac disease, well, you have plenty to address.

I also wonder about my genes and whether I would even "technically qualify" for celiac disease. But, thank you crappy healthcare, it might make the most sense to never undergo the official testing. Afterall, the treatment is the same whether I'm GI or have celiac disease - and if I really want to ensure that I can even GET healthcare, it's far better not to be identified (as sad as that is). Of course it would be easier to convince my relatives of the pressing nature of the intolerance if it were official - but I guess I'll always have to live with being "a little different."

So there it is, my gastrointestinal journey. And on it goes...]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:28:35 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63280 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63099
Then he informs me of the much more serious form of Celiacs, not sure of the name but it devours your Intestines and has no cure. Nice thing to tell me before the test will be done. Then it takes a week for the results to come back.....ugh

My First series of blood work came back negative , which he stated is sometimes normal.

Not haveing a good week...


Kdog]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:02:31 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63099 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63072
I think this meet and greet is going to turn into a long post. Apologies in advance for the probable rambling:

I've been to this site many times as a guest, and only today have I become a member. Funny how now I choose to be a member when I have probably fallen off the wagon...

I know all the things that I should be doing, but have fallen into a deep pit that I can't seem to pull myself out of. I struggle with the 'am I, or am I not?'

A little background about me:

Fairly normal and healthy growing up- always on the thin side, but never underweight - never sick. Always had very itchy skin and reoccuring rashes on my legs in centralized regions that I always assumes was reactions to perfumed lotions. Nothing ever caused me to be alarmed.

Joined the military when I was 20 years. 2-3 years later while stationed overseas in Germany, I began to develop classic gluten-intolerant symptoms: painful distention to the point of looking 4+ months pregnant, slight occasional diarrhea (but I blamed heavy German foods), itchy rashes on my legs (same spot all the time) that never reacted to steroid creams (DH?), fatique/lethargy, etc. This lead to numerous tests: anemia tests, CBCs, thyroid tests, vitamin defieciences, electrolyte imbalances=all negative. In fact, my thyroid has been check 5-6 times during 5 years in military.

When the military docs couldn't diagnose me/ fix me with large amounts of meds (anywhere from ulcer medications to anti-depressant --- because they assumed it was psychosomatic) they sent me to German specialists to be hospitalized for 2 days. An upper endoscopy in 2003 informed me of my inflammed intestines (but a biopsy wasn't performed) and they did blood work. All my tests were sent to the military doctors for translation and nothing was ever explained to me other than they didn't see anything. I assumed I was 'fine' my medical standards and was on my own to suffer. It was then that I gave up on hospitals and looked for natural medicine. Two years later (and much suffering) I decided to get out of the military thinking the vaccinations were making me worse and that I was never going to get better. (I work for the military as a civilian now, so I still deal with military doctors and civilian specialists that I get referred out to.) I became vegetarian and began to feel better. I dabbled in RAW food diet and assumed it was all the German food that was making me sick back then.


Over the years my symptoms ebbed and flowed until late 2007. I hatd a tonsilectomy and suddenly my symptoms returned worse than ever. ( I know how surgery/stress can possibly awaken it). In late 2008 I tried to go gluten-free (out of curiosity and much research)for the first time following a detox (healthy version if wondering) and felt great, until I developed a DH type rash. It was then that I began to connect the dots and decided to get tested.

Before my test, I had been gluten free for 4-6 months and had completed a 16 day organic juice fast (in the hopes that it would give my intestines time to heal). I should say that this was based on my research and flipping through my military records. I noticed a positive IgA test (2003) from the German doctors, but it was never broken down as to what that meant - when I asked my new military doctor (2008) what it could mean, he stated that I was probably just fighting off an infection at that time.

Of course, I now realize that my 4-6 month gluten free diet and juice fast wasn't beneficial to any labs/tests. My tests were, of course, negative and I was sent to a great Internal Med specialist with over 45 years experience. Before he even tested me, he had already labeled me Celiac just based on my history. He performed bloodwork and a biopsy after I was told to ingest gluten for 2-3 weeks (not long enough he said, but thought it was worth a shot) and my tests were again negative. We discussed how tests don't always tell the truth and how if I was thriving on a gluten-free diet that it's very probable that I am, in fact, Celiac/gluten-intolerant.

I remained gluten-free for 2-3 months (at the same time I was vegetarian). It was easy to find gluten-free items here in SoCal, but I fell apart over time...social outings, feeling left out, feeling as if I was causing issues for those around me when I went out to restaurants with others. Grieving, I suppose. It was so easy to accidently 'gluten' myself, that I began to wonder if it was even worth the stress considering my tests were inconclusive. So, for the past 6 months, I have not been gluten-free. I have struggled with how I should be with this.

In the beginning it seemed to affect me: lots of itching (to the point of bleeding), very slight rashes, and mood swings, and mild distention. It seemed over time, the more gluten I ate, the less the symptoms. I am still always itchy, but my stomach isn't bad anymore. I never really had diarrhea, but I do notice constipation, but I also began eating meat again so I blame that. My moods on the other hand, I'm not sure what to make of them. I went to a therapist and he labeled me as having Social Anxiety Disorder - I don't see how I can become such a thing so quickly and what seems to be out of nowhere. My husband says that he has always noticed a difference in my moods/behavior when I would eat large amounts of gluten after being gluten-free for awhile. I can relate to that on some level, but there are times when I feel ok on gluten and it makes me wonder if the negative tests are telling the truth.

**Long story short, I guess, is how am I supposed to treat this? I know I can only decide this for myself, but I guess I just new a few shoulders to lean on... Am I really Celiac and/or gluten-intolerant??? I feel stuck. I try to be very health-oriented, but now I just don't know what to be about anymore. I feel like I can't win or lose this battle. It's now to the point, where when my husband explains to his family that I am not supposed to have gluten, I feel like I might be living a lie and so I sometimes feel more comfortable doing what everyone else does since my tests were negative. Also, I have an immense fear of becoming pregnant and not eating the right things, or eating the wrong thing for that matter. I'm 29, so it's getting closer to the time where we are ready to get pregnant. Sigh...so sorry for the long rant. How can you sum up something so frustrating in just a few sentences???

Thanks for reading and any input/opinions are appreciated!

]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:59:28 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=63072 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62865
Gluten Free Cravings is hosting a dining out on Nov 8,2009 at 3:30 sharp at Ferrara's Little Italy , Hall Rd, Sharon, Pa. This is a cute little Italian Restaurant that serves a full gluten-free Italian menu, not just pizza. It has become a gluten-free hot spot...
Also in Sharon is Kraynak's a favorite spot to enjoy shopping ( reg) & take a stroll through the through the Christmas Village. Its all free....well not Ferrara's!!!!
Gluten Free Cravings is opening an invitation to anyone who wishes to come & meet other celiac friends. Many are bringing their gluten friends & family....
If you would like to attend please send me an e-mail ( private) with your name & phine number to register.
A great way for new to the gluten free lifestyle to meet other people & gain knowledge!
blessings

mamaw]]> Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:30:16 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62865 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62700
Anyway, I am looking forward to networking and getting to know others who understand some of the challenges I face.]]> Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:44:32 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62575
Even as I'm waiting for a blood test, it's has been made 110% clear what I have been suffering from....

$8000 worth of CAT scan, colonoscopy, numerous blood and stool tests... nothing was being found as a cause... my frustration had been mounting for months (even tho looking back I realise now that I was being pounded by symptoms for years without putting 2+2 together). Close to suicide many times because of the feelings of guilt (am I REALLY sick or is this in my mind?), frustration at no clear diagnosis by my doctor... frustration because my business failed primarily because I simply could not get through my days because of depression, fatigue and all the other wonderful manifestations that I have been plagued with...

So, as I said, I had all these tests, all coming back negative. The doctor is at a loss.

And then my friend suggested Celiac's could be the culprit.

Turned out that my best friend's wife has had this for a while, and he suggested that I check out Celiac's. My jaw dropped as I researched. It was a revelation, although it was a combination of relief that maybe we now had a name for what I felt was slowly killing me, and "oh sh**, how am I going to deal with this?"

And, true to what I have read, my doctor, while knowing "of" Celiac, had no clue about it. I had to educate him on details, and he still was apprehensive about a patient telling him what was wrong (seems like is the case so many times today).

Without going flat out and getting an endoscopic biopsy, I guess I have come to terms with this (as a beer and pasta lover). The knowledge that a biopsy coming back positive would be a black mark "pre-existing condition" in the eyes of the insurance companies for the rest of my life, my wife and I decided that regardless of what the blood test comes back as, we pretty much feel like this is the path I have to walk.

My wife and I love Italy, travel there every year or so, and love our pasta, I have been a beer enthusiast for years (on stage, it's always been pretty much part of my stage gear!), and as the last 4 months have been unfolding (when this really started hitting me hard), I found myself drinking more and more beer, trying to numb myself to the discomfort (mental and physical) that I was suffering from... and how ironic to find that my eating and drinking binges were only making things worse. For the record, I have lost 30 pounds in the last 3 months. With all I ate and drank, I should have been 375 pounds, not 175.

And I as I read others' stories, I feel almost vindicated.

When my wife and I had our boy, my depression took a big toll - I refer to it as a man's version of post-natal depression, brought on by continued lack of sleep, stress from starting a new business (after 14 years at a company that in itself was dysfunctional and highly stressful), and who knows what else. So for three years it took its toll, but other things were going on in my physical background that were gnawing at me bit by bit.

Early this year, depression had become severe enough that my doctor changed and upped my meds, and we discovered that I was suffering from very low testosterone... so every morning I have to slather on this alcohol-based gel over my upper torso (absorbed thru skin) and it made my mornings less than sunny to go thru that unpleasant ritual every day, furthering my negative feelings, even as it helped a little overall. But I was still suffering unexplainable (at the time) symptoms. And I was beginning to feel like a hypochondriac as I would have no explanation for the chronic fatigue, the intestinal problems that were starting to be more and more common... things like my extreme loss of height (I used to be 6'5", even as I had a disc removed, I am now just a shade taller than 6'), a dull jab of ache in my right abdomen... weird stuff.... and once again, all this was really messing with my mental state.

In July our band played at a "Ribfest". We loves our ribs, so this was (pardon the pun) Hog Heaven for the wife and me. So before we played I had a sample plate (no sauce even)... 3 measly ribs.... they tasted great....

3am I woke up with the worst food poisoning I have ever had (and I've had a few...). I was never the same after that.

The pain got more pronounced, the GI system was going haywire all the time, I started breaking out in rashes that at first made me think skin cancer, they looked like warts, bled when scratched and they were all over my buttocks, nape of my neck, knees, and everywhere. Gee, I felt so unattractive to my wife (and my sense of self esteem was in the negative numbers), who even as she was understanding, was perplexed and concerned and probably also wondering under her breath whether this was all in my head...

And I had to continue to hold down the home while the wife's at work, and handle the day-to-day activities of our boy, getting him ready for pre-K, playing with him after school, and then falling apart about the time my wife would come home, only to have to "pass the torch" to her while I would go pass out.

Now we are in the beginning stages of cleaning out the pantry and making room for gluten free foodstuffs... what a challenge, especially in the cost of all the specialty foods that I need...

To make it more frustrating, some look at this as an "allergy" like a runny nose... yeah, you're allergic, not a big deal... but they have no concept or education as to the damage that I probably have been subjected to as a result. My sister has Lupus, and after her 10 year ordeal to finally find a doctor who was sharp enough to correctly diagnose her condition (she also was at the edge of the cliff in terms of her dealing with not finding doctors who were in-the-know, and were referring her to shrinks instead..), people kind of shrug off the condition as "minimal".

"Walk in my shoes for year" is all I can think. Right now, even as I still feel horrible I guess I can look forward to feeling better as things begin to heal but that's miles away yet.

And though it all, all I can say is that if it were not for my wife Jen, my boy Gavin and my father I would have no doubts as to what I would have done. It was close to being all over for me. And the gratitude I have for my friend and his wife for being sensitive and educated enough to create this new awareness in us is immeasurable.

And finding this site, as well as ones in Italy I at least feel like I'm not alone anymore. That counts for sure.

Well, long-winded for sure, that's my intro. I'm glad to be able to come here now for more knowledge and information, and will be back!

Ciao a tutti!

Scott]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:34:05 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62575 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62503
Thanks
Jodi Mills]]> Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:04:03 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62503 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62470 I have to say this is the first time I have posted on this site. I was diagnosed as Gluten intolerant July 6th 2009 by my chiropractor after 5 years of serious pain and suffering. I was placed on a gluten free diet and I have been pain free for over 3 months. I cant believe the difference in how I feel. My regular doctors felt that since the diet change was doing the trick there was no need for follow up testing so I have never been officially diagnosed with Celiac Spur. All i can say is that I feel a million times better.

One thing I was amazed over was how much clearer my thinking is. It is as if a fog was lifted in my brain. Has anyone every experienced that before?

I am located in southern Minnesota and would love to chat or connect with anyone in the area.
Thanks
Yvette
]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:46:59 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62470 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62368
I recently found out that I have Celiacs Disease. I was worried at first because I had no idea what that was and thought right away that it was over. Well as you can imagine , i am relieved somewhat to know that the only thing that is over is my past eating life. I started this past saturday Gluten free and I am still trying to wrap my head around this disease, and I am slowly getting to understand it. It is a difficult thing to become gluten free over night as y'all know.

I am from central Wisconsin and have lived here for the past 2 years. For years I was misdiagnosed as Lactose intollerant. My wife and kids are being very supportive with the change in our lives, and I hope that I can return the favor 10 fold someday when they need me for more than a father and husband.

This website has been very helpfull and I hope y'all don't mind if I ask alot of questions.


Thank you and remeber, Life is good...


K Dog]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:00:29 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62368 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62102 Oct 17, 09 from 9-2 at the Marriott North in Cranberry Twp.... It is a free event with guest speakers: Jules SHepard & Connie Sarros plus others. Vendors also will be available for sampling & purchasing.
You must pre-register & it is limited to 300 attendees.
This is a good event for newbies. There is also a good support group for this area .. if anyone wants more info , let me know!
blessings

mamaw]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:34:20 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62102 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62028 Hi- Just found out that I have Celiacs- and for me it is a relief. It has helped to clear up a bunch of other mysteries and I am grateful that it is Celiacs. However, I am a bit overwhelmed with the diet change. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks! Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:29:36 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=62028 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61963
Thank you, E. ]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:30:55 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61963 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61736
When I found this website and scanned thru the list of symptoms it explained my whole life. It was a terrifying sense of relief.

I learned that people (even friends) can be cruel, whether out of concern or whatever reason, I don't need to be bombarded with how BAD I look. I finally broke down and saw a gastroenterologist and had a colonoscopy and an endocsope which revealed nothing. I honestly thought I was going crazy. It was the day after the scopes that my Mom called and mentioned that a friend of my nieces had the same symptoms and was diagnosed with celiacs. When I asked the doctor about this he said it was a possiblity but that he already had the biopsy's back and were normal, but that he had not taken a biopsy from the right area to test for celiacs. (not sure how that works).

In the meantime I put myself on a gluten and lactose free diet. (lactose has always been an issue). I did manage a small weight gain, but I cannot manage to keep it on. I have not been officially tested. When I asked the gastro about testing he simply said "what good is it going to do, if its positive what are you going to do different, and if its negative, what are you going to do different?". I'll be seeing my regular doctor on the 25th and I'll see what she says.

Last week I found a new heatlh food store and an abundance of new products and got so excited, in my haste I forgot to look for "lactose free" as well as gluten free and OOPS. Have had a rough couple of days as a result.

I'm just trying to find and meet others with this condition for tips and options. Anything that will help me avoid making mistakes and that can help me regain my strength and health. I do feel better, but am still tired and very weak. I have lost a lot of muscle mass and am very wasted. I'm 5'3" and a size 0 or a little girls size 14.

I have a wonderful and supportive husband, however he gets very frustrated trying to shop for me. I'm Mom to 4 wonderful children and I raise and show miniature horses.

Thats my story and a little about me.]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 12:25:26 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61736 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61574
1 year later I am almost there. I have been gluten free for 13 days. For the first time in my life I went 2 days w/o going to the bathroom (ahem..#2)...I am not suffering from bloat...not so tired that I could fall asleep at the wheel....Each day I feel alittle better. I LOVE to cook so I have to redo my pantry a bit..lol. But that is ok!!!

So anyway...just want to say HI! ]]> Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:13 -0700 http://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/index.php?showtopic=61574