Facebook Friends Posting About Cutting Wheat Out

[BlessedMommy]

If a Facebook friend posts that they've developed a wheat sensitivity and are looking for more rice based recipes, is it at all appropriate to post any gentle suggestion for them to go get celiac tests before removing wheat? Or would they be considered unsolicited advice?

 

It's just hard for me to watch other people remove gluten before (or go gluten light) without getting tested because I know all too well the problems with that approach. 

[beth01]

I would give advise and go from there, whether it's taken or not is for another day lol

[psawyer]

I would give advise and go from there, whether it's taken or not is for another day lol

Yes. You can lead the horse to water, but they have to want to drink.

[BlessedMommy]

Here's what I posted:

 

"I'm sorry that wheat is making you sick! No fun! As a good first step, it's a good idea to rule out celiac disease via blood test, as it can be similar in symptoms to wheat or gluten sensitivity and can cause serious long term problems if untreated. 

 

Secondly, of course, I'm always glad to pass along recipes. Are you looking for any specific ones? What kind of dishes did you make that you're looking for replacements? I've been gluten free for 4 1/2 years and it definitely gets easier over time. :)"

[SMRI]

If people are asking for help, it's not unsolicited advice.  Chances are she did not know how the testing worked or whatever.  I think what you wrote was fine.

[IrishHeart]

You did a very good thing! (just do not be upset if they do not follow through with testing, ok?)

 

I used to get myself all crazy when family and friends did not follow through and one day I just let it go.

 

If they need me/want any further advice, they know I'll be here for them.

 

"You can lead the horse to water, but you can't hold his head under".--Steven Wright.

[SMRI]

You did a very good thing! (just do not be upset if they do not follow through with testing, ok?)

 

I used to get myself all crazy when family and friends did not follow through and one day I just let it go.

 

If they need me/want any further advice, they know I'll be here for them.

 

"You can lead the horse to water, but you can't hold his head under".--Steven Wright.

 

I hear you---still trying to get our oldest son to get tested!!!!!  He was tested in 3rd grade for growth issues,  very, very bottom of normal range, has canker sores all the time, spends a lot of time in the bathroom, lots of eczema, etc. along with major allergy issues.  He could be fine but he needs to be tested

[BlessedMommy]

Thanks everybody! She did not seem bothered in the least by what I wrote, but completely skipped by the testing part that I mentioned and asked for my favorite bread recipes. That's alright. Everybody has to make their own choices.

 

I just know, that for me, I started cutting out wheat before I was even aware that I should've been tested for celiac and I wished that I would've known then what I know now. Luckily, I know how to live 100% gluten free and therefore hopefully avoid any complications from possible celiac, but it pains me to see people cutting things out of their diet when I know that they most likely aren't going to bother buying certified gluten free oats, avoiding CC, doing a kitchen purge, being careful with restaurants, etc.

[SMRI]

Maybe follow-up with a recipe or two and a comment about how you wished you would have been tested before going gluten-free because of the problems you had and your kids "are having" doing a gluten challenge--I know the kids are ok but just to emphasize the reality of going back on gluten.

[GottaSki]

I usually keep it general on peeps FB posts and then private message them with the specific tests they should have done and why.

Unless of course peeps are b%$@#ing about the gluten free people or how tired they are of hearing the word gluten...then I tend to lecture a teeny tiny bit on their thread