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All You Celiacs Hiding In Tacoma/puyallup

Thx4noticingMe

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Thx4noticingMe Newbie
Thx4noticingMe
Posted

My daughter (18 yr) was dianosed and tested August 2005 and I hid in denial until my endoscopy was done in Jan 2006. No more denial for either of us and a much better lifesytle has begun. Once in a while we go through a typical mourning period for one of our old favs, but the pain free life style offers much to be thankful for.

Now I work at grocery store that has a great nutrition center with gluten free products. The head of that department calls me over whenever a new person has discovered they have celiac. And the word has spread and other locations in Pierce County call me regarding gulten-free products or questions that customers have. I am far from being a pro at this, although I do lots of homework regarding my new lifestyle.

I meet people all over Pierce County who have this or have family members but refuse to explore it or give it a good shot. It is unforturnate that Pierce County does not have support groups. Seattle has many bonuses for celiacs, but since our traffic really stinks it makes it very difficult for us to enjoy those extras.

I would like to hear from some of you and know if a support group would be viable in Tacoma/Puyallup.

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BRUMI1968 Collaborator
BRUMI1968
Posted

I grew up in Tacoma - went to Sunset Elementary (then moved to Harbor so went to Gig Harbor High School) and then moved back and lived near Wright's Park for a few years. It seems I keep moving north - first to Seattle, then to Whidbey Island, then to Sedro-Woolley, and now to Bellingham. My parents and sister live in Tacoma - I'm trying to get them to be tested. My mom is having her mom tested in a few days - then is that's positive, she'll do it.

Anyway, good luck to you. Obviously I'm not up on the support groups - but the national support group, what are they called, have a listing. You might want to Private Message "Nini". If you go to "members" and then hit "n", you'll find her. She has a Newbie pack that might well contain the info you need.

At which store do you work?

Thx4noticingMe Newbie
Thx4noticingMe
Posted
  • Author
I grew up in Tacoma - went to Sunset Elementary (then moved to Harbor so went to Gig Harbor High School) and then moved back and lived near Wright's Park for a few years. It seems I keep moving north - first to Seattle, then to Whidbey Island, then to Sedro-Woolley, and now to Bellingham. My parents and sister live in Tacoma - I'm trying to get them to be tested. My mom is having her mom tested in a few days - then is that's positive, she'll do it.

Anyway, good luck to you. Obviously I'm not up on the support groups - but the national support group, what are they called, have a listing. You might want to Private Message "Nini". If you go to "members" and then hit "n", you'll find her. She has a Newbie pack that might well contain the info you need.

At which store do you work?

Sorry it has taken so long to respond. I just returned from Eastern WA. My father had a large tumor removed from his neck. He is fine.

It seems that the Tri-cities has a larger group of Celiacs because the stores cater to our needs. I've discovered many new products.

By the way work for Fred Meyer.

It looks like you have lived in just as many places in the PNW as I have. Seattle and West Seattle as a young child. Burien during elementary and jr. high. Federal Way and Salem in high school. And just to round things out, I lived in Tacoma, Federal Way (Redondo) and now Puyallup/Sumner area during my adult years.

Thank you for the response and the information.

  • 2 weeks later...
Christina62 Newbie
Christina62
Posted

-Thx4noticingMe - I'm from puyallup area, I actually worked at Fred Meyer's on 176th last summer. I was diagnosed w/celiac a few years ago, but I have never been able to stay gluten free. I am trying to find a new doctor, my doctor dosen't seem to know much so if you know of a good doctor that would be great! I really wish there was a support group around here so I could meet other people who are going through the same thing. I've been wanting to go gluten free, but it seems so hard to do if you have any tips please let me know. I hope I hear back from you. Thanx

lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted

I don't live in Tacoma or Puyallup, but I am close by in Federal Way. Just wanted to chime in. I would love to have a support group in the area and wanted to start one, but my life has been too busy to take on one more thing.

Sorry Christina62, I don't know of a good doctor - I'm doing this on my own. There's a good naturopath in Fife named Dr. Data that's good with giving help with nutrition and diet. She's covered by most insurance and might be a good place to start.

  • 3 weeks later...
Thx4noticingMe Newbie
Thx4noticingMe
Posted
  • Author

Christina and Lone Wolf.. glad to hear from you. Chistina... I understand the difficulty of staying on a gluten free diet. However, the way you feel after following the diet is extremely worth it.

Finding a good doctor and a knowledgeble dietician is very difficult. My oldest daughter saw the top gastro doc at Mary Bridge and after the biopsy, we were handed a two page hand out of foods that were no-no's. It was printed in 1985. After speaking with the Gluten Intolerance Group in Seattle, we found out much of the info was out dated. My daughter is also diabetic and recently became very ill and had a hospital stay for over five days. Large print on her chart...NO GLUTEN/DIABETIC... what do they bring her for dinner? A turkey sandwich (with wonder bread). :( She sends it back and they tell her the kitchen is now closed and tried to give her instant chicken noodle soup and saltine crackers. :angry: So much for the medical knowledge of celiac. The ironic side of this whole story is when the hospital dietician came to her room and asked her what she could eat. She simply stated to her, "You're the dietician, you tell me." ;)

I went to Digestive Health Specialists in Puyallup. My doctor was knowlegeble about celiac and after my biopsy he spoke with me and confirmed diagnoses. However he did call me four days later at 7 p.m. explaining that I was very malnourished and he was very concerned. He never seen such a case. Kinda scary huh? :unsure: This is what happens when a diagnoses goes undiscovered for many years. It is also an example of what happens when you don't follow a celiac diet.

Now here is the bad news... ususally after diagnoses and biopsy the doctor doesn't have much to do with you again for about a year and re-tests you. You can go to dieticians, but that is also shot in the dark sometimes. Keeping in touch with others and asking questions is your best bet. The other important is to have family and friends who are supportive because this is a life changing condition. Restaurants, potlucks at work, even going to other peoples houses for meals or any length of time can be challenging.

Well speaking about food, I'm hungry.

  • 2 weeks later...
seattlecdfriend Rookie
seattlecdfriend
Posted

lonewolf.. I'm interested in contacting your Fife naturopath. How long have you been going, what have you learned/benefited, etc. Thanks.

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lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted
lonewolf.. I'm interested in contacting your Fife naturopath. How long have you been going, what have you learned/benefited, etc. Thanks.

I've been seeing her for about 9 years. She's really good and takes the time to listen to you. She's not super knowledgeable about Celiac, but she's well-versed in nutrition. She doesn't push supplements either. I gotta run, but PM me if you want her name and more info.

There's also a good naturopath in Federal Way that a friend really likes. My friend has Celiac (and a bunch of other food intolerances) and has been really happy with her.

  • 1 month later...
Emily4u Newbie
Emily4u
Posted

I would love to start a support group. Currently I am between Sumner and Orting. I am a former member of the Bellingham Gluten Intolerance Group. Every year they had a gluten-free Christmas cookie exchange, a 3 course dinner night, cooking classes, field trips to gluten-free stores, etc... Also if anyone wants wondeful gluten-free food like: crutons, stuffing, sauces, scones, cookies, breads, buns, beer, pies, etc... there are two cafes in Vancouver BC that are wonderful and well worth the trip Panne Rizo and The Rice Bakery. Whole Foods in Bellevue is also wonderful because they have frozen pie crusts, breads, cakes and many other great items (Even some in the Bakery!). I think it would be great if we could start a group. Maybe meet once a month? e-mail me smlemily@gmail.com

Flotenspieler Newbie
Flotenspieler
Posted

Hi my fellow Puget-Sounders!

I live near Des Moines. There used to be a gluten intolerance group in this area, but I think they moved elsewhere recently. I was just diagnosed with gluten intolerance in August by Dr. Stephen Wangen. He has an office at Swedish Medical Center in downtown Seattle. Here's a bit about him from his website:

"Dr. Stephen Wangen is a board certified physician specializing in the identification and treatment of food allergies to improve your health. He has first-hand experience with food allergies, having been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance (wheat allergy) in 1996. He has since developed a comprehensive program to diagnose and work with food allergies and the multitude of potentially associated conditions.

Because food allergies have become a major (but under-recognized) factor in causing chronic disease, Dr. Wangen is focusing his practice on natural methods to deal with food allergies and related conditions and nutritional deficiencies."

He's extremely knowledgeable about celiac/IBS/food allergies and so much more. He spends a lot of time with his patients getting very thorough medical histories from them. Here's the link to his website if anyone wants to learn more about his practice: Open Original Shared Link

Meanwhile, if you hear of any gluten intolerance/celiac support groups cropping up in my neck of the woods, please post it here and thanks in advance! :D

  • 5 months later...
Emily4u Newbie
Emily4u
Posted

Hello everyone. I am going to have a support group meeting at the Puyallup Public Library on Tuesday April 24th from 7-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome. There will be good resources and gluten-free treats. The Puyallup Public Library is located in downtown Puyallup in the back of Pioneer Park at the intersection of Meridian and Pioneer. GIG will be e-mailing its members about the group. If you have any questions or concerns please e-mail me at smlemily@gmail.com.

  • 7 months later...
Smacd Newbie
Smacd
Posted

Hi, I have met and talked with the Freddies health section manager. My family has truly appreciated how much Freddies has done for the Celiac community.

My husband and I have experimented with baking gluten-free breads, cookies, quick breads, muffins, pizza and have had great success. I want to open a South Sound gluten-free bakery and coffee shop next year. However, we need a two things: one is support for the community - letters of support, stating that as a consumer you would patronize such an establishment. The other thing I need is a business partner. I am looking for someone who would like to in with me on this venture, who is willing to put in the time that it takes to do a business. My email is scottandshila@msn.com.

lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted
My husband and I have experimented with baking gluten-free breads, cookies, quick breads, muffins, pizza and have had great success. I want to open a South Sound gluten-free bakery and coffee shop next year.

Where in the South Sound area? I'm in Federal Way and would definitely like to see a GOOD gluten-free bakery in the area. I bake a lot myself, so would only go occasionally for treats for my kids when I was busy or for a fun trip out. I've thought of doing the same thing, but don't have any business sense whatsoever.

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    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      highly unlikely  NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean ground turkey but not much) I was off dairy for years but recently had to add back plain yogurt to meet calcium needs that I am not allowed to get from supplements (I have not had any problem with the yogurt)   I eat almost no processed foods. I don't eat out. almost everything I eat, I cook myself I am going to keep a food diary but to be honest, I already know that it's wheat products and also barley that are the problem, which is why I gradually stopped eating and buying them. When I was eating them, like back in early 2024, when I was in the middle of moving and ate out (always had bread or toast or rolls or a sub or pizza) I felt terrible but at that time was so busy and exhausted that I never stopped to think it was the food. Once I was in my new place, I continued to have bread from time to time and had such horrible joint pain that I was preparing for 2 total knee replacements as well as one hip! The surgery could not go forward as I was (and still am) actively losing calcium from my bones. That problem has yet to be properly diagnosed and treated   anyway over time I realized that I felt better when I stopped eating bread. Back at least 3 yrs ago I noticed that regular pasta made me sick so I switched to brown rice pasta and even though it costs a lot more, I really like it.   so gradually I just stopped buying and eating foods with gluten. I stopped getting raisin bran when I was constipated because it made me bloated and it didn't help the constipation any more (used to be a sure bet that it would in the past)   I made cookies and brownies using beans and rolled oats and dates and tahini and I LOVE them and have zero issues eating those I eat 1 or more cans of beans per day easily can eat a pound of broccoli - no problem! Brussels sprouts the same thing.   so yeh it's bread and related foods that are clearly the problem  there is zero doubt in my mind    
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    • SilkieFairy
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      It could be a fructan intolerance? How do you do with dates?  https://www.dietvsdisease.org/sorry-your-gluten-sensitivity-is-actually-a-fructan-intolerance/
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      my IGG is 815 IGA 203  but tTG-Iga is   <0.4!!!!!!!!!!!!!   oh my god- 13 days of agony and the test is negative?  I don't even know what to do next. There zero doubt in my mind that I have an issue with wheat and probably more so with gluten as symptoms are dramatically worse the more gluten a product has   I am going to write up the history of my issues for the past few years and start a food/symptom diary to bring with me to the GI doctor in March.   I googled like crazy to try to find out what other things might cause these symptoms and the only thing that truly fits besides celiac is NCGS   but I guess there are some other things I maybe should be tested for ...? like SIBO?   I will continue to eliminate any foods that cause me distress (as I have been doing for the past couple of years) and try to keep a record. Can anyone recommend an app or some form or something that would simplify this? I have a very full and busy life and taking the time to write out each symptom name in full would be tedious and time consuming- some sort of page with columns to check off would be ideal. I am not at all tech savvy so that's not something I can make myself ... I'm hoping there's some thing out there that I can just download and print out   do I give up on testing for celiac with such a low number? I am 70 yrs old I have been almost completely off gluten for the most part for about 2 yrs. I had a meal of vital wheat gluten vegan roast,  rolls and stuffing made from home baked bread and an apple pie- and had the worst pain and gas and bloating and odd rumblings in my gut etc - almost went to the ER it was so bad. I was thinking, since I'm spilling a lot of calcium in my urine, that perhaps this was a kidney stone (never had one before but there's always that first time, right?)    Saw my endo on Jan 20th and after hearing the story about the symptoms from eating that holiday meal, she suggested doing a gluten challenge. She said 2 weeks was fine- she said stopping it in the middle if symptoms got bad was fine- In the meantime I'd read that 2 weeks was not enough- called and argued with the nurse about this, but ultimately decided to stop the gluten on the 13th day and get the test done because I was in too much pain and almost suicidal and knew I could not continue.   so.............. that's where I am now I have had no bread since Sunday. I did have some rolled oats today and had some gas and bloating afterwards I did have some wheat germ in a smoothie on Tuesday and had a stomach ache later that night.   but overall I feel so much better! all the joint pain is gone! the nausea is gone. The stomach pain and gas and bloating are going away. Still a bit gassy but no more of that horrible odor. wow, that would clear a room if I was out in public!  I see a GI nurse March 4th  I hope she'll be able to help sort this out! can you think of what my next steps might be?
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