Ciao, Just Need Some Help.

[snowbunnyok15]

Hello Everyone.

Yesterday morning I had some oatmeal and low carb wheat bread as I am working out with a trainer and losing weight, well more weight. My doctor calls me to give me the pathology results of my colonoscopy and endoscopy a couple weeks ago. She begins to tell me that in the small intestine the biopsy came back as I had a gluten intolerance. I said a what? She says, you can't eat anything with wheat, stuff like that.

Upon telling my mother she has a co-worker who has celiac disease and gave me the address to this site. I knew nothing about it really until a little over 24 hours ago. Anything I need to know Id appreaciate anyone telling me. I've been reading and reading it just all seems so overwhelming.

Even though this is a pain in the neck, I am very thankful for knowing I'm not crazy. The doctors made me feel stupid putting me on medications, nothing worked and making me feel like I was making all of this up. Different problems that made no sense. Then I finally found a "good" doctor. Who sent me to a specialist to find out the "problem" versus just giving me another pill that just wouldn't work. So, I'm very thankful that I know what's wrong with me. I just have no idea everything I must know.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...

Michelle

Claremore, Ok

[cardine45]

Hello Everyone.

Yesterday morning I had some oatmeal and low carb wheat bread as I am working out with a trainer and losing weight, well more weight. My doctor calls me to give me the pathology results of my colonoscopy and endoscopy a couple weeks ago. She begins to tell me that in the small intestine the biopsy came back as I had a gluten intolerance. I said a what? She says, you can't eat anything with wheat, stuff like that.

Upon telling my mother she has a co-worker who has celiac disease and gave me the address to this site. I knew nothing about it really until a little over 24 hours ago. Anything I need to know Id appreaciate anyone telling me. I've been reading and reading it just all seems so overwhelming.

Even though this is a pain in the neck, I am very thankful for knowing I'm not crazy. The doctors made me feel stupid putting me on medications, nothing worked and making me feel like I was making all of this up. Different problems that made no sense. Then I finally found a "good" doctor. Who sent me to a specialist to find out the "problem" versus just giving me another pill that just wouldn't work. So, I'm very thankful that I know what's wrong with me. I just have no idea everything I must know.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...

Michelle

Claremore, Ok

My best suggestion for you when first going gluten-free is to do everything really bland and start with meats, veggies, and fruits. I just started the gluten-free diet about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and I'm so scared to mess up that I don't care that my food isn't incredibly flavorful. Until you do research on the best ways to find the "hidden gluten," it's easier just to avoid anything that might have gluten in it.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time making your own food. Also be prepared to be VERY frustrated when you do your first shopping trips. I would suggest sticking with the above mentioned items because I tried reading labels on my first shopping trip, and I almost walked out of the store in tears because I didn't know what items were actually safe. If you're interested in an item, start making a list of the product and manufacturer and do a quick google search when you get home. I typically search something similar to "gluten-free kraft." Most larger companies have some type of information on their websites, and otherwise you can find some other good resources through on-line product lists.

No one will claim it's easy, especially at first, and I'm definitely no expert, but I wish someone would have given me this same advice when I first started.

One last thing, if you choose to go out to eat, either be prepared to be VERY specific about what you can and cannot have, or at least make sure that they do things such as clean the grill and utensils before they make your steak (just an example) and that they don't put any spices on it. Also remember something as simple as a hamburger could have fillers in it to make it more flavorful, so actual pieces of meat are safer.

[gfp]

My best suggestion for you when first going gluten-free is to do everything really bland and start with meats, veggies, and fruits. I just started the gluten-free diet about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and I'm so scared to mess up that I don't care that my food isn't incredibly flavorful. Until you do research on the best ways to find the "hidden gluten," it's easier just to avoid anything that might have gluten in it.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time making your own food. Also be prepared to be VERY frustrated when you do your first shopping trips. I would suggest sticking with the above mentioned items because I tried reading labels on my first shopping trip, and I almost walked out of the store in tears because I didn't know what items were actually safe. If you're interested in an item, start making a list of the product and manufacturer and do a quick google search when you get home. I typically search something similar to "gluten-free kraft." Most larger companies have some type of information on their websites, and otherwise you can find some other good resources through on-line product lists.

No one will claim it's easy, especially at first, and I'm definitely no expert, but I wish someone would have given me this same advice when I first started.

One last thing, if you choose to go out to eat, either be prepared to be VERY specific about what you can and cannot have, or at least make sure that they do things such as clean the grill and utensils before they make your steak (just an example) and that they don't put any spices on it. Also remember something as simple as a hamburger could have fillers in it to make it more flavorful, so actual pieces of meat are safer.

Well, Cardinemight be new with only 2 posts but that is exactly what I would have said!

More tommorow (hopefully) meanwhile try searching this site for cross contaimnation (we say CC) and hidden gluten.

[NLpacker-fan]

Hi Michelle,

Welcome to the wonderful world of gluten-free living! It's quite a transition, but the best news is that it becomes second nature once you get the swing of things. Don't think about what you're giving up, but what you're getting in return.

My first advice is to visit the following blog: Open Original Shared Link

Shauna is the name of the woman who writes it and she has some inspiring words & recipes for everyone who is diagnosed with Celiac. She also has a load of fabulous links to check out for more information and she's written one of the best books on the subject, as it's from a very personal point of view.

Get friendly with your local health food store, as they often carry gluten-free items.

Best of luck!

Janel