Starting The gluten-free Diet

[beautiful.victory]

I have been having a LOT of trouble with my stomach over the past couple of years; my GP originally thought it was IBS and sent me to a GI last year but I moved before I could make the appointment. My symptoms (extreme fatigue, nausea, stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea, sometimes vomiting with a slight fever) eventually subsided only to emerge again when I went home for Christmas. They've been a lot worse this time around; I am sick with something pretty much every day. I finally got a doctor here to refer me, but she wants me to try the gluten-free diet on top of a lactose-free diet...and I am completely overwhelmed.

I'm not sure where to start. The only thing I can eat in my house at the moment is Thai rice-noodle soup; everything else is frozen solid or has wheat in it. Should I find a grocer and do a major gluten-free food shop? Should I get a cookbook? Do I need to be so severe that I buy new cookware?! I don't have a lot of money, either, and every option seems so expensive. Help!

[oceangirl]

You need to continue to eat gluten until you have a FULL celiac blood panel at the very least. Did this doctor order this for you? It is a combination of 5 tests and will show if your body is reacting to gluten with antibodies. If the doctor has not, DEMAND that it be done. However, you need to be consuming gluten for it to be accurate. Depending on the results, you may or may not decide to go ahead with a biopsy if it is suggested. Many here go by the blood panel alone as it is pretty accurate.

As far as the diet goes, it does not need to be expensive. But your best bet is to eat whole foods you cook yourself: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, veggies, fruits, nuts seeds... Read here. There is a wealth of information archived.

Good luck and let us know what happens!

lisa

[mamaw]

Hi & welcome

I think you should be tested first then go gluten free. If you go gluten free first-- to be properly dx'd you would need to go back on wheat for a period. The doctor who suggests you do this , I believe is putting the cart before the horse... It is hard enough without making a person go back on wheat to get a proper Dx's.

Yes, the gluten-free lifestyle can become pricey but many eat only basic without all the extras. I'm a foodie so I love good gluten-free food so my budget is probably more costly . Also baking at home saves big bucks & is so good.

I tell many to go on a naked diet , foods without marinates, sauces. Add your own.McCormick lists all gluten in any of their spices.

Gluten free has so many options these days & its only getting better.

You also can have fruits & vegetables.

I have a big list of items that you still can use from the mainstream grocery store.

Truly, take a big breath & let this all sink in & decide if you are going gluten-free first or do testing first. Then move on from there. You can't do everything in one day take your time & focus on the task at hand....

If you want my list send me a pm & I'll give you lots of info. I'm a mentor for the gluten-free lifestyle.

blessings

mamaw

[beautiful.victory]

The doctor did not request a full-scale celiac test. I had a slew of bloodwork done of a couple of weeks ago, but I think that was just to check my organs and values, etc. Thank you for pointing this out--I didn't even know these tests existed. I will most definitely request them before I start the diet; it seems the most logical way.