Recently Diagnosed

[BobbyJones]

I have been experiencing symptons-stomach cramping, IBS, etc for about 6-8 months, and after a colonoscopy and endonoscopy, my doc said I have early onset of celiac disease and that I needed to go on a gluten free diet. My questions:

1) is this normal- I just turned 50 and why now? I have been eating wheat all my life. It seems strange that all of a sudden I would get diagnosed with this disease. ( I travel to India 4-5 times a year and I thought I had contracted a parasite based disease)

2) I understand the no wheat based products, pasta, beer etc. What about: skim milk, smoothies at stores such as planet smoothie, granola bars, any other obvious and not so obvious lessons learnd for rookies?

3) Mst of my symptons are in the afternoon, typically around 3-6pm, mornings are fine and after dinner I am fine. this seems strange, anyone else this timing issue?

Thanks for any help!

[happygirl]

1) is this normal- I just turned 50 and why now? I have been eating wheat all my life. It seems strange that all of a sudden I would get diagnosed with this disease.

You can "get" Celiac at any point in life --- from infancy to the elderly.

2) I understand the no wheat based products, pasta, beer etc. What about: skim milk, smoothies at stores such as planet smoothie, granola bars, any other obvious and not so obvious lessons learnd for rookies?

Skim milk is safe. Smoothies would have to be verified to be gluten free by checking the ingredients.

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

Unsafe ingredients: https://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1/Unsaf...ents/Page1.html

Safe ingredients: https://www.celiac.com/articles/181/1/Safe-...ents/Page1.html

A list of companies that has a clear gluten policy. If you don't see "wheat, rye, barley, barley malt, oats" on the labels, its not there, or hidden in "flavors, starches, etc." Open Original Shared Link and Open Original Shared Link This makes shopping MUCH easier.

FDA foods are required to list wheat - it cannot be hidden.

Rule #1: Never eat anything without reading the label first.

Rule #2: Consistently check labels, even of your favorite products, as product formulations can change.

Rule #3: If you are unsure of an ingredient, or the company's policy on labeling, call the phone number on the back of the product or email the company.

Great info to get you started: Open Original Shared Link

[Wenmin]

[u]homepage.mac.com/sholland/celiac/GFfoodlist.pdf

This is not an updated list, but I use it very often! I was just recently diagnosed in July 2008. I am still learning and still at times use this list to shop. Start with the basics: fresh fruit, fresh veggies, fresh cuts of meat: beef, chicken, pork, etc. Next shopping trip, plan ahead. Look for 1-2 extra items (like yogurt, ice cream, chips, cereals, etc.) It is easier to shop for 1-2 items without being overwhlemed and spending 2-3 hours shopping for groceries. In time, you will find what brands work for you and what brands you need to avoid.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

[Tallforagirl]

In time, you will find what brands work for you and what brands you need to avoid.

I agree, you will get used to what type of products to avoid, and what's (usually) a safe bet. However, it's best to still check ingredients each time you buy something, as ingredients do change.

I had a session with a dietician early when I was first diagnosed and it was invaluable. If you're going to consult with a dietician, look for someone with expertise in celiac disease. You may be able to get a recommendation from someone on this forum...

[BobbyJones]

[u]homepage.mac.com/sholland/celiac/GFfoodlist.pdf

This is not an updated list, but I use it very often! I was just recently diagnosed in July 2008. I am still learning and still at times use this list to shop. Start with the basics: fresh fruit, fresh veggies, fresh cuts of meat: beef, chicken, pork, etc. Next shopping trip, plan ahead. Look for 1-2 extra items (like yogurt, ice cream, chips, cereals, etc.) It is easier to shop for 1-2 items without being overwhlemed and spending 2-3 hours shopping for groceries. In time, you will find what brands work for you and what brands you need to avoid.

HOPE THIS HELPS!

Thanks !

[BobbyJones]

You can "get" Celiac at any point in life --- from infancy to the elderly.

Skim milk is safe. Smoothies would have to be verified to be gluten free by checking the ingredients.

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

Unsafe ingredients: https://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1/Unsaf...ents/Page1.html

Safe ingredients: https://www.celiac.com/articles/181/1/Safe-...ents/Page1.html

A list of companies that has a clear gluten policy. If you don't see "wheat, rye, barley, barley malt, oats" on the labels, its not there, or hidden in "flavors, starches, etc." Open Original Shared Link and Open Original Shared Link This makes shopping MUCH easier.

FDA foods are required to list wheat - it cannot be hidden.

Rule #1: Never eat anything without reading the label first.

Rule #2: Consistently check labels, even of your favorite products, as product formulations can change.

Rule #3: If you are unsure of an ingredient, or the company's policy on labeling, call the phone number on the back of the product or email the company.

Great info to get you started: Open Original Shared Link