Newly Diagnosed... Where Should I Start?

[kstahl3]

Hi all... Holy Cow, there is a lot of information out there about what to do and what not to do while trying to cope with this Celiac Disease... Celiac has just been added to my list of "stuff" after a recent biopsy, along with Ankylosing Spoldylitis, IBD, Fibromyalgia, CFS, and degenerative disk disease; it seems that if you name it, the doctors can tell you that I have it in some form or fashion; and I am only 26! I am drowning... I need help! I have zero support on the home front, neither in the form of family or friends because after so long of being simply miserable people find it easier to just walk away. I am sure someone out there has been through that and knows how I feel.

So, I guess, where I was going with all of that whining was, where should I start? What should I read? How should I educate myself to know how best to get healthy? I just want to be healthy and pain free, though I think the two may go hand and hand.

Thank you!

Kelly

[ang1e0251]

You are in the best place there is to learn about celiac disease and it's myriad secrets!! Welcome to the forum and simply start reading. There so much info here and so much to learn.

[no-more-muffins]

I think you should get some books from your local library or bookstore.

Here are some I have read:

"Celiac Disease" by Peter Green

"Wheat Free Worry Free" by Danna Korn

"Healthier Without Wheat" by Stephen Wangen

"Gluten-Free Baking Classics" by Annalise Roberts

There are many more books out there. As far as the diet goes, start with the obvious sources of gluten (bread, pasta, pizza) and eliminate that. Then start reading labels of things with "hidden" gluten in them (salad dressings, spice mixes, etc.)

I'd also head over to your local health food store and stock up on some gluten free stuff to get you going. It is good to have things that you can grab and eat when you are too overwhelmed and busy to think about what to cook. I don't use a ton of that stuff, but it is nice to have at first when you are trying to figure out what to eat. If you like to cook and bake, I'd definitely suggest getting some flour. The Gluten-Free Baking Classics book gives some great advice regarding which kinds of flours to buy and how to make wonderful gluten-free breads and baked goods. It is a great book.

And like the pp said, spend some time around these boards because the people here have so much info. And try to relax. I know it is hard at first but realize, you can substitute almost anything you want with something gluten-free. And there are more and more gluten-free products available all the time so it really does get easier.

[CeliacMom2008]

A huge help for me was to make a list of foods I already cooked and see how I could adapt them (if necessary, many were already gluten free just because they were). This helped me tremendously in planning meals and shopping. It was a great way for me to get organized and manage all the changes. It was wonderful for things like leftovers as well. I could plan out things like having white rice for dinner and then turning it into fried rice for the next day's lunch. Or pot roast on Sunday became Monday's stew. Ham become ham and beans...well you get the picture. I wasn't much of a cook, so I really needed this. As I've become a better cook and more used to gluten free live, I still keep it updated (I made it in Excel), prettied it up and keep it posted to our fridge.

The first couple of months are very overwhelming, but it really gets much easier. Just dig in like it's a new hobby and you'll be fine! And I think you'll probably be surprised how much better all of your aches and pains get on as your body heals.

Oh, some people have trouble with dairy products when they are first healing. One, I'd recommend waiting to remove dairy until you know it's a problem - you have enough to handle right now. Two, the problem with dairy is that Celiac disease can damage the small intestine so badly that you can't digest the milk. It usually is NOT necessary to remove all dairy/casein. Three, it's usually a temporary thing if you have to deal with it all. Once your gut heals you can digest the milk again. But again, this is just a precaution. You may not have any issues with milk at all.

Welcome to the forum and I hope you're feeling fabulous soon!!

[Mskedi]

I found Korn's Gluten-Free Living for Dummies to be helpful and positive. It might be a good start.

[kstahl3]

Thank you all for your feedback! I am ready to just give up eating all together... If only that would work! I have picked up some good tips just in the short period of time I have been browsing this site. Thank you again for the information and I will keep looking around. Hopefully I can get a grasp on things and it will come together well.

[ranger]

Welcome. This is the place to be. When I first discovered this forum, I lurked for a long time. Just read and read. You'll find the info you need. For now, stick to basics - fresh fruits, veges, lean meat. I'd lay off dairy for awhile, and proccessed food. Good Luck. Read on!

[LDJofDenver]

It can be a little overwhelming at first. We