New And Unsure

[ciavyn]

Hello - I am new to this world of gluten-free, and terrified that it is unfortunately my digestive requirement. I have had many years of digestion problems, most of which I chalked up to a sensitive stomach, lactose intolerance, and food poisoning. Almost two years ago, a friend of mine almost died, only to discover what he had was celiac disease which had made a mess of his colon. Ever since then, he's been gluten free, and when I told him some of my issues, he insisted I should try the eating plan. I've put it off, because my symptoms have been manageable. But lately, they haven't been. It's been awful. So, right before the most gluten-holiday of the year, I'm putting myself through the test of whether or not this could be the problem.

(I don't have health insurance, so I have to do this on my own).

My curious questions: how do I know if it is working? Since my symptoms have always been intermittent, though definitely more on than off, I'm not sure if this is just a down period, or if the change in eating is really being effective. However, in the last few days, I definitely feel better than I have in a long while.

Can you cheat occasionally? Or does that just make it worse? Are all things gluten out of the question, or can you have a small amount and be okay? I know people are all different, but I'm wondering about the generalities of it all.

Thank you for this opportunity to enter into the forum and learn. I appreciate it.

[glutenfreeinminnesota]

Hello - I am new to this world of gluten-free, and terrified that it is unfortunately my digestive requirement. I have had many years of digestion problems, most of which I chalked up to a sensitive stomach, lactose intolerance, and food poisoning. Almost two years ago, a friend of mine almost died, only to discover what he had was celiac disease which had made a mess of his colon. Ever since then, he's been gluten free, and when I told him some of my issues, he insisted I should try the eating plan. I've put it off, because my symptoms have been manageable. But lately, they haven't been. It's been awful. So, right before the most gluten-holiday of the year, I'm putting myself through the test of whether or not this could be the problem.

(I don't have health insurance, so I have to do this on my own).

My curious questions: how do I know if it is working? Since my symptoms have always been intermittent, though definitely more on than off, I'm not sure if this is just a down period, or if the change in eating is really being effective. However, in the last few days, I definitely feel better than I have in a long while.

Can you cheat occasionally? Or does that just make it worse? Are all things gluten out of the question, or can you have a small amount and be okay? I know people are all different, but I'm wondering about the generalities of it all.

Thank you for this opportunity to enter into the forum and learn. I appreciate it.

I just found out I have celiacs disease a few weeks ago. I had problems off and on for 11 years. Was told I had IBS and to eat a high fiber diet....lots of wheat products, ha! They finally did an endoscopy. Started my gluten free diet on Nov. 8th and didn't realize how horrible I really felt! I don't feel GREAT yet, but definatly better. If you have an intolerance to gluten, you cannot eat it at all. Whether you have one tiny bit or an entire gluten-filled pizza, it would set off the same response. I have only known I have this a little while, but have learned SO much from this website. I go to google and search (whatever you are wondering about) then gluten free, and this website is always the first thing that comes up. Good luck!! I have had a lot of luck finding gluten free things for thanksgiving and christmas meals.

[frustrated09]

Don't worry about doing this without your doctor, I've heard they aren't always helpful. Mine told me to try going off dairy and eventually did and then i went off gluten and as of last week i am off soy.

there is no cheating. If you want to feel better then you cannot cheat. everyone is different but i have had to change out shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, deoderant, vitamins.

marsha

self-diagnosed gluten/dairy/soy intolerant

[luvthelake21]

Hi ciavyn and welcome to the forum. My 13 year old daughter just celebrated her 3rd year anniversary this month on being gluten free. My husband who is self diagnosed will celebrate his 3rd year gluten free anniversary in January. With all that being said it can be difficult at first but then it just becomes second nature. Like someone said there is no cheating if you want to get better and not run the risk of serious health problems like cancer later in life. It is normal if you get angry, mad, depresed, but go thru whatever emotions you need to then go on and eat gluten free and live a healthy and happy life. I have been spending the last couple of days printing gluten free receipes for Thanksgiving getting my grocery list ready to go shopping tommorow. With this diet you just have to cook more at home. Make sure to get some new cooking pans and utensils if you can. Check your toothpaste, lotions, makeup and other personal hygiene products and medicines. This forum has been my life saver and three years later I still come here and learn new things. The people are great here so if you have any questions just ask and some one will give you some help. Just hang in there and hope you feel better soon.

[Ahorsesoul]

If you cut your thigh down to the bone, had stitches, would you pull out the stitches after a few days? No, it would open up, not heal and possibly get infected.

Cheating by eating gluten is just like pulling out the stitches.

[angieInCA]

If you cut your thigh down to the bone, had stitches, would you pull out the stitches after a few days? No, it would open up, not heal and possibly get infected.

Cheating by eating gluten is just like pulling out the stitches.

Wow! I love your analogy! May I have your permission to use this in the future?

[ciavyn]

Yes, yes, I've figured the "no cheating" part out now that I've spent the day doing more research. It just stinks! If I'd have known my love affair with Oreos was going to end so abruptly, I would have downed a few more before this debacle!

It's just such a change, and hard to accept that you can't be like "everyone else." I'm hoping, though, since my best friend is going organic, that we can share some of the same foods and enjoy making dinner together. My husband and kids, however, are DEFINITELY not interested in this bandwagon.

However, in three days of being strictly gluten free (as strict as I know to be so far), I feel 100% better in my tummy and lower parts. Do you get more sensitive as you stay on this? Do I need to replace all my pots and pans, plates and utensils?! I've stored all "my foods" separately in new containers. (That is one upside - I get to be completely selfish about my food!) But I'm not sure how much else I have to radically change besides my food intake. I don't think I'm as sensitive as some, as for me it is just digestive stuff, not the skin rashes and weeks on end of pain.

I'm curious for any answers, as I feel like I'm fumbling in the dark.

[Ahorsesoul]

Wow! I love your analogy! May I have your permission to use this in the future?

Thanks! Anything I post can be used. I believe the internet postings to be public info so feel free to use it.

[Wolicki]

there is a decent substitute for oreos. I just bought some for my son. They're called K-Toos, I think. something toos anyway. They're quite good! I think they're made by Paul Newman's company.