Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Just Diagnosed.

MissMay

By MissMay
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

MissMay Newbie
MissMay
Posted

Hello everyone. I have Celiac Disease. There. I said it.

You'll have to forgive my denial, as I was just diagnosed yesterday. 6 long years of suffering and endless testing and it all boils down to (delicious) gluten. I am just thankful for the internet and that I have the means to reach out for support from complete strangers around the globe.

I feel as though I'm in mourning right now. Looking through my fridge, I can find about 3 things that don't contain gluten or lactose (oh, did I mention I'm also lactose intolerant?). My frame of mind is not helping the situation; I keep saying to myself, "Lettuce...that's all I can eat isn't it?" I've spent about 4 hours google-ing and I know there are many options out there for me, but right now I find it all overwhelming (guar gum?). I'm from an Asian family so eating a lot of rice is no new thing for me, but we as a family LOVE to eat....all the time. My husbands family is Ukrainian, also a big fan of eating all the time. Our families don't even get along unless we are sitting at our dinner table drinking beer and dipping our bread into gluten rich sauces.

I'm extremely stubborn and I thought I could beat my lactose intolerance with a positive attitude...well that didn't work. Now, I feel defeated. I'm raising my white flag and starting my gluten free diet today. I actually hit up the local health food store yesterday and dropped 70 dollars on some pasta, a bag of rice chips and salsa (ouch!). I guess I'll be spending a lot more time in my kitchen (good thing I enjoy cooking).

Anyway, I just thought I would introduce myself before I bombard you all with endless questions. Please forgive my negativity at the moment: I have just googled a lot of my favorite foods and I can't believe what I'm finding. I am the only Celiac in my family, but at least I know I'm not alone. For that, I thank you. Off to my gluten free journey!

Miss May

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


curlyfries Contributor
curlyfries
Posted

Hi Miss May, and welcome!

We've all been where you are and remember the frustration of starting this "journey". Ask away! You will be glad to know that almost anything you want can be made gluten free. And we have a handy dandy search box for celiac.com. :D

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

Welcome to the gluten free world! You will feel so much better once you are gluten/dairy free. On the upside your lactose intolerance MAY go away once you are gluten free and your intestines heal. Also (on the down side) you may want to avoid soy for a few months while you heal.

It's hard but well worth the trouble. We are here for you to vent.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Welcome Miss May!

You certainly owe no apologies -- we have all gone thru what you are experiencing. I can't imagine anyone would jump for joy at the opportunity to examine every item that goes in ones mouth.

Rest assured it does become easier and then second nature with time.

Be good to yourself right now and ask away...there are always people here ready and willing to commiserate and/or answer any questions you may have.

Evie4 Apprentice
Evie4
Posted

I found the initial cleaning out of the pantry and fridge was difficult. It

LDJofDenver Apprentice
LDJofDenver
Posted

Welcome to the club. Most of us have a history like that, had it for 10 years or more and misdiagnosed with all kinds of other things. I was being treated for each individual symptom (a pill for this, a pill for that, an ointment for the skin, etc). I feel your pain!

It can be a little overwhelming at first. We

MissMay Newbie
MissMay
Posted
  • Author

Thank you all for the wonderful encouraging words. You have no idea how much I really do appreciate the understanding. People really take the fact that they can eat anything they want for granted.

Update: Every first friday of the month, my office has a lunch meeting where we have a caterer serve us. I absolutely dread this day. I used to eat the bare minimum (enough to stop the stomach from announcing to the whole office how hungry I actually was), and let everyone in the office think I was anorexic and just didn't eat. I found out yesterday that the lady who caters our luncheons has a daughter who is gluten, corn, lactose and yeast intolerant (yikes!). She made a special meal for me today at lunch: homemade chicken soup, grilled chicken breast, tossed salad with homemade italian dressing and lactose/gluten free chocolate strawberry cake! (I KNOW HEY?) I haven't had lunch on a work day in years, so I was a bit hesitant to do so today....but I did. I finished and listened for the instantaneous gurgling and discomfort...and what do you know? Nothing. Just plain old full and satisfied. I could have cried. The caterer (Janet) is going to be a wonderful resource for me. Also, when I got home my DH had cooked me some delicious veggies, pork chops with pineapple salsa, and an amazing tossed salad with homemade honey mustard dressing for supper. As I sit here typing this right now, I am happily digesting like a normal person.

So, the score now sits at:

Gluten Free Diet: 2, Old Diet: -503943927348372938

Miss May

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Salax Contributor
Salax
Posted

Miss May, too funny! I am happy for you! Your on the wonderful road of EATING WITH OUT STOMACH PAIN!!! What an awesome thing.

I thought that it was a normal thing to have stomach pain after eating, WRONG! I am so glad that I found out it wasn't all in my head and there really was something wrong....Of course I knew there was.....freaking doctors...anyways Congrats!! :D

We are here for ya!

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

What a wonderful day for you Miss May!

Here's wishing you many more. I know we turned a corner somewhere between 1-4 months gluten-free that it actually wasn't a chore at all and our food tasted better -- might be because it wasn't making me as sick?

Cheers & Happy Friday to you!

jkr Apprentice
jkr
Posted

There is so much information to obtain on this forum it is wonderful. I have found so many great recipes here and on the internet. Thank goodness mainstream stores carry gluten free foods. When I'm at the grocery, I use my iphone and go on this site and I have the app "Is this Gluten Free" to help me choose wisely.

Good luck and happy healing!

Northern Celiac Newbie
Northern Celiac
Posted
Hello everyone. I have Celiac Disease. There. I said it.

You'll have to forgive my denial, as I was just diagnosed yesterday. 6 long years of suffering and endless testing and it all boils down to (delicious) gluten. I am just thankful for the internet and that I have the means to reach out for support from complete strangers around the globe.

I feel as though I'm in mourning right now. Looking through my fridge, I can find about 3 things that don't contain gluten or lactose (oh, did I mention I'm also lactose intolerant?). My frame of mind is not helping the situation; I keep saying to myself, "Lettuce...that's all I can eat isn't it?" I've spent about 4 hours google-ing and I know there are many options out there for me, but right now I find it all overwhelming (guar gum?). I'm from an Asian family so eating a lot of rice is no new thing for me, but we as a family LOVE to eat....all the time. My husbands family is Ukrainian, also a big fan of eating all the time. Our families don't even get along unless we are sitting at our dinner table drinking beer and dipping our bread into gluten rich sauces.

I'm extremely stubborn and I thought I could beat my lactose intolerance with a positive attitude...well that didn't work. Now, I feel defeated. I'm raising my white flag and starting my gluten free diet today. I actually hit up the local health food store yesterday and dropped 70 dollars on some pasta, a bag of rice chips and salsa (ouch!). I guess I'll be spending a lot more time in my kitchen (good thing I enjoy cooking).

Anyway, I just thought I would introduce myself before I bombard you all with endless questions. Please forgive my negativity at the moment: I have just googled a lot of my favorite foods and I can't believe what I'm finding. I am the only Celiac in my family, but at least I know I'm not alone. For that, I thank you. Off to my gluten free journey!

Miss May

Hi, miss may,

hey you can't give up that easy. One door has closed but another one has opened. I was diagnosed in April this year with celiac. I am also lactose intolerant. But if you look there's lots of food out there to eat. for asian foods the big thing is most vh sauces aqre gluten free,plus thai kitchen. but check the internet as well. I use brown rice pasta as well. go to unico.ca they have tons of receipes. You just have to subsititue rice pasta for regular.

CheerS

Mike Irwin

Ft nelson BC

Remember YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      14

      Ibuprofen

      Hi Colleen Are you supplementing B12/having injections? I have learned recently that sometimes when you start addressing a B12 deficiency, it can temporarily make your symptoms worse. But it is important not to stop the treatment. Regarding your problems with anxiety, again that is another symptom of a B12 deficiency. I didn't know...
    2. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      My only proof

      Hello still dancing around my celiac disease and not getting medically backed up considering Ive been glutenfree since 1994.All my ailments are the core issue of my ghost disease aka celiac disease. Im angery because the "celiac specialist " basically lightly dismissed me.Im extremely angery and fighting for a new primary care physician which is hard to do...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      still struggling with cravings

      I totally get this. It's absolutely a grieving process, and it's okay to feel gutted about the loss of those simple joys, especially at 18. Your feelings are completely valid—it's not about being ungrateful for your amazing boyfriend, it's about mourning the life you thought you'd have. That "tortured by the smell" feeling is so real. It does get easier, ...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Oh my goodness medication causing pain !!!!

      Many of us with celiac find that the fillers in medications can cause a reaction, and sometimes our bodies just process things weirdly. That "rebound muscle pain" and "burning feet" you described sounds awful and is a huge red flag. It's frustrating enough managing the diet without medication causing setbacks. So sorry you're dealing with this, but you're...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Me,Sue's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      It's so tough when you're doing everything right and still get hit with it. I'm glad you're figuring out a system that works for you—the peppermint tea and rehydration powders are smart moves. It sounds like you've really learned to listen to your body, and that's half the battle. Sticking to simple, safe food at home is the best way to build yourself back u...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,869
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Stacy W
    Newest Member
    Stacy W
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi Colleen Are you supplementing B12/having injections? I have learned recently that sometimes when you start addressing a B12 deficiency, it can temporarily make your symptoms worse.  But it is important not to stop the treatment.  Regarding your problems with anxiety, again that is another symptom of a B12 deficiency.   I didn't know what anxiety was until it hit me like a train several months before gastrointestinal issues began, so I can certainly relate.   Two books which helped me hugely were At Last A Life by Paul David (there is a website you can look up) and The Depression Cure: The Six-Step Programme to Beat Depression Without Drugs by Dr Steve Llardi.  Although his book is aimed at people who have depression, following the principals he sets out was so helpful in lessening my anxiety.  Llardi suggests we need to focus on getting enough: - physical exercise - omega-3 fatty acids - natural sunlight exposure - restorative sleep - social connectedness - meaningful, engaging activity   ... and we should feel a lot better. That is not to stay you must stop taking medication for depression or anxiety if you have been prescribed it, but adopting the changes Dr Llardi sets out in the book should really help. Can I just ask two more questions:  1) you say that you are B12 deficient, did they test your iron levels too?  If not, you really ought to be checked for deficiency and, 2) did they check your thyroid function, as an overactive thyroid can be cause rapid heartbeat and a lot of coeliacs have thyroid issues? Cristiana        
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Hello still dancing around my celiac disease and not getting medically backed up considering Ive been glutenfree since 1994.All my ailments are the core issue of my ghost disease aka celiac disease. Im angery because the "celiac specialist " basically lightly dismissed me.Im extremely angery and fighting for a new primary care physician which is hard to do in Northern Cali.So currently without and looking.Im angery that its lightly taken when its extremely serious to the one who has it.My only evidence is a brochure back in the days when I got news letters when I lived at my parents.It was published in 1998.I was diagnosed before any foods eliminated from my diet. Angery doctors don't take seriously when Im clearly speaking.I did write to the medicine of congress and have case number.
    • Scott Adams
      still struggling with cravings

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I totally get this. It's absolutely a grieving process, and it's okay to feel gutted about the loss of those simple joys, especially at 18. Your feelings are completely valid—it's not about being ungrateful for your amazing boyfriend, it's about mourning the life you thought you'd have. That "tortured by the smell" feeling is so real. It does get easier, I promise, but it's okay to sit in the sadness and just vent about how much it stings right now. Thanks for sharing that. Celiac.com has published a book on our site by Jean Duane PhD called Gluten-Centric Culture, which covers many of the social aspects of having celiac disease: This chapter in particular covers issues around eating with family and others - Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together:    
    • Scott Adams
      Oh my goodness medication causing pain !!!!

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many of us with celiac find that the fillers in medications can cause a reaction, and sometimes our bodies just process things weirdly. That "rebound muscle pain" and "burning feet" you described sounds awful and is a huge red flag. It's frustrating enough managing the diet without medication causing setbacks. So sorry you're dealing with this, but you're definitely on the right track by connecting the dots. You can search this site for prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's so tough when you're doing everything right and still get hit with it. I'm glad you're figuring out a system that works for you—the peppermint tea and rehydration powders are smart moves. It sounds like you've really learned to listen to your body, and that's half the battle. Sticking to simple, safe food at home is the best way to build yourself back up. It's great you can take the time to rest properly. Thanks for sharing what works; it's a big help to others figuring this out too. This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.