New Here And To Celiac

[okasha]

I am new to the forum and new to celiac's. I have a 9 year old son who has been having severe stomach pains and bowel problems with nausea and vomitting. So we had him tested. The doctor said the tests are inconclusive so he has taken him off of gluten and lactose for awhile to see if he gets any better. And if not then he will send him to a GI doctor. So I guess my question is what can I buy and make for my son since I have not only the gluten but the lacotse to deal with now? He is an extremely picky eater to begin with so I figure my options might be limited. Also I was going to just put my whole family on the same food too. I have had problems with my stomach all my life and severe headaches and I have read that they can go hand in hand with celiac's disease. I have two other children so I figured it probably wouldn't hurt them to eat that way just in case. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[AKcollegestudent]

I am new to the forum and new to celiac's. I have a 9 year old son who has been having severe stomach pains and bowel problems with nausea and vomitting. So we had him tested. The doctor said the tests are inconclusive so he has taken him off of gluten and lactose for awhile to see if he gets any better. And if not then he will send him to a GI doctor. So I guess my question is what can I buy and make for my son since I have not only the gluten but the lacotse to deal with now? He is an extremely picky eater to begin with so I figure my options might be limited. Also I was going to just put my whole family on the same food too. I have had problems with my stomach all my life and severe headaches and I have read that they can go hand in hand with celiac's disease. I have two other children so I figured it probably wouldn't hurt them to eat that way just in case. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Our family's been making a variety of food that takes into account allergies/intolerances/autoimmune diseases that range from broccoli to eggplant to dairy to chocolate since I was a preteen. Personally, I'm soy and casein intolerant, along with having celiac. Our solution is to make one meal that everyone can eat, usually something that's simple to make and has simple ingredients.

For instance, while I was home, I made a stew for my family: beef, potatoes, parsnip, carrots, celery, and onion. Add in homemade stock and spices and you have a fabulous meal. Chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, and carrots is another easy meal. Gluten Free Easily has a bunch of recipes that might help you.

I've found that it's easier to dodge milk products--I avoid any form of milk, because the protein casein is found in any byproduct, unlike lactose which can be separated from some milk products--than it is to dodge lactose. And when you know what you're looking for, gluten becomes something that is (relatively) simple to avoid.

And you're right in assuming that it's easiest to take the entire family gluten free. I know that many argue that it's too expensive to do so without conclusive proof; others argue that it's too difficult to cook two separate meals all the time. So start with cheap, inexpensive meals (rice, beans, protein, etc) and look at sites like GFE to provide more ideas. It may very well help your entire family.

Good luck!