Where To Go From Here?

[Cles37]

I was just diagnosed after a bout with severe nerve pain in my feet and hands. Would really like some advice on books, websites, etc. There is so much information on a disease I had never heard of until now. Hearing a list of foods you love and have enjoyed all your life all of a sudden become a list of things you an not have is a bit over whelming.

[louie]

It can be really overwhelming at first but it will get easier, this is a great site and there are plenty of people here who will happliy answer any questions you have

A few tips that helped me:

many people find that they need to cut out milk for the first 3-6 months and then reintroduce it,

While you are still trying to learn about it all think about basing your diet on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and brown rice, then you can add foods and get more creative as you learn more and find products that are gluten free.

set aside some time to go to the shops and just read a lot of labels so you can find gluten-free products also try online shops such as the gluten free mall

a lot of people who work in health food shops or who give nutirional advice are NOT experts in celaics disease so be careful of whose advice you take.

Cleaning out the panty, fridge cupboards and changing over the staples (eg. salt, gravy, sauces, stock, cereals, flours) for gluten free versions will help you to get familar with whats available.

seperating the the gluten free and gluten containing foods helps the rest of the family to learn about what can be used, label them if you need to unitl everone is familar with what cant and can't be used

have seperate spreads (butter, jam, peanut butter, etc) that are labelled, and a seperate toaster,

I'll leave others to recommend cookbooks because I hate to cook so I just adapt recipes that I like and buy gluten free baked products.

with websites just be cautious and critical of what you read, i have found this website to have good advice and contain accurate information,

some other sites I have looked at have been a mixed bag with some questionable information, I'm sure there are other good sites but i'm just not familar with them

it will become clearer with time, just keep asking questions till you get the answers you need

cheers

Louie

[marycubs]

Hi and welcome

I'm only a month into being Gluten Free myself, so I'm still learning. I searched the web and have found this site very helpful...I've spent lots of time reading past posts and reading what others think about certain brands of gluten-free foods, what advise they gave etc. Once the relief of finding out what you have is over, the reality of this being a life long change sinks in. It is a change - but just takes time to read, learn and find your way.

I recommend Danna Korns' book Wheat Free Worry Free; the Art of Happy, Healthy, Gluten Free living. It's in paperback - and when I looked on Amazon they had used ones - so it won't hurt your wallet. I'm only 1/2 way through the book - she has a chapter or two of recipes in it - but it is more of an explaination of Celiac Disease - and speaks to the impact this has on your life - because it does - but also keeps it in perspective. The diet may be inconvenient, and difficult at times - but at least it is something within your control.

I had the 'typical' symptoms - digestive issues, fatigue,anemia...and after 5 weeks I am definitely feeling better. I had one bad episode after eating a taco..but other than that my body is feeling better and I feel I'm on the road to recovery.

Good luck - and hang in there !