Gluten Free For Starters

[skbird]

Hi! I went to my GP last month and he'd told me that I was the most successful person in the past 5 years he's recommended a gluten free diet to, which sort of surprised me. But I've been thinking about it a lot and think it might be because these newly diagnosed people he sees don't get support after diagnosis. So, after considering for a while, I sent him an email last week saying that I'd be happy to talk with anyone he diagnoses and maybe work up a "for beginners" kind of packet, with Celiac.com, books, etc, together to help them out. I have a pretty good idea of where to start with this but thought if anyone else had any suggestions, that would be really cool.

He just wrote me back and is very excited that I would want to do this and has said he'll give me a heads up before giving out my phone number. I think this is a cool thing.

We don't have a support group in my area and I'm not ready to do something like that yet, but maybe if this arrangement works out and helps someone, I'd be in to that. Anyway, any suggestions, references, etc, would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Stephanie

[lovegrov]

This is a really good idea. I've helped some local people informally and others helped me when I started. Forums are a huge help, but there's nothing like having somebody in the area you live.

richard

[Canadian Karen]

Hey Stephanie! I think that's a great idea! Every little bit helps......

Just make sure you include this website in your package - we're always here for help and support......

Hugs.

Karen

[Guest imsohungry]

What a great opportunity!!!

I have found the information from websites and REAL "everyday" people the most helpful. What I received from the nutritionist was useless...wasted 75 bucks there.

So, I think it is a great idea! (plus it doesn't cost anything for the person you are helping).

I would make sure to include an updated list of companies that label gluten ingredients clearly on their label...that was a HUGE help to me (and another money saver). When I first started out, I didn't think I could buy any "regular" products, so I was buying EVERYTHING from the expensive/specialty section, so it is very helpful (and less intimidating) to know that some labels on "everyday" items are clearly marked.

Gosh, the list could go on and on! Good luck to you!

[skbird]

I think I read somewhere that someone on the same insurance plan I'm on (Blue Shield of CA) said they're not covered for a nutritionist unless they are dx as diabetic! What?!? Like gluten intolerance/Celiac isn't just as important, diet-wise? Then of course getting a nutritionist in the know... that's another thing.

I plan on putting this forum, plus the other two forums I'm on on the list, some of the web sites I've found helpful, and then lists, a book list (making sure I don't put on the books we have noted on this list to have errors or be misleading), which companies don't hide gluten, the deal with oats, and recommendations, like how to make your kitchen safe, how you need your own toaster, new pans (not using old non-stick ones), cross contamination issues, what restaurants have gluten free menus, which ones are gluten-friendly, etc etc etc. I think it will be a fun project and it will make me feel good about passing on info I have accumulated so far.

This will be fun!

Stephanie

[Guest imsohungry]

Yep Steph-

My insurance didn't cover the nutritionist...she was a sweet woman, but I wasted my $$$ big time.

This sounds like a fun project to do...and if ya gotta have celiac disease, you might as well help others and use all this info. you've spent so many hours to gather...plus, it's got to make you feel good to help others!

Much luck. -Julie

[jenvan]

that's awesome stephanie

[Guest kmmolina]

that's awesome stephanie

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is great Stephanie. What a wonderful thing to do. There is no support group that I know of in my area either and this website has been such a big help. I had been think about doing the same thing with my docotr but I think I'm too new to this yet. But I am going to give him the address to this website. It is awesome and so are all of you. I have learned so much more by reading the postings then I have anywhere else. I feel so blessed that I was led to the website and that somebody at work showed me what the message board was all about. I thought it would be one one of those wierd chat room thing...but it's not....it wonderful.