Early Learnings and Advice for New Celiac Patients

[GFreeMO 113]

I kept feeling like I had been glutened. I had intestinal pain, D and gas, headache, the works. I knew that I hadn't had any gluten. I don't eat out and eat the same things over and over. I decided to cut out dairy 2 weeks ago. All of those symptoms went away. I was bored with it and sick of black coffee so I bought some cheese and Lactaid milk yesterday. I made a pizza with the cheese and used some of the milk in mashed potatoes and in coffee. This morning I woke up with a migraine, D, terrible gas pain and D, D, D...The cheese said no lactose per serving and the lactiad milk is lactose free. Is this what casein does to someone? If so, casein makes me feel as bad as gluten.

I was doing ok with no milk but I cant find any rice milk around here that is gluten free. All we have in our stores is Rice Dream. I caved and bought Lactaid now I am suffering.

Edited September 12, 2011 by GFreeMO

[StephanieL 74]

I was doing ok with no milk but I cant find any rice milk around here that is gluten free. All we have in our stores is Rice Dream. I caved and bought Lactaid now I am suffering.

Do you have a good blender? Rice milk is easy to make! 2 cups water, 1/2 cup cooked rice (packed well but not like a brick) and some add a little sugar, honey or even vanilla to it. Blend it up for a few minutes. Keeps for 3-5 days.

We are dairy free d/t allergies but many people with Celiac have dairy issues as well.

[GFreeMO 113]

Do you have a good blender? Rice milk is easy to make! 2 cups water, 1/2 cup cooked rice (packed well but not like a brick) and some add a little sugar, honey or even vanilla to it. Blend it up for a few minutes. Keeps for 3-5 days.

We are dairy free d/t allergies but many people with Celiac have dairy issues as well.

Thanks for the recipe. I am going to try it. I have a blender that I got a long time ago that I used a few times before I knew better to make smoothies with Rice Dream. I guess I could stick it in the dishwasher to get it really clean and it should be safe that way.

[GFreeMO 113]

Do you have a good blender? Rice milk is easy to make! 2 cups water, 1/2 cup cooked rice (packed well but not like a brick) and some add a little sugar, honey or even vanilla to it. Blend it up for a few minutes. Keeps for 3-5 days.

We are dairy free d/t allergies but many people with Celiac have dairy issues as well.

Do I need to strain this or anything?

[Kansas 5]

I am like you, just feeling like I was still getting gluten somehow, and I am extreme in what I put in my mouth. There was no possibility that I was getting gluten. I too have stopped the dairy, and I feel good! A lot more energy, completely normal stools, my ears are not driving me insane with itching, and the roughen areas on my fingers are improving. I thought dairy was a digestive issue, but not thinking that now. I am not much on dairy anyway, so it doesn't bother me, just have to get a little more creative in my baking.

[StephanieL 74]

If you have a really good blender, no you don't have to strain it. I have a Vita-Mix which is like a turbo jet engine I don't think you need to strain it though or what little body it does have will be lost. If you find it's chunky, then yes I would try it strained.

You may also want to try looking at coconut mild creamer (I LOVED it when I had to be dairy free but I am not 100% sure if it's gluten free. Turtle Hill is the maker of the one I used.) Also, if you don't have issues with nuts, there are a lot of nut "milk" alternatives out there.

[smc 3]

I am doing the same thing. I know i am not getting gluten but have not been feeling well -bloating, intestinal pain, and D. I have cut down on dairy and noticed a reduction in symptoms but really have just been strict about it for the last 2 days and I do feel better so far. I have tried lactose free coffee mate and cabot cheese and was wondering the same thing-is it lacotse or casein? How do you tell?

[GFreeMO 113]

I am doing the same thing. I know i am not getting gluten but have not been feeling well -bloating, intestinal pain, and D. I have cut down on dairy and noticed a reduction in symptoms but really have just been strict about it for the last 2 days and I do feel better so far. I have tried lactose free coffee mate and cabot cheese and was wondering the same thing-is it lacotse or casein? How do you tell?

I think that if Lactaid milk and lactose free cheese is making you sick, it has got to be casein. The same thing happened to me with lactose free creamer and cheese. If these products are lactose free, they still have casein. A lot of people here have to avoid dairy. I guess we do too. ugh

[smc 3]

I think that if Lactaid milk and lactose free cheese is making you sick, it has got to be casein. The same thing happened to me with lactose free creamer and cheese. If these products are lactose free, they still have casein. A lot of people here have to avoid dairy. I guess we do too. ugh

Well I thought I was home free being gluten free for about 2 years and I saw you have been gluten free for about the same time. I am really mad about having to give up dairy!! But now I am at the point where I will give it up and eat the front lawn if it is the only thing that will make me feel better. I have an appointment with my GI tomorrow so I will see what he has to say but I think I may have solved my problem. Thanks!

[love2travel 396]

After being strictly gluten free for six months, at the five-month-mark I started getting quite ill from dairy. In my case it appears to be lactose but I have eliminated dairy temporarily to be sure. It is very frustrating not to have gluten OR dairy but there are others here who must have much less. I hope to be one of those who is able to re-introduce dairy in the future because I REALLY miss it. LOTS.

Darn it - I teach cooking classes including various cheeses!

[GFreeMO 113]

Giving up dairy for me is almost harder that giving up gluten! I made the rice milk with the above recipe. It turned out great!! Thanks for posting that.

[StephanieL 74]

Giving up dairy for me is almost harder that giving up gluten! I made the rice milk with the above recipe. It turned out great!! Thanks for posting that.

Awesome! Glad it worked out for ya! My DS (who has Celiac) is allergic to dairy, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy and banana. We know how to work around things