So Frustrated

[Reddino83]

1 week ago I got diagnosed and confirmed with celiac. Trying so hard to make sure I am eating all of the right things. Today was crazy for me .. Went to dunkin donuts and had a French vanilla coffee collata (which I have researched is gluten free) but nope not for me ... Had a horrible flare up!! I was thinking maybe the milk but nope had dairy later in the evening and was fine ... Anyone have any good websites or apps for iPhone to try and help me?

[rosetapper23]

You don't need apps right now--what you need is the commitment to eat only natural foods for the next six months or so until your gut has healed somewhat. Oftentimes when people first find out that they have celiac, they simply want to find gluten-free replacements for their favorite food items. This can be problematic because there can be issues of cross-contamination and difficulties with the gums and special gluten-free flours that are used. We on the Forum try to emphasize that the SAFEST diet is one that only contains natural, whole foods. During this time, you also need to get the best nourishment possible because you may be having problems with malabsorption from damage done to your small intestine.

I know you'd like us to provide you with apps to restaurants where there are gluten-free meals, and I'm sure others will accommodate you....but, really, your health is more important than convenience. Many of us didn't dine in restaurants for 12-18 months after going gluten free. It takes commitment to one's health to do this...but it's so worth it.

[IrishHeart]

I going with ROSETAPPER on the recommendation to try a whole foods diet for the first six months. Also, many celiacs have to avoid dairy for a while because the tips of the villi are where the enzyme lactase is produced ---and this could impair your digestion of the lactose in dairy products. It may not happen everytime, but you are still newly diagnosed and you will likely have stomach issues for a few months. Try to be patient.

Dining out is tricky business (even us veterans get burned from time to time) and you may wish to eat more foods you prepare yourself for a while, so your gut can heal and you lower the risk of getting cross-contaminated.

You may wish to read some information about celiac and cross- contamination and good nutritional choices.

I am sure there are apps, but I'm afraid I cannot help you there. I'm a techno doofus.

Welcome to the forum!

[shadowicewolf]

Also if DD gave you a drink with a flavor shot, it is not gluten free apperently.

[pricklypear1971]

You are going to have to learn sOme food basics and develop some rules about dining out.

1) if you have a smart phone, simply google an item and you may get a gluten-free answer.

2) the more processed a food is, the higher the risk.

3) always ASK if something is gluten-free.

4) read the label or ingredients list. Hint, if it contains words you can easily id, run away.

5) for the first 6 months everything you eat is going to take 4x as long to screen as to eat (assuming its processed).

You'll get the hang of it. Learn to make your coffees at home or take them plain. Safer that way.

[GFinDC]

Hi Red,

There are apps like findmeGF. And there are groups like the CSA (Celiac Sprue Association) NFCA (National Foundation for Celaic Awareness), GIG (gluten intolerance Group) etc. But I agree with the previous comments. Right now you are just starting the gluten-free diet, and it takes a while to understand how to avoid gluten in your diet. The safer way to go is to make all your own food from scratch using whole ingredients. Pack your lunch for work. You will heal faster this way and learn faster what to eat and what to avoid.

I wasn't much into cooking when I started the gluten-free diet. So I made large piles of rice and veggies on the weekend and froze them. Making a different version every weekend and freezing some you end up with a nice variety after a few weeks of this. And you don't spend all your time cooking, just nuke it and go.

If you have to have caffeine then plain coffee or tea is safer. Plain water is good also. Eating gluten-free may seem boring at first but your taste will probably adjust to it. I find whole foods more enjoyable than processed foods now. They just taste better. If you get frozen foods look for things with 3 or fewer ingredients. They are usually the food and water and salt.

Welcome to the site! We are happy to help with your journey into the gluten-free lifestyle.

Some starting the gluten-free diet tips for the first 6 months:

Get tested before starting the gluten-free diet.

Don't eat in restaurants

Eat only whole foods not processed foods.

Eat only food you cook yourself, think simple foods, not gourmet meals.

Take probiotics.

Take gluten-free vitamins.

Take digestive enzymes.

Avoid dairy.

Avoid sugars and starchy foods.

Avoid alcohol.

FAQ Celiac com

http://www.celiac.co...celiac-disease/

Newbie Info 101

http://www.celiac.co...ewbie-info-101/

What's For Breakfast Today?

http://www.celiac.co...reakfast-today/

What Did You Have For Lunch Today?

http://www.celiac.co...or-lunch-today/

What Are You Cooking Tonight?

http://www.celiac.co...ooking-tonight/

Dessert thread

http://www.celiac.co...399#entry802399

Easy yummy bread in minutes

http://www.celiac.co...ead-in-minutes/

How bad is cheating?

http://www.celiac.co...t-periodically/

Short temper thread

http://www.celiac.co...per-depression/

Non celiac wheat sensitivity article

Open Original Shared Link

[Reddino83]

Wow everyone thank YOU all so much! This will help me so much ... It def is a change of life and I'm just not looking to mess it up lol.

My gastro doctor had actually said to me before the endoscopy that it would actually heal itself within 3 months but that is NOT what I am seeing. I guess it depends on the damage that it was done already .. Am I right with that?

I have another question (for now lol) ... I am going to see a movie tomorrow with friends and I have saw about the movie theater popcorn not being completely gluten-free due to possible butter additive and cross contamination SOOO I just went to the store and got gluten-free popcorn ... Is there any advice as to what to say to the theater if they give me problems going in with it?

Thanks again so much

[pricklypear1971]

You need a letter from your doc or explain you have celiac disease, which is protected by ADA. Still, they may not let it in.

Get a big purse, put a little in there. Take it out when it's dark. Or, eat candy. M&M'S and Junior Mints are gluten-free. Check the m&m's box to make sure it wasn't processed in a wheat shared facility. I think that's a recent development for some m&m's (or was it Snickers?).

I wasn't a big popcorn fan so this was a non-issue. I still got my candy .

[Reddino83]

You need a letter from your doc or explain you have celiac disease, which is protected by ADA. Still, they may not let it in.

Get a big purse, put a little in there. Take it out when it's dark. Or, eat candy. M&M'S and Junior Mints are gluten-free. Check the m&m's box to make sure it wasn't processed in a wheat shared facility. I think that's a recent development for some m&m's (or was it Snickers?).

I wasn't a big popcorn fan so this was a non-issue. I still got my candy .

HAHA oh I'm good with the big bag ... it's like having a CVS or RITEAID in my bag lol .... I didn't even think to bring that to prove it. I dont want to be a pain in the butt with it with them but I am a popcorn lover so I'll bring that letter and see that happens thanks

[rosetapper23]

Ha ha! It reminds of how I screamed that I had rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act when a screener at the Minneapolis Airport tried to take away my full-sized gluten-free shampoo (which had cost me an arm and a leg!). I made such a fuss, he tossed it back in my bag and shooed me away.

[IrishHeart]

Ha ha! It reminds of how I screamed that I had rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act when a screener at the Minneapolis Airport tried to take away my full-sized gluten-free shampoo (which had cost me an arm and a leg!). I made such a fuss, he tossed it back in my bag and shooed me away.

You go girl!! whoohooo!! Wish I had been there for that one.

[mamaupupup]

Hi there,

I agree with everyone's great input. It will get easier. A few apps did help me very much:

"Is That Gluten Free?" is one and my husband has "Gluten Check."

Hang in there!

P.S. Love the Minneapolis Airport experience!