Newly Diagnosed And Completely Lost!

[brattnie07]

I have been dealing with stomach pains for years. I had my gallbladder out in 2007 and it didn't help so I figured I would just deal with the pain. I finally got tired of it and saw a gastroenterologist a few weeks ago and had a scope done last Wednesday. I got the call yesterday (Friday) that my biopsy came back positive for Celiac. I am unable to see my doctor until January 25th and I just want answers now. I don't know what I am looking for or what exactly I can and can't eat. I know I am unable to eat gluten but what contains gluten?? I am a young adult and am extremely lost on where to go. Is there a website or a book that I can look at or buy? Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

[mushroom]

Hello, and welcome.

There are a couple of places I would recommend you start: First, Dr. Peter Green's book - Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic. Secondly, the Newbie 101 thread here on this forum.

After reading these you will probably have lots of related questions, so come back here and ask them

[1desperateladysaved]

I am hoping you get well. Meal by meal figure it out.'

Here's some flowers ***

Diana

[rosetapper23]

Congratulations on finally finding out what is wrong! You're going to start feeling better, and I'm so happy for you!!! Just remember--natural, whole foods don't contain gluten. If you're ever feeling lost about what to eat, grab some fruit, a vegetable, a diary product (except some yogurts), nuts, or meats, and you'll be safe. At first, you'll want to buy substitutes for all of your "usual" food, but it's usually best to eat whole, natural foods for a while to let your body heal. Also, sometimes the gums or grains in the gluten-free substitutes can cause stomach upsets--and you don't need that!

Good luck with the diet--and welcome to the Forum!

[brattnie07]

Hello, and welcome.

There are a couple of places I would recommend you start: First, Dr. Peter Green's book - Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic. Secondly, the Newbie 101 thread here on this forum.

After reading these you will probably have lots of related questions, so come back here and ask them

The Newbie 101 thread definitely helped! It also made me realize how many things contain gluten, I didn't realize there were so many! I'll have to look into finding the book since I live in a small town and know that I'll have to order it online. Thanks for the help!

[brattnie07]

Congratulations on finally finding out what is wrong! You're going to start feeling better, and I'm so happy for you!!! Just remember--natural, whole foods don't contain gluten. If you're ever feeling lost about what to eat, grab some fruit, a vegetable, a diary product (except some yogurts), nuts, or meats, and you'll be safe. At first, you'll want to buy substitutes for all of your "usual" food, but it's usually best to eat whole, natural foods for a while to let your body heal. Also, sometimes the gums or grains in the gluten-free substitutes can cause stomach upsets--and you don't need that!

Good luck with the diet--and welcome to the Forum!

Thank you! I didn't realize how many things contain gluten! Honestly before I got my results I was thinking this whole gluten free thing wouldn't be too difficult. However after I got the actual diagnosis I realize that this is going to be a lot more difficult than I thought. I love baking and hope to go to Culinary school and open my own bakery one day but that seems like it is going to be complicated now. /:

Once again thank you for your help!

[rosetapper23]

Complicated? Only in the beginning! Gluten-free bakeries are extremely popular these days--you could end up with a very successful enterprise!

[mbrookes]

I know how overwhelming the gluten free diet can be in the beginning. All of us here had a beginning. I have been gluten free for almost six years, and I promise, it gets much easier.

All I want to do right now is encourage you because I remember the frustration and, yes, fright, that I would never be able to enjoy food, eat with my friends, cook for family... and a host of other things.

You are in the right place at Celiac.com. These people helped me soooo much. Ask away. Someone here will be able to answer you. One word of caution... look at the dates on the threads. Some are years old and totally out of date.

Use common sense. Read all labels. Eat a lot of fresh foods (they taste better, anyway). Rye and barley are not such a problem as they are very limited in their uses. Wheat, however, turns up in the darndest places. Stay vigilant. You have friends here who will cyberly (new word) hold your hand all the way.

[New Community Member]

Complicated? Only in the beginning! Gluten-free bakeries are extremely popular these days--you could end up with a very successful enterprise!

Yes, please!!! :)

[shadowicewolf]

Stick with whole foods, not only are they cheaper, but they are better for you.