I Was Just Diagnosed Monday Finally!

[shirley ann]

I was just diagnosed last monday. I've been sick for two years. At first I was releaved just to know there was an answer to me being sick all the time but now that I'm TRYING to learn to shop for me it is very upsetting. I had to make myself not cry at the health food store today. I know it's gonna take time to learn to read lables. But after awhile all those long words just seem to run together. I havn't had a meal in 5 days. But I've been to starbucks everyday. I think I'm afraid to eat since I don't know for sure if it's gluten-free or not. Does anyone know if I can drink Red Bull? Hopefully today was just a bad day and tomorrow I will go back and try again.

[aikiducky]

I promise you, it will get easier. There's lots you can eat, you just haven't found it yet.

Buy some plain meat and potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, salad... there's your meal, naturally gluten - free! I used to eat loads of bananas in the beginning, because their safe, easy to digest and I like them.

There are lots of friendly people on this board, I'm sure others will come with helpful suggestions too.

Pauliina

[nettiebeads]

I was just diagnosed last monday. I've been sick for two years. At first I was releaved just to know there was an answer to me being sick all the time but now that I'm TRYING to learn to shop for me it is very upsetting. I had to make myself not cry at the health food store today. I know it's gonna take time to learn to read lables. But after awhile all those long words just seem to run together. I havn't had a meal in 5 days. But I've been to starbucks everyday. I think I'm afraid to eat since I don't know for sure if it's gluten-free or not. Does anyone know if I can drink Red Bull? Hopefully today was just a bad day and tomorrow I will go back and try again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, it is upsetting to have to make such a drastic change in your food lifestyle. But what you get in return is a healthier body, so the payoff is definitely worth it. The main thing to look for on food lables is wheat, wheat flour, wheat starch. Stay away from malts, anything that says barley, rye or oats. In other words, the less manufacturing into the product, the less additives. Most people with celiac disease find they do much better with meals that are more natural - grilled meats, steamed veggies, fruits.

What does help is to go high protein. And since you aren't eating meals, I'm very worried about your overall health. celiac disease is also a malabsorption disorder. Your body can't absorb nutrients properly and now your not feeding yourself anything at all! You will find that you can't tolerate some foods at first, noticably cheese. It is a very common side effect of the villi being damaged. As you heal, you will be able to tolerate it better, but maybe never in the amounts you used to.

Not everything has to be bought at the health food store. Your wheat items, yes, like pastas and breads and flours if you bake. But you can buy gluten-free pasta, Ragu spaghetti sauce and still have spaghetti. It just takes time. Let me know how you are getting along.

[Guest nini]

The first few times I went shopping after going gluten-free I ended up leaving the store in tears after scouring the aisles for over an hour and not finding ANYTHING that looked edible. Problem was I was trying to hard to find gluten-free items in the things I had been eating. That was the big problem. My pre-gluten-free life was so dependent on Gluten containing foods no wonder I was so sick.

Start simple. Make yourself a nice simple baked potato with some baked chicken and steamed veggies. Steam some rice, eat some fresh fruit, bananas, apples, grapes, treat yourself to a grilled steak seasoned with salt and pepper...

It really does get easier. The best thing that happened to me was the grocery manager at my local health food store said to me "here, have a cookie" and she handed me a delicious gluten-free Aunt Candice Chocolate Chip Cookie. I was able to dry my tears and look around and realize even though I had to radically change my diet, I didn't have to give up cookies! (or good food).

[shirley ann]

I promise you, it will get easier. There's lots you can eat, you just haven't found it yet.

Buy some plain meat and potatoes, cucumber, tomatoes, salad... there's your meal, naturally gluten - free! I used to eat loads of bananas in the beginning, because their safe, easy to digest and I like them.

There are lots of friendly people on this board, I'm sure others will come with helpful suggestions too.

Pauliina

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You don't know how much it means to me to have someone else who understands what I feel. My husband and momma are EXTREMLY supportive but sometimes I feel like a broken record. The depprsion is overwhelming at times. Thank you all.

[nettiebeads]

You don't know how much it means to me to have someone else who understands what I feel. My husband and momma are EXTREMLY supportive but sometimes I feel like a broken record. The depprsion is overwhelming at times. Thank you all.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ah, yes, the dreaded depression. Part of it is from being sick and saying good-bye to your former eating lifestyle. Most of it is because of celiac disease. I'm on zoloft for good for dysthymia, but when I've been glutened my meds don't affect the depression that results from being glutened. It will go away. I'm glad you have a good support group, have them read this forum over your shoulder, it will help their knowledge base as it will yours.

Not to scare you or anything, but there are precautions you will have to take to prevent cross-contamination - like if your hubby eats a sandwich or drinks a beer and then wants to give you a kiss on your lips, that's a no-no. You will have to get your own dedicated toaster, but if cleanliness is followed to the nth degree in the kitchen, you should be okay. Practice lots of handwashing just to make sure. I'm always washing my hands and drying them with paper towels. My husband is very aware of cross-contamination issues, but I'd rather be sure. I put down paper towels or a clean plate if I'm making myself a sandwich. We have decided that the stick margarine in the butter dish is mine, the tub margerine is his. This may seem overwhelming at first, but it does get better with time and will become second nature so that you are hardly thinking about it. And remember you can always come here with questions and vent anytime you want and no question is too personal or silly.

[Rikki Tikki]

Welcome Shirley Ann:

That's all I really wanted to say. That and you will find the people on this board very supportive and helpful. I think you probably won't face something one of hasen't faced or been through and survived!

Ask anything, anytime!

[shirley ann]

Welcome Shirley Ann:

That's all I really wanted to say.  That and you will find the people on this board very supportive and helpful.  I think you probably won't face something one of hasen't faced or been through and survived!

Ask anything, anytime!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you.