Niteyx13

Wow, thank you all for the support, especially concidering how off-topic I have gone. I will look into the links and see what I can find.

Deanna

Well, it seems it is time for trails like crazy in our family. We have had soooo much junk hitting us already, and now we had the worst of the worst. My mother found out today that is has breast cancer. She is my only parent left, and I am too young to be losing parents as it is. I know this is not a cancer group, but does anyone know of any support groups like this for people dealing with a loved ones with cancer? I am going to have to be her main support, and I can't even keep it together myself. She is dealing with it better than I am. I hate seeming like I always complain, but things have been tough. Forgive me going off topic, and thanks for allowing me to vent here.

Deanna

I have eaten at Outback like 2 or 3 times since the diet started (we have one right down the road about 2 miles). It is wonderful. The staff has always been good about knowing what I was talking about, and the brownie is awesome! Texas Road House, which is my favorite - only farther away than Outback, has a gluten-free menu, and Lone Star Steak House does also. =)

Deanna

I have never actually been diagnosed. Celiac actually first came to me from a cousin that is gluten intolerant. I started researching and I believe celiac disease is what I have. I have had all the typical IBS diagnosis, and doctors that won't listen.

I haven't had a problem with acid reflux until I went gluten-free (except when I was pregnant). Before going gluten-free I had constipation, chronic tiredness, distention, and stomach pain (among other junk). I honestly am scared with what is going on with my body. Now some days I don't really feel any better, but some I do. I also accidently ate some gluten this weekend, and I haven't seemed to have had a reaction. I am kinda afraid that I have something else going on now. Now I have waves of nausea, headaches, stomach pains, distension, joint pain, "foggy head", and just generally feel lethargic. My constipation comes and goes these days, but seems to have gotten better. Unless I have just screwed up more than I realize and start to get better but screw it up by eating gluten. I have also tried to cut down on dairy some, but I already feel like I am starving half the time.

I am waiting for insurance, but they keep asking for more information. I want to talk to a doctor before going back on gluten for testing (I refuse to assume that a doctor is willing to test me before talking to one - because I generally have a distrust in doctors these days). Finances will not allow for Entrolab right now, because we have had some set backs this last month. So, I am kinda stuck.

I am sorry for venting like a 3 year old. It's my birthday and I am not having a good day. I have a headache, and my stomach is not right, and my kids are running around like crazy people - which doesn't help the head. Thanks to everyone who has responded!

Deanna

Hi all...

A friend of mine is making "Swamp Gas" for a PartyLite party she is having on friday (I jokingly told her she was trying to get everyone drunk enough to buy a bunch of stuff). She was going to look for a gluten-free vodka for me, so that I would be able to try some. She has found that every kind she looks at says "distilled with grains" or something of that nature. Does anyone have a listing of safe alcohols? I am not much of a drinker, but I am curious about this stuff she is making. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Deanna

My hair has been falling out for at least 6 years. I think it has gotten slightly better since my gluten-free diet started a month and a half ago. After all this falling out, it has never started getting bald...even though I feared it would. I had also found that dying it made it happen more. Keeping it has healthy as possible (pre-natal vitamins are great for your hair even when you are not pregnant), and I think going gluten-free has helped tons. So, hang in there, it will get better!

Deanna

I love your icon! I am gonna work on getting one of my own.

I go back and forth with weight. I will lose around 5 pounds then gain it back. I really thought I would lose a lot, since I used to eat like a pig before going gluten-free. My weight has always been weird. I have stayed at 115 for the last 6 years, except when pregnant of course. I should be over weight because of being hypo-thyroid. But, it doesn't seem that I really gain or lose either way. Maybe it is all linked into the gluten thing, who knows. Thanks for your reply!

Deanna

Hello all...

I just had a few questions about what happened to you all in your body when you went gluten-free.

I have been on the diet around a month and a half now. I know that most times I feel better, if I could just stop screwing up (but I am getting better at it)! I have started getting heart burn a lot, and it seems to kinda go up into my throat. Acid reflux? And, this happens almost every afternoon, getting worse into evening. Most days I am not eating something that would normally cause this. Some nights it is worse than others, but is almost always there in some form or another. Some times it just feels like mt throat is thick and getting sore. Is this normal? Or, am I maybe mistaking some seasonal allergies as having something to do with being gluten-free?

My arthritis has also gotton worse, and some nights it is nearly impossible to sleep. I have been taking a lot of Ibuprofen just to be able to get to sleep. My husband was concerned a few weeks ago that I had gone into hyperthyroid again, because of how lousy I was sleeping and the energy I had. Although, this week I have been back to naps, and zonking out early.

I also have more headaches. Which I guess could also be allergies. Usually my allergies are in the spring time, though. But, I guess monsoon season could have brought them up. It's just confusing, because I don't know what is going on with my body.

I did find that I am going to stop drinking caffeine. I am down to one cup of coffee in the morning. It is going to be hard to give that one up, but I know that caffeine makes my anxiety worse. I have known this for a long time, but I was reading about it the other day and it actually said that caffeine could do that (which most people don't believe, or don't want to believe).

Anwyay, I finally have my daughter on insurance. I should be on some myself the next few weeks. We will see what my doctor says about me going on the diet, etc. If I have to I will eat gluten again, but I hope that I will get the doctor to listen to me. I would like to have my daughter at least get the blood test for the gluten intolerance. I am highly suspious that she has the same thing, and JRA too. We will see.

Okay, I am done blabbing now. This E-mail was basically just to see if anyone else had any weird things happen when they went gluten-free, and if the symptoms stuck around, or went away? Thanks all for putting up with me!!!

Deanna

Thank you Dana. I just don't want to appear like a know-it-all. I only know a lot about a lot of stuff, because I am a walking issue... lol...

But, seriously, I like to help other people, and this board has helped me soooo much that I just want to give back. So, when I saw "co-dependency" I kinda got excited. Thank you all for being here.

Deanna

I could eat whatever I wanted before and not gain weight, being gluten-free I go up and down in a range of 5 pounds. I thought I would lose a lot more concidering I am starving half the time, and I used to eat soooo much. It's weird.

Deanna

I'm sorry...but what a dork!

I wouldn't go back to that doctor. Especially after the "IBS" thing!

Deanna

Co-dependency has a lot more other things to do with it than just feeling like you "can't live without someone". It is a very messed up psychological way of thinking that is caused from a disfunctional family life in your childhood (and was first found in families of alcoholics). I know this because I have been going through recovery for co-dependency for the past year. It bugs me when people start throwing the "co-dependant" label at someone who loves, and is loyal to someone else. Often times it seems that the one pointing the co-dependant finger is probably the co-dependent one. Because one of the major traits of a co-dependant is the want to control others (although, often unconciously).

Anyway, I am sorry to get on a tangent in here about this. After all, this is not a co-dependency forum. But, I thought I would throw in my thoughts, since I am someone who struggles with it myself.

I would say that if a friend who seems to be a close friend but gives you so much trouble maybe needs to remain a friend, but maybe not such a close one.

Just my two cents again...

Deanna

Well, I won't be much help here...but...

I have heard that ringing in the ears is caused by a vitamin deficency. But, alas, I don't remember which vitamin. I know, I know, I am sooooooo helpful!

Deanna

Hi, it's Deanna, and I decided I would share too. I am 27 (very soon to be 28, eek!) and I live in Mesa, Az. Oh boy is it hot and humid here right now during monsoon! Anyway...I have two children a girl who is 9, and a boy who is 3. And, I also have a wonderful husband. We are very involved in church activities, I love to read, swim, eat (haha), listen to music, and I am addicted to movies. I am a licensed massage therapist, but I am not practicing anymore. I sew and sell clothes for E-bay, and I work in a church nursery a few days a week. There isn't really too much else that goes on in my life...guess we are pretty boring people...but in a good way.

I am undiagnosed by a doctor, but self-diagnosed. I have all the typical stuff. I was diagnosed with JRA at 2, and had a milk allergy also (that I kinda grew out of...but think is still there somewhat. I am in denial about it right now...one thing at a time is all I can handle, hehe). My symptoms really started when I got pregnant with my daughter, and was then diagnosed with thyroid disease. I have had stomach problems since I was young, gradually getting worse as I have gotten older. I was diagnosed with IBS about a year ago. I have been put on a few meds that only made me feel sicker. Celiac came to me when I found out my cousin was gluten intolerant and I started doing re-search. By this time I was exhausted all the time, had gas, distention, constipation, and pain constantly . I decided if I couldn't get a doctor to take me seriously then I would go on the diet and see what happens. It has been so good for me physically, although, often emotionally hard. I was glad when I found out about the disease, because finally there was an answer! Anyway, you all have heard most of this blah blah from me before, so I will end it.

Thank you all for being here. I am so glad I found this forum, it has been a great blessing!

Deanna

Anna,

I am an undiagnosed celiac, but have been on the diet for a little over a month now. I started re-searching the disease when my cousin came for a visit and I found out she was gluten intolerant. All her problems before going gluten free were like mine!

My problem is when I tell people I don't eat gluten, and then explain why. Then they ask me, "Oh, when did you find out this?" I refuse to lie about it, so I have to go through the thing about how my doctor would not listen to me (just hand me another IBS med) and how I decided to try the diet and see what happens. Then I really get looked at like an alien! They think I am a total fruitcake. So, I know what you mean about how people are. I will be glad when I am able to get at least the Entrolab tests done, then I will have SOMETHING to make me seem less insane. Even though I shouldn't have to prove myself to anyone. It's just that I was someone that LOVED to eat (and did) whatever I wanted whenever I wanted before; I would not be on this diet unless it made me feel better! I have mourned my food so much.

The restaurant stuff is hard I agree. I am sooooo sick of salads! I have been so glad this board has been here too, and it has helped me immensely. Thank you for sharing.

Deanna

I am also in the valley, so if anyone finds a good doctor please send me their way!

Deanna

This is alittle off subject, but just alittle. I got an E-mail from my gluten intolerant cousin yesterday and she says she takes "Pepogest" by Nature's Way everyday. It is basically just a peppermint oil, and it helps her all around and makes things easier to digest. It may even help with accidental gluten intake, I will have to ask her. She also takes "Flax seed" everyday, I am not sure what for - but she says it helps. I am assuming they are to help get rid of all the blotaing and gas junk we go through. It would be awesome if they helped with an accident too. I just thought I would share this with everyone, because she has been at this diet for quite awhile now. I am going to try the things she has recomened.

Deanna

I had shingles at about 14 or 15 years old; I don't know if that would be concidered young to have them, or not? I also have side pain, but it is on my left side, and it gets really bad sometimes when I lay on that side. In fact, most of the time I cannot lay on that side. Weird stuff.

Deanna

I have been on the diet for a month now, but was taking communion and messed up a few times the first couple of weeks. I missed a weekend of church, so I actually went 2 weeks with no gluten at all. Then this weekend (on saturday night) I had communion again (afterwards found out they keep gluten free wafers for celiacs in a back room...yay!!!). I didn't have diareha (sp?) and sunday I seemed fine, but monday I was drug-down tired again, almost threw-up, and just felt sick. I still have not felt very good today, and I have been constipated again since friday, even though I have been taking my fiber. Does anyone think this was a reaction? I am not completely well yet, but I can tell that I have been getting better (at least until yesterday). I have been very extremely careful about what I eat the past few weeks (except at communion). Just looking for input, because I thought people usually have diareha when they have a reaction. I have felt just horrible! Thanks!

Deanna

Cancer does not actually become painful until the last stages (although there are usually other signs of it), if it were cancer you would not have had pain for so long. I know this from my Mother being a nurse, and having older family members that were so anti-doctor, that they waited until they were in pain to go to the doctor. When they found out they had cancer it was too late.

I will be 28 in August, so we are nearly the same age. I too have often wondered about cancer myself, so I know how you feel. It becomes kind of a panic thing when you cannot figure out what is going on with your body, and when they doctors also seem to ignore half your problems.

I use a great gluten free fiber suppliment. It is even one of the clear kinds, and I can put it in my morning coffee! It is called Fiber Clear, and it is made by Nature Made. I buy it at Walgreen's, and it is alittle expensive, but it helps a lot. It is made from corn, and even says on the back "Gluten free". The citrus stuff never worked for me either. Fiber Clear doesn't keep me completely un-constipated, but it does keep me more regular than I have been in years. It wasn't uncommon for me to go a week and a half without "going" before.

As for cereal. I have found myself so paranoid about that, that I will not buy any kind that is not from a store like "Sprouts" or "Whole Foods" and it has to say "Gluten Free" on it. Someone on here has a link to name brands that do not have gluten. I printed it, and use it all the time. I no longer have it, but hopefully someone can get this to you???

Hope I have helped in some way. Like I said, I know how you feel. It is very scary, and it makes it hard to enjoy life.

I have always used ibuprofen for cramps, and that helps a lot. I also take lots of hot baths, they relieve the pain - until you get out at least.

My periods are always right on schedule, but they last 7-8 days! I have always had major cramps, and I have had hot flashes around period time since I got pregnant with my first child at 18 years old (people don't often believe me since this is something that most women don't get until menopause). I had to have pre-cancerous cells taken from my cervix 2 years ago also, I am now 27. Every woman in my Mom's side of the family have had at least a partial historectomy in their late 30's or early 40's. So, I am sure that will happen to me too. Anyone else had any of these issues???

Deanna

Here is a yummy (and easy!) recipe that has been in my family for years. If you are careful and check all ingredients you put into it, you can have a great gluten free dinner.

Pizza Fondue

1 lb. hamburger

2 tbs. butter

21 oz. pizza sauce

1 tbs. corn starch

1 tsp. anise seed (optional: I never use this in mine, but it is on the recipe)

1 1/2 tsp. oregano

1/4 tbs. garlic powder

10 oz. cheddar cheese

1 cup mozerella

Cook hamburger. The add hamburger and all other ingredients; except the cheeses, together. Cook until heated through, then throw in cheese. Cook until throughly melted.

We always dipped french bread in it, and I know there are some boxed mixes available for gluten free french bread at Sprouts. I haven't been able to try it yet. You can always get creative and dip whatever you think will taste good with it. Hope you enjoy. =)

Deanna

I don't know what it means, since I am undiagonosed also, but I have been fighting a fungus under my left big toe for 2 years now (I think it is finally going away, yay!), and as long as I can remember I have had weak thin fingernails.

Deanna

Carol,

I am still undecided about what I am going to do. I am working on getting some insurance right now, and then I think I am going to try one last time to get a doctor to listen and test me (if by that time I am willing to start eating gluten again...who knows I may feel so good that I decide not to). I am just afraid that because of the fact that I share joint custody with my son's father, that unless I get tested through a doctor that he will not agree to let my son be tested. I already brought up the possibilty of it, and I got the typical "there's nothing wrong with you" lecture. He is constantly trying to make me look mental, or make me believe I am mental, or even convince others I am (or all three)...which is a big reason we are divorced. If the doctor route doesn't work I have every intention of going Entrolab. Although, my understanding is they can only diagnose gluten intolerance, and not celiac??? Which I guess it doesn't matter either way, because the solution is the same. Thanks for the words of encouragement from all. Happy 4th everyone! =)

Deanna