tiredofdoctors

Boy, am I fence-sitting on this one. As a PT, I have seen SO MANY bogus lawsuits, that I have sworn that, in my life, I will not sue another individual nor a corporation. However; (you guys had to know that there would be a however ) I've been on what I thought was a gluten-free diet in order to reduce the damage to my cerebellum, retinas and peripheral nerves. I have continued to have worsening symptoms, and each time I went to the neurologist, my neurological tests were worse. It was humiliating to try to convince the neuro doc that I REALLY WAS adhering to the gluten-free diet when in reality, eating McD's fries 1-2x per week as my "treat" I wasn't. It's hard to convince someone you're doing what you're supposed to when you keep getting worse. Hence, my fence-sitting position.

Don't know about celiacs having a higher potential for gestational diabetes. I did, however, treat pregnancy and post-partum patients when I was practicing. If you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, it dramatically increases your chances for converting to Type II diabetes later in life. (sometimes, not to soon after the baby is born). My advice to you is that, if you are diagnosed, follow the guidelines strictly, purchase a glucometer (Walgreens has disposable ones for, like, $25) and monitor your sugars closely. I'm sure you know that you have the possibility of having a very large baby (because they receive all the excess glucose), and it also has some potential dangers for the baby if you do not allow your sugars to remain within normal limits. Enough of the lecture (sorry), and good luck to you . . . . Lynne

I would think that her doctor would order the "standard" tests before taking her off the gluten-free diet. Antigliadin, Antitransglutaminase and Antiendomysial antibodies, and then a small intestine biopsy. I think taking her off a gluten-free diet based solely upon genetic testing could be a big mistake.

My kids are waiting for me to have my genetic testing. I am negative celiac, but have gluten ataxia. My neuro doc is going to do HLA testing next visit. Then my kids are both going to be tested for the same. Both are going to be tested for Thyroid antibodies, because I had thyroid troubles early-on in life, and they are as well. Mine then converted into Hashimoto's. I think because my kids have seen what gluten has done to me, they are both more willing to have the testing done. My approach to them is that I want them to have the knowledge base of what they may be facing, and then can make their decisions based on that information. (My kids are 19 (girl) and 23 (boy)) Funny, my son appears to be more interested in having the testing done than my daughter. I think that my daughter has some fears due to the fact that she is getting married, and the potential of passing on the genetic "garbage" to her children in the future. I wish you the best of luck. I know that, when dealing with your kids, it's "iffy" at best when you're trying to convince them to take care of their health -- when they're that young, they feel invincible.

I struggled with annorexia in my late 20's, early 30's. Since having to be gluten-free, I don't necessarily think that those issues have returned, but I think that now, I'm afraid of food. I have reduced my diet almost entirely to smoothies which I make, because I have EXTREME control over what is in them. I have little interest in those, as well. I can now go 2-3 days without eating, because I'm simply not interested in food. My husband has been a great help with this, though. He finds foods which are labeled "gluten-free", shows me the labels, and we eat them together. He does this as many nights as he can, because he knows that I won't usually eat during the day. He also secretly "keeps track" of whether I've eaten, which is good. I am overweight now, trying to lose for my daughter's wedding in August, and he knows of my past history. Because of thyroid and metabolism issues, I have not been able to lose weight. He reminds me of the importance of not throwing my body into "starvation mode", and then I will metabolize little or nothing. I think it is such a fine line, trying to eat healthy, yet being very afraid about the foods which I put in my mouth. My kitchen is gluten-free, and I have given all our former wooden spoons & utensils (pampered chef, too -- it killled me) to my friends. I think that, at some point, all of us must go through this fear. I don't know how long it takes to reduce or eliminate that fear. I think that, eventually, it will diminish. In the meantime, please take care of yourself, and know that you're not alone in your struggle. I will keep you and everyone on this thread in my thoughts and prayers . . . . ((HUGS))Lynne

Hey -- put my Kroger's address in there, too!!!!! They care some things, but need a LOT more . . . .

I do think that that is an excellent letter with very good advice. I do know, also, that McDonalds has led me to believe that their french fries are safe. Given the fact that I've been eating them 1-2 x / week, it does make me question why my neurologist questions the sincerity of my answer when I tell him that I have been adhering strictly to the gluten-free diet. I have continued to get worse, including increasing positive neurological tests. I have to look the MD squarely in the eyes and swear to him that I'm following the diet to the letter -- and yet, I think he doesn't believe me. If these stupid fries are to blame for that, it really makes me mad.

Indy gets everything before Louisville! You guys are LUCKY!!

Welcome, Jaten! As a newbie, you ain't seen nothin' yet!!! The folks on this forum are so knowledgeable, so informed, and so kind -- you wouldn't believe it. They are also very willing to share their information with you, and even make you laugh about your disease when you thought that it was the LAST thing you'd ever do!! When I first started going gluten-free, I was lost . . . they were a lifeline, for sure. Now, I consider them "forum friends"! You're definitely in the right place.

It's not bad . . . it's 89.95 (I think) for a year on a Palm and they will give you the software for your PC as well . . . with updates every 12 weeks. I didn't think that was very much. It's less than Gluten Guard. It seems pretty "user friendly", as well. Dave and I were comparing the two, and even though the Gluten Guard has a LOT more products listed, it doesn't have the dates on which the ingredients were confirmed, and it doesn't contain the entire company address/phone listing.

It's worth the effort to download the sample . . . we did for both, then compared the two.

My guess is your doctor said it was a "greenstick" fracture. They call them that because the fracture isn't as bad -- like a "green stick" on a tree wouldn't break as bad as an older one.

I have gluten ataxia -- so I fall all the time. Prior to my diagnosis, even, I can say that I have had a LOT of broken bones. Since my diagnosis, I have broken two toes, broken 1 long bone in my foot, chipped a bone in my left elbow, fractured a bone in my right forearm, broke a small bone in my right hand -- I think that's all -- but none of my doctors think I need a bone density test!!!! (I'm 43). Personally, with that many breaks, I think I should . . .

I'm a PT and use to lift weights -- now, I'm stuck in a wheelchair or using a walker -- I've increased my calcium intake -- both supplements and food-wise -- hoping to ward off osteoporosis. Still don't know though, whether it's working . . . .

Count me in!

L'oreal and Lancome are owned by the same parent company. Estee Lauder, Inc. owns Estee Lauder (of course), Clinique, Mac, Bobbie Brown, Prescriptives, Jane, Origins, Stila, Aveda, Jane, Tommy Hilfiger and LaMer. That's according to the book, "Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me". When I contacted Estee Lauder, Inc. Their blanket statement for ALL of their products, including subsidiary company products, is that they would not guarantee that any of their products are gluten free due to the different companies from which they purchase their ingredients . . . (or something just as hokey as that -- I can't remember ). At any rate, thought that might help.

I think that's one of those things that is "good in theory", but almost impossible to apply in the real world. I'm sure the government knew that when they set the thing up

Judy, you're the best!!! Those are funny! "Limping Lynne" --actually, it would have to be a description that depicts more of a drunkard walking!!!!!!! "Falling Lynne" is a good one, too -- I like the idea of flower ones, though! Actually, Lucky Lynne is pretty accurate -- or actually I'm not so much lucky as I am blessed . . . .

I can't believe I'm this excited about bulbs!!! Each time I go out front, I walk around the whole circle to see which ones are coming up, and how much progress they're making!!!

BTW: I have decided that, since my outlook has changed dramatically since I began on this forum, that it's time for a change of titles -- "tired of doctors" is much too pessimistic to describe me now. So, I'm looking for a new one . . . any suggestions greatly welcome! I need something that is much more either a) pragmatic (like just my name) b optimistic or c) just plain silly!

Have at it, guys!!!!! Talk to you soon . . . . . .Lynne

I speak only the truth.

Don't know about the renewal fee for the Clan Thompson stuff . . . I do know that, if you e-mail them with a question, they reply to you within 2 hours. It was pretty impressive. They also said that, for their updates, if you request specific products which you eat which are not on the list, they will try their best to include them on the next update. I was pretty happy with the responses which I got. Surprisingly fast responses, and the girl who responded appeared to not withhold any information. Pretty unusual, in a very good way!

Thanks for the info Richard . . . . doesn't it seem like a WHOLE lot of work, though, for what could end up being a minimal deduction?????

You would have to find the cost of the regular item, verify it, record it, then record the difference on each receipt. For each item your purchase that's special for the diet.

I don't think I'm that organized! I can do an Excel spreadsheet with the best of them, but it just seems like a negative-value task by the time you put the amount of time you put into it, AND the red flag that it brings with the IRS. Hmmmm. . . . .don't think I plan on deducting my food!

I'm sure that there are others who are much more organized than I, and that it will probably be a breeze for them . . . I just don't think that I should take the chance!!!!! I'm just not that good!!!

Back to an earlier post -- I DO remember the picture of him with the bag of cereal! Will definitely have to plan a trip to Wild Oats -- as I said, Tymber is a child with impeccable taste!

Forgot this part: I'm 6'1" and when I was a kid, I had almost white-blonde hair -- it didn't get to be brown until after my first child was born -- it was kind of weird. No one at my 5 yr. class reunion knew me, because my hair had always been light, and here I was with this dark hair.

Wow -- what an eye-opening article. It's good that your body can heal -- but this idea that a lot of MD's have -- that you'll be "fine" in a few months -- according to some things I've read, some things I've heard -- was certainly shot down. Jersey Angel -- find out if your allergist is also an IMMUNOLOGIST. Usually it is a combined specialty. If that is the case, I would talk in-depth about the immunology portion of your disease as well. Allergies are one thing -- immunology issues are quite another. Found this out the hard way. Good luck to you. Will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

SPARKY????? That is hysterically funny! Am working on my story - actually, I would prefer to e-mail it to you (it's too LONG) -- as an attachment -- because it would absolutely bore everyone else to tears! If it's O.K., can I have your e-mail address, then send it that way??? BTW: As I'm writing it, I find that I'm getting more and more hacked off at these doctors. My vet would certainly be better.

Did I NOT tell you that jenvan is a wealth of information??????

Remember this: NORMAL is just a setting on the washing machine.