Lisa

We are not sure whether to get a hotel or a flat in Rome and make side excursions. Florence is a definite destination. And I would like to head south, or north

Is independent travel easy? As an American, I expect all Europeans to speak English....shame on me, I know!

Or would it be wise to do a small group tour?

And I HAVE so see Pompeii!

Thank everyone for the wonderful suggestions!!! Ya'll come with us!

  On 4/18/2012 at 10:36 PM, chamomilelover said:

I got really bloated with some constipation over the last two days. I had largish amounts of green leaf lettuce two days in a row and I'm not usually much of a lettuce eater. I didn't get glutened - I pretty much felt ok other than the gi symptoms.

I keep reading conflicting information about lettuce - low in fiber, so so in fiber, not good for IBS patients, etc. Does anyone else have trouble with lettuce? Is it because of the fiber, or there something specific to lettuce?

I sometimes get bloated even when I don't think I've been glutened and I can't figure out the pattern of what foods tend to cause it.

I think lettuce is difficult to digest every for people with non-digestive issues. I don't have an issue, but my daughter does. I think more irritating than harmful. But, on the other hand, you might try organic. Could be the commercial wash.

  On 4/17/2012 at 1:22 AM, mamaw said:

Lucky you.....take an empty suitcase to fill up to bring back home!!! I think celiac chicks has a post on Italy..& another too but can't remember the name try googling gluten-free Italy.

I need not tell you to enjoy the trip as I know you will ..I don't fly anymore(chicken) so I guess I will never see Italy.....at least not very soon....

Thanks manaw! It's a bit away, yet exciting. Yes, an empty suitcase for the gluten free goodnesses. Think I could get away with that? I can find a way!

I will check out specifics when closer in time. <snicker>

September, with a galpal....any suggestions? I know Italy is very gluten free progressive and my most favorite destination.

I have been there before with my husband on layovers and looking forward to TIME to see the sites and explore. post celiac.

Any suggestions?

Irish, we choose the same source to site.

My point being the words "associated" and "similar" makes my point. It does not indicate conclusive. That's what I'm saying.

As Jane inquired, you cannot say that all DH is attributed to Celiac Disease, exclusively, just as you can't say that all villious atrophy is attributed to Celiac Disease, exclusively.

DH is most commonly associated with Celiac, although some rare circumstances, it can be attributed to other sources. And I differ imho, that DH and Celiac are the same animal. Very closely aligned, yes.

I don't have the energy nor the time for debates. But, I wanted to clarify my point. Maybe we are just talking semantics. Continue on.....

  On 4/15/2012 at 7:30 PM, IrishHeart said:

DH is the skin manifestation of celiac disease.

In ALL cases? That's what the Jane was inquiring about.

This is what I have found:

Sprue (gluten enteropathy)

Wheat/Gluten/Gliadin intolerance

Idiopathic

Thyroid disorders

BTW - I love the name JaneWhoLovesRain.

  On 4/15/2012 at 3:43 PM, a1956chill said:

DH = celiac.

But Celiac Disease does not = DH.

It's my understanding the DH is a gluten intolerance which manifest itself on the skin. You can have both Celiac and DH and the RX is the same.

  On 4/15/2012 at 12:21 AM, mommyto2kids said:

Is it safe, Does it have flour on it from the line after slicing. What do you think? I eat circle cheese and block cheese mostly. What have you learned and how did you learn it?

Many grated cheeses are dusted with cellulose, which is non-gluten. I have seen none, dusted with flour.

Kraft cheese will identify any form of gluten.

  On 4/12/2012 at 7:26 PM, Christine0125 said:

It just says Pork Broth, Sodium Citrate and Salt.

I would eat it! No gluten indicated.

  On 4/12/2012 at 5:54 PM, Christine0125 said:

I picked it up quickly at the grocery store. Didn't read beyond the word "natural" until I got home and noticed that it is marinated in broth. Anyone happen to know if this is gluten free? I couldn't find any information on the company website concerning gluten.

What are the ingredients?

  On 4/12/2012 at 6:23 PM, jenn42 said:

I'm still so confused about Natural Flavorings and Carmel Color. It's in EVERYTHING!! Can anyone explain this to me.

Carmel Color is not a gluten concern. Natural Flavorings must list wheat if it is source. But most times natural flavorings are secret spices.

  On 4/12/2012 at 1:56 AM, stef_the_kicking_cuty said:

Tanks for your responses. I'm going to have a journal for an exclusion diet for a while and see how that goes. Birder, I remember you from back when. We actually talked quite often.

Hey Stef and baby Luke...how about some pictures?

Tonight we have 615 members viewing us this evening. Please, feel free to join us on the Forum. It's a great place to fall but more so, a great place to get up!

Everyone is welcome!

was just dx in March and have been gluten-free since then, and although everyone says its a good idea to take yourself off dairy, I can't do it! Im a cheese-a-holic, and used to be a bread-a-holic, its bad enough the bread is gone, can't do without the cheese! I did buy the lactose free milk, but have since switched back to normal milk, Im so weak, have no self control!?!?

Hopeless, thats what I am.....If you can do it though all the power to you, I hear its the right thing to do!

I think you know the answer to your ills.

  On 4/11/2012 at 10:41 PM, marys2012 said:

I recently posted my blood test results for celiacs disease. I met with my doctor today who said the positive test that I got was most likely a false positive and that I probably don't have celiacs. But he did give me another blood test today. It was called an endomysial Ab. The test that I showed positive for before was Deamidated Gliadin Abs, IgA 76 High units (>30 is moderate to strong positive. The others were negative. Has anyone else had any experience like this showing a false positive? I'm so frustrated because I had hope as to maybe finding out what is wrong with me.

I would find Skylark's response more accurate than that of your doctor:

It means you need a biopsy. DGP-IgA, your positive test, indicates celiac most of the time but not always. There is a little question in your case because all the other tests are negative. Sometimes people with only DGP-IgA have no damage when the biopsy is done. That's probably why your doctor hasn't commented and referred you to a GI.

Your immune system is recognizing gluten and even if your doctor decides you don't have celiac right now, you would be at serious risk for getting it. Once you have your biopsy you should try gluten-free. I bet it will help you feel better.

I think you have joined our club! But, I would request an endoscopy exam before trying the gluten free diet. If you choose not to pursue further testing, go gluten free.

You have received some great advise already and I don't have too much to add.

Just keep it simple. Fresh is best and no processed foods, until you feel better. Branch out with one addition at a time. And do your cooking on the weekend to freeze, like soups or stews for weekly dinners.

And... your cat eats pasta? Probably not too good for the cat.

I think the topic of "cross reaction" is relatively new. I have heard of no "official" concerns about cross reaction foods and Celiac Disease.

I have only heard blog chatter. And it certainly would not prevent me from my coffee.

  On 4/11/2012 at 5:34 PM, GFreeMO said:

Ok, now i'm confused. I thought that coffee was safe. Since I can't find any safe tea, I drink coffee. Is coffee gluten free or not?

Unflavored coffee is gluten free.

In a nutshell, fairly recent lab research has revealed that 10% of coffee is a protein that cross reacts with gluten antibodies.

This means that if you are gluten sensitive or celiac and are avoiding gluten containing grains or perhaps have even gone completely grain free, if you still drink coffee there is a strong likelihood that the protein in the coffee is triggering the very same gluten related health problems you are trying to avoid.

In other words, even if you think you are doing fine with your current gluten free diet, it is very possible that skipping the coffee could take your health to the next level.

And what's this "cross-reacts"?

Looks like Hershey is coming around! Finally!

Open Original Shared Link

  On 4/11/2012 at 12:29 PM, sa1937 said:

Well said, Lisa! We are quick to blame but have to take responsibility when we go to a fast food restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) and know there's a chance we may get glutened either because of lack of knowledge on the part of employees or unintentional CC. Unless someone lives with celiac, how can we expect them to know as much as we do and the precautions we must take to stay safe.

Thanks, and especially for overlooking the typo's too!

  On 4/11/2012 at 12:49 AM, Marilyn R said:

I received a reply back tonight from Lisa's link to corporate Olive Garden. It isn't standard operating procedure to dust the parmesan cheese with flour. They said they'd follow up.

YES!

Marilyn, could you post their reply or in parts that you feel appropriate?

Thank you so much for your reply and maybe???? in the near future you can eat there with comfort.

Yea! I love warriors, as we all are.

  On 4/10/2012 at 11:57 PM, living_free said:

I might have to try chick-fil-a fries to see if i get a bad reaction.. Before I had to cut all the gluten out, I would have to go to chick-fil-a at least once a week.. My all time FAVORITE!!! I have had their grilled chicken nuggets, and it was cross contaminated...so if I go in to eat, I will have to try the fries or have special instructions for cooking the chicken strips to see if that helps any..i have ate out twice since going gluten-free...the other time was fries from del taco and cross contaminated as well.

EVERY time you walk into a fast food restaurant, you risk being glutened or in the least glutened by cross contact. Know this before you blame a company for your illness. Sorry, if I seem blunt, but it's important that you be responsible for your own intake and health.

One personal experience at Chic-fil-A, might not be the next. It's a popular fast food restaurant, with great service, IMHO I don't visit there often, but have been pleased even with the service and the food.

I applaud them for their efforts. :D

Here is the current gluten free options:

Open Original Shared Link

AND, I forgot my manners.... Welcome!

  On 4/10/2012 at 11:01 AM, JustNana said:

Lisa,

Maybe I didn't express myself very well. Sarah said she was diagnosed by an upper GI so I thought something new was being done. I am aware of the standard methods of diagnosis. I had a highly positive antigen test, followed by a diagnosis of Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Hashimoto's. The clincher of course is the response to the diet which I have experienced on a couple of areas.

I have had many endoscopies and colonoscopies over the years to track colon polyps and diverticulitis with the latter and esophagus damage from reflux with the former. Athough I dislike the colon prep, both procedures are, as you say, a piece of cake. But endoscopy with biopsies is naturally more invasive than an upper GI and, more important for many people, the upper GI is much more affordable and requires no anesthetic. I would still be curious about Sarah's diagnosis.

You seem very knowlwgable Lisa and always go out of your way to answer questions for people. That's why I love this board so much. Thanks. :-)

My apology. I should have directed my reply to Sarah. She most likely miss phrased an upper GI test for an endoscopy, perhaps.