Lisa

This is a great resource for the newly diagnosed:

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The traditional method of diagnosis is the blood test and/or an endoscopy exam. Surely, as a GI he would know this.

The following are the celiac specific blood tests:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgA and IgG

Total Serum IgA

Welcome! As you're finding, there is lots of great information here.

As the title says, my grandfather has celiac's disease and has for a few years now. He was diagnosed when I was 14/15 and I was tested also. The problem is, the blood test came back negative and the last few months I've been in agony with a mixture of constipation, diarrhea, gas bubbles and stomach cramps and pains, mostly when I eat a large amount of dairy containing foods (like my homemade alfredo sauce which I love). I have been under a lot of stress the last two years, between my husband abusing me, in the sexual manner and emotional and mental, and him then dumping me in Colorado last year. I've been struggling to live with everything and have been treated via therapy for depression. I'm just wondering, if its possible for me to have celiac disease after everything that's happened?

Yes, although your history my be tragic, often times stress can be a trigger for Celiac to kick in. Are you able to be tested? Mention this to your therapist and with hopes she/he can arrange for appropriate testing.

I am feeling awful. I am having aches and pains in my joints and muscles. I am feeling tired. My back which I injured about six years ago is inflamed (to the point that any movement sends shooting pain). But I'm not having much (though there is some) GI issues. I don't have a fever, but I have had a sore throat and have a headache (which might be allergies). I can't tell if this is a gluten reactions (which I have no idea where this would have gotten in) or if I'm sick. How does one tell the difference? I took some dayquil, but it didn't help at all. How do I tell the difference? Has anyone had previous injuries become problems again when they are glutened?

Thanks.

I guess you don't. You do your best to be gluten free, but that does not save you from the "disease of the day" as my Primary Doctor refers....the crud around the office or the crazy pollen that is making everyone miserable, the flu.

Sometimes we concentrate on the gluten issues, but seem to forget about the daily ills we used to come into contact with. There still out there, too!

As old age continues, I find that the weather is not always my friend. I can feel the weather change long before the weather man tells me so.

Hope you can make a quick recovery Googles.

Quick question, my daughter who has celiac has started to complain about armpit oder. Her pediatric endo said she can start using deoderant/anti-persperant, but it must be gluten free as well as fragerence free as the fragrences can cause irritation/rashes as well as spur on hair growth (she has none yet). Can anyone recommend a good deoderant for my 9 year old to start with that is gluten free and fragerence free? Everything I've looked up online is several years outdated and I want her to have a positive experience.

Thanks.

In many years here, I have not heard of a deodorant that was an issue. Dove is a good company and they have unscented versions.

I was just wondering what people mean when they say that they have reacted to a certain non-gluten thing like rice, soy, corn, fructose etc. Does it mean that you have had a gluten TYPE reaction like intestinal stuff or what?

Good question! Or what is a "reaction" to a certain product, gluten free or otherwise.

If you are in the USA, not so much. Here, instead of letting the bacteria actually consume the lactose, companies tend to adulterate the dairy product with thickeners, so the lactose remains. In fact, sometimes more lactose is added in.

So you'd want to avoid dairy that has added pectin, any types of gums, or milk powder - that usually means it's been thickened artificially and there is more lactose in it. Citric acid added to soured milk products like buttermilk means it usually hasn't been allowed to sour long enough for the bacteria to do the work. And that usually has remaining lactose in it, as a result.

You can find a few dairy products that are naturally lower in lactose, still processed in a good way, but European style butters, more expensive aged cheeses, and imported dairy products are more likely to NOT have thickeners, and so actually have lower lactose levels, in that case. It's not always true, but a better bet.

Where is "here"? Australia?

Is there a list of foods that say they are gluten free but people have had reactions from? I swear the kinnikinnick bread I got is giving me a reaction.

Depending on how long you have been gluten free will determine your ongoing heath. It takes time, days weeks, months and even years to feel 100% healthy.

There is no list of foods, but being an expert at label reading and expanding knowledge will carry you safely.

About a year ago I actually became a member here and was very active on the board, thinking I definitely had celiacs.

I got most of the tests you listed as well as a colonoscopy and biopsy.

On top of the that, on my own, I did a FULL gluten free diet for about free months (down to all new cooking utensils and shampoo) with ZERO positive results.

At that point I assumed it was safe to rule out gluten.

And like I said in the earlier post, the only long term relief from the headaches I've had in years was when I completely cut out dairy.

There are several food that can attribute to migraines. I would assume you have researched those...cheese is one and MSG. Maybe you have found your answer.

I apologize if I have over looked some of your statements.

I would suggest that you be tested with these:

The following are the celiac specific blood tests:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgA and IgG

Total Serum IgA

Are these the tests you had taken for Celiac? There is such as thing as Non Celiac Gluten Intolerance, meaning that you have symptoms of Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity, without testing positive. But there is no reliable test for that at this time.

If you like to be retested for Celiac, you must be on a full gluten diet for about three months. If not, you may go FULL gluten free (not sort of).

If you choose the diet, we can walk you through it. But it must be as 100% as possible. If you have no other options to relieve your migrane's, why not try.

....and welcome!

Hydrolyzed Gluten Protein could be corn as well and processors must, by law, identify the source of the gluten protein on labeling.

(not speaking to the point that T.H. was making, but I think it adds to the topic of concern)

Of interest possibly:

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Perdue, Grocery Store Rotisserie Whole Chickens, are gluten free in our area.

Buy a bottle that you would enjoy drinking and add your splash to your meal. A good moderately prices white wine - Barefoot.

I cook a lot with Marsala wine or sweet vermouth.

I've been on the gluten-free diet for nearly 2 years now. When I was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease 2 years ago, I had been losing a lot of weight and people were getting concerned. Since going on the gluten-free diet, I first gained weight, then lost it (and went through a long period where I was very sick) and have since gained it all back plus extra. I've gained about 5-6 pounds from my ideal weight since December. Pants are beginning to not fit. Suddenly, for the first time in 12 years, I am worrying about gaining weight. I've been so used to eating as much as I wanted and not gaining anything (in fact losing weight) that now I'm beginning to panic. I know this probably sounds trivial to some of your experiences, but I'm just so afraid I'll keep gaining weight. For the last few weeks, I've been walking a lot more and trying to exercise more and also work on my diet. I'm addicted to carbs and sweets and I know that isn't healthy. However, I've never had a problem with eating too much. I'm just worried because I've started exercising a lot more and watching my diet more but haven't lost any weight. Anyway, I'm just venting but I'm really afraid about continuing to gain weight.

Eat cleaner and move more. And age has a way to creep up on us.

Yay! Married to best friend and....I hope your future if fruitful, should you choose.

I think you did great Jason! State your case and then shrug if off...."hey, it's no big deal. You all just order and I'll do mine (and smile).

Often days many people have food issues. My bet is that you weren't the only one at the table who wanted to order separately.

I have heard that (tv commercials mostly) but when I look up symptoms the only ones I have are Constipation and fatigue (both of which are hypothyroid symptoms also) I thought gluten could be the culprit because I have bad headaches/sinus issues, hypothyroid (no one else in my family has this and they say its hereditary) and the fatigue and constipation. And I've heard that gluten can lead to autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's.

The current research is leaning toward Celiac as being part of a spectrum disease/disorder, ranging from a gluten allergy, sensitivity, Celiac and Refractory Sprue at it's most severe condition.

Although your family members may not have been diagnosed with Celiac, they might have had other associated disorders, and the Celiac was not recognized at the time. Awareness is very new and to the medical field as well.

Many members here fall within that spectrum. I would suggest you get tested if you feel gluten could be your issue.

Here is some information that might be helpful:

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Hi everyone! I am new here, and I was just wondering if I could have Celiac disease...I understand none of you could actually tell me this for sure, but I have a lot of the symptoms, such as constipation, fatigue, headaches, I occasionally have stomach aches or bloating...My reason for asking is I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, and I've been reading a lot about how the 2 can be connected, although my doctor has never mentioned this. I am still tired despite my thyroid levels being in a good place (last time my TSH was 1.9, and my TPO antibodies are pretty high, over 2000 last time they were checked) I am going to see an MD on Thursday the 22nd who tries to use natural healing before giving meds and the lady that recommended him to me told me he would probably tell me to give up gluten and dairy...ahhh! what will I eat?? But I will try if it might make me feel better...The funny thing is I am reading a book about gluten intolerance/Celiac disease and it says one of the symptoms for babies is chronic ear infections. I had those, and I was pretty tired as an adolescent and I have had headaches for as long as I can remember. I had really bad acne, so bad a dermatologist put me on Accutane and I've had white spots on a few of my teeth since I was young...I'm just wondering if eating gluten could be the culprit. Any advice or feedback or similar stories would be greatly appreciated!

Although there is much I would reply about, but one point you made jumps out at me. Accutane has been attributed to Crohn's Disease. Have you looked into that arena?

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Request from your primary doctors a Celiac Panel (blood test). But continue to eat gluten until you have exausted all forms of testing...if you feel that's you direction.

AND Welcome!

I, too, use the Heinz ketchup without any issues. I can't speak for the beans though. I have never had them.

I wasn't aware that there were testing kits available to test for gluten. Interesting for those who need them

For now, I am going to trust the information I receive from the companies. In Canada, there will be a new labeling law starting Aug 2012 that all gluten will have to be identified in the ingredient list or on the package. Things will be a lot easier then.

I think you you're pretty smart, by putting your health in your own hands.

And Cheers to Canada! Hopefully, the US will follow soon.

Dishwasher detergent?

Never been a concern of mine.

This is all a great start! Thanks so much. I too want to go out and buy every cook book, but now I'm not going to waste the money. Lisa, you mentioned spices. What should I look for on the label? Is there wheat is spices? I have heard that carmel color and natural flavorings are something to watch. Is this true?

Many spices are gluten free, but some are not. Look for single ingredients.

Carmel color is not a gluten concern and all natural flavors must list wheat if used as an ingredient.

Many companies have a full disclosure policy, that will list all gluten i.e. wheat, barley, malt, rye, such as Kraft and Unilever and Con Agra I tend to support those companies.

We are in the first stages of turning our household/kitchen gluten free. Does anyone have any suggestions on a starter grocery list for gluten free must haves? Also, is it important to get new shampoo/conditioner, make-up, toothpaste, deoderant and any other personal items we need for daily use? I'd appreciate all the help.

Thanks.

Buy whole foods, i.e. fresh veggies, fruit, rice, potatoes. Go through your spice cabinet and read every label. Buy a dedicated toaster.

I use Dove shampoo and Crest toothpaste and explore our products thread, it will offer you many options. Or go to www.CeceliasMarketplace.com

Lipstick would be more valid, rather that the last meal (unless it was immediate or really passionate)....IMHO

I'm not sure that gluten withdrawal could last up to two years, but healing can.

You may have some underlying issues, but keeping a food or intake journal would be the simplest to eliminate possible unknown gluten.

And along with what mamaw mentioned, check your meds, vitamins, lotions, shampoo, shared kitchen equipment.....ANY thing that can find it's way into your mouth.

You might already know this, but it's good to recheck your *routine* from time to time.

I tried Sam Mills spaghetti tonight for the first time and it was the closest thing that I remember about *real* pasta. And husband (gluten eater) loved it!

Super Supper with some clam sauce.!