kelliac

Have a quick question. Does anyone have babies with strange sores?

My 7 month grandson was accidently glutened several weeks ago (baby food had barley flour, daughter didn't notice). He had the usual first reaction of many dirty diapers. Then a week and a half ago he had a sore on the tip of his finger. Looked red, puffy, irritated, like a burn. Then a sore similar to this broke out in his groin. Another on his lower leg.

Last week, while in the car, he had a seizure and stopped breathing. Very scary experience. Took ambulance to ER where they did blood work. Diagnosis was a fever seizure due to a viremia (spelling?). He was warm and acted differently that day. But, didn't really act that sick. In the ambulance, he broke out in a sandpaper-like rash all over his face, legs, stomach. He was not himself for a day or two after the ER visit.

However, he's still sprouting various sores, now has one on his thumb. Could this still be from the gluten previously. Does anyone else have babies with fever seizures or strange single sores that come and go all over the body? Thanks.

  SUZ42 said:

question 2: I will be contacting the lab also, but thought someone here could help me. What is the molecular analysis, Allele 1 0302 and Allele 2 0301? And the HLA-DQ 3,3 (subtype 8, 7)?

Thanks

Suzanne

DQ3, subtype 8 is one of the main celiac genes (known as DQ8), DQ3, subtype 7 is one of the gluten sensitive genes. So you have two gluten sensitive enteropathy genes (one formally known as celiac and the other known as the catch all gluten sensitive) and all your children (if you have them) will have at least one gluten sensitive or celiac gene. This info is on the enterolab site under test interpretation, FAQ, etc. Best wishes and welcome to the celiac world!

  loraleena said:

I have Hashimotos Hypothyroid and adrenal fatigue. I take cytomel. Just started Isocort ( a natural adrenal supplement). Make sure your docs check your Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies. This was the only test that showed I had this. The TSH is very very innacurate. Your antibodies should be below 20. Endos are the worst. I do long distance consulting with Dr. Gina Honeyman-Lowe. She works in partnership with my regular doc. Her websit is dr.lowe.com. There is great info on there. Stay away from Synthroid at all costs. Most docs like to use this. Dr. Lowe reccomends Armour or Cytomel. Also I would recommend a 24 hour saliva test for adrenal fatigue. You can order through Great Smokies Labs and have your insurance pay later. Good luck.

Also have/had thyroid problems. Started getting goiters in early 20's. Was prescribed anaprox/naproxen for inflammed thyroid. Lived on the stuff. Felt great for the first time in years. They (goiters) would come and go, first seasonally, then monthly. Eventually had difficulty swallowing. Docs felt my neck and would say "feels normal." Labs were always "normal" at that point as well. Later learned that the thyroid tries to maintain it's levels and even though it may be "sick" you wouldn't know it by labs.

Eventually had goiter that didn't go away. Sent for uptake studies, xrays, CT's, sonograms. All tests came back Hashimotos/Mixed Thyroiditis/Graves. Sono showed thyroid grew down my chest on the inside. Too large for surgery. Had ablation. Been on synthroid (every dose imaginable) ever since. Can you tell me why you should stay away from synthroid at all costs?

Endos/Rheums have since explained that the thyroid disease was related to the untreated celiac whereby inflammation from the intestine caused the chain reaction that in turn caused inflammation throughout the body and eventually in the thyroid. Mother, sister, father-in-law all have had ablation or surgery and celiac disease. So I'd vote for thyroid probs with celiac!

  Can said:

This is a FANTASTIC example of how there definitely needs to be more research done to determine the relationship between certain genes and Celiac Disease:

Open Original Shared Link

Agree completely. Look how many people are on this site with DQ1 (myself included). This is not a matter of "us" (celiacs, DQ2, DQ8) vs. "them" (non-celiacs, gluten sensitive or not), but rather we all suffer the affects of gluten. Whether we see a loved one experience it, or our insurance bills skyrocket due to millions who are undiagnosed and the myriad of diseases associated with it, or our taxes increase due to special education funds for undiagnosed children requiring additional assistance, we all pay a price. Look at the studies that show the numbers of celiac sufferers in our prisons and mental health institutions. Staggering. Sobering. Upsetting.

  beaglemania said:

Not very many places around that sells good bakery items. They all basically stink, in my opinion. But there's two health food stores, Nature's Den in PSL that has some gluten-free items. (I forget. don't know if there are that many gluten-free bakery premade items, but a couple of mixes) and Pamela's Health food store which I haven't been to in ages. Do you know where either of the 2 Stuart Fine Foods are?? They have a little section where they sell some gluten-free pasta (though not the kind I buy) Some gluten-free cookies (pre-made in bag) and some bread mixes and such. I didn't know of that many Celiacs in PSL!! No celiacs from here seem to be on this website. I live in Stuart.

thank you. just wondering where to find brownies and cupcakes already made (not packaged for grocery but for a bakery type setting). best friend has a place in PSL and she's heading there in January. Everytime she goes she misses her baked goods. I saw a Whole Foods listed in PBG. Their gluten-free listing has their bakery department with gluten-free brownies etc. Have you tried them? Just wondering how "real" they seem. Thanks again.

Looking for a good bakery that sells gluten-free cookies, brownies and the like in Port St. Lucie, Florida area. Even stores that are not specifically gluten-free that have gluten-free selections would be great. Thanks so much in advance!

  breann6 said:

i had bloodwork ran over two weeks ago by my PCP and per his quote clearly indicated Celiac- I don't know which test he ran but know from the GI who also was copied on the results- that it didn't clearly indicate Celiac as much as the PCP thought/thinks. GI ran a 'celiac' panel last friday and nurse called today and said all was fine and normal with it.

GI still wants the biopsy and colonoscopy next weds, is it likely to show anything if the blood tests are both confliciting? if the biopsy were to be positive, wouldn't the blood be _consistently_ postiive?

I'm confused now. I did some gluten free days a little less than a week before the second bloodtest and have been semi-gluten light since the first- enough to still feel crappy but not enough to keep me in the bathroom...

any ideas??

my usual response, do the enterolab gene swab test. funny how the gi says "all was fine and normal with it." Then they still want to do the biopsy and colonoscopy next wednesday.

you can still have damage to the villi and normal blood work (I did). Just ask the doctor to take at least 15 biopsies from various spots while they're in there. I saw the recommended number of 15 biopsies on another celiac site. The reasoning being that less than that can miss the areas too often. 15 can still miss them, but your odds are greater. Best wishes.

Hi,

I'm a DQ1,1 (6,6) who tested 5 of 5 biopsies positive for celiac. My mother is DQ1,1 (5,6) and she is the same. So, yes, we are living proof that you can have villi damage and not have DQ2 or 8.

What I love best though is the enterolab testing since it is non-invasive. The swabs are great for everyone, especially testing of babies. The stool test is easy as well and what Dr. Fine says makes sense. The antibodies show up in the organ that is being affected first (intestines) and if, and when, it gets into the blood stream, the damage is just that much more.

I just read a recent recommendation that people should eat at least three weeks worth of gluten (6 servings a day) minimum prior to biopsies and that no less than 15 biopsies should be taken. Even then the experts say if you don't get the right spot there is a great chance that it will be a false negative. When people say there should be a better way, there is: enterolab.

  kalanfan said:

What age were you diagnosed with celiac's/gluten intolerance? 40

What were your most common symptomsnone at diagnosis. Had biopsy due to bleeding. Looking back, had many clues over a lifetime that I just didn't know were associated such as autoimmune diseases, kidney problems, lung problems, liver problems, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, scoliosis, broken bones, osteoporosis, skin problems/rashes, GERD, abdominal pain that was attributed to IBS, endocrine problems, dental problems, mouth sores in corners of lips, strange marks on tongue, dry eye, bone pain, etc. . .

What are your symptoms when you eat gluten now? within 15 minutes, stomach gurgles, then rumbling intestines, then pain in Left Lower Quadrant/Abdomen, then loose stools. Feels like a flu for about three weeks (gradually feeling better each day away from original gluten episode). Also, get tingling fingers, RLS, dizziness, rash on cheeks and chest.

Do you consider yourself more sensitive to gluten now that you try to avoid it?absolutely. Never thought I had a problem prior. Never had diarrhea in my life prior to giving up gluten. After healing the villi, I get the "classic" reaction.

Did you or your doctor come up with the celiacs/gluten intolerance diagnosis Family history of celiac sprue led to request by me to check for it during endoscopy.

Do you have any other food allergies/intolerances?casein based on enterolab test. have not checked on other food allergies. Always got sick on milk products since a little kid.

If yes what?

Does anyone else in your family have celiacs/gluten intolerance? Yes, everyone that has been tested so far to date: Mother, her parents, father, his parents, sister, my husband, his parents, his siblings, my four children. Not to mention, every single one of my girlfriends. All were given diagnoses of Crohn's or IBS before giving up gluten and finally getting better.

Do you consider the world celiac/gluten free friendly? Not yet, but it's getting there.

Explain. Celiacs "get it." Unless you live this gluten-free lifestyle, you really don't understand the importance of a speck of bread in a salad or the effects this disease has on so many vital functions. I believe more physicians need to test themselves and then we will have effective medicine where the physician can relate to the patient and is concerned enough to help them get well through gluten-free diet.

Do you think we need better food labelling laws? Yes.

Explain. For example, this year, labels were listing the 8? common allergens. I have noticed a change back to not listing allergens separately and completely. A chocolate chip bag had ingredients listed such as cocoa, sugar, soy lecithin, milk fat, vanilla. There was not a separate allergen line on the bag. Just spoke with a customer service rep who actually told me that there were no known allergens in the bag. "Milk fat is not milk so therefore it does not need mentioned." Also had someone (a major company executive) tell me that the food industry does not consider gluten a big deal because "it doesn't kill you." "It occasionally causes stomach upset and that's no big deal." If manufacturers don't believe it is important, they don't care about labels. Many just see it as an inconvenience or expense to change the label. Have also been told by companies (in writing) that they don't want involved in the gluten free labeling process because they cannot control their ingredients. If they make yogurt, they know it is gluten free, but if they put flavoring or other ingredients they don't know what that supplier has in that particular ingredient and they don't have time or resources to confirm every ingredient that goes into their products. That doesn't help us.

Does the world in your opinion need to be more educated about celiacs and gluten? Yes. Perhaps if everyone were tested at birth for both celiac disease and gluten intolerance genes, we could learn from the beginning how to eat properly and perhaps prevent many associate diseases and disorders in the meanwhile. It would eventually trickle down to schools, restaurants, medical facilities, and so forth because there's power in numbers.

thanx in advance for your time You're welcome and good luck!

Also have plantar fascitis (spelling?) in the right foot, mostly. On and off for years. Much less since going gluten free but still suffer every so often. Learned from a massage therapist that celiac/gluten intol causes problems with connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons and the foot arch ends up troublesome with most celiacs sooner or later. Another massage therapist who does reflexology says that when it is in the center of the right foot it indicates liver problems. Center of the left foot means spleen and stomach problems. Higher towards the toes means lungs, etc. They say to picture the bottom of the feet as if looking at a body. Toes being the head and heels being the feet. Pretty interesting.

I personally get sick when I eat tofutti products, saw some similar reactions in this forum. Thought it might be something else so I tried tofutti two more times after the first episode. I was then fairly certain something in Sour Supreme, Better than Cream Cheese and Chocolate ice cream was the culprit. This is the response I received from Tofutti regarding any of their products being gluten free:

"All of our products are always dairy free. We do not sell any of our products as being gluten free"

Needless to say I won't be retrying the products again. Although wheat is not specifically listed as an allergen on the label, I am reacting to something and it may be a gluten containing item not from wheat. Just wanted to pass on this important statement from the company for others to consider.

  nini said:

I do know that they have not yet mapped all the Celiac genes, just the main ones. That aside, I believe that wheat/gluten is toxic for EVERYONE and everyone would benefit from a gluten free diet. So you may not have Celiac, so what. You feel better off gluten. It could be that they just don't have your particular gene type mapped yet, it could be you are just sensitive to gluten or it could be an allergy. Either way the end result is still the same, you still need to avoid gluten.

I truly believe that if EVERYONE gave up on gluten we would see major improvements in all kinds of health conditions... diabetes, depression/anxiety, obesity, cancer, arthritis, and so many more.

gluten is truly a toxic protein

You are sooooooo right!

  jkmunchkin said:

So I was just flipping throught the May issue of InStyle and one of the pages of Scene & Heard section, while talking about an event they mentioned the menu and how there was something for everyone including Emmy Rossum, who said she is allergic to gluten.

My celiac friends and I always talk about "suspected" celiac celebrities. Here is our list and reasons. We've even tried to contact some to suggest the possibility, but of course, they are difficult to reach. List includes living and dead. Strictly our opinion (not fact). For fun, not seriousness. See if you agree. . .

List #1 - Liz Taylor (short stature, English, broken bones), Sharon Stone (thin, asthma?), Halle Berry (diabetes, Irish mom?, lots of broken bones), Michael J. Fox (short stature, English?Canadian), Lindsay Lohan (red hair, short, asthma?, broken bones), Tommy Hilfiger (sister with MS), Colin Farrell (Irish?), Mickey Rooney (short stature), Donald O'Connor (Irish?), Hitler (which someone already wrote about earlier), Tom Cruise (short stature), Britney Spears (short stature, broken bones), Rosie O'Donnell (Irish, short stature), Seth Green (short stature, red hair), Renee Zellweger (can't remember why we suspected her), Sharon Osbourne (colon cancer, short stature), Kennedys (Jackie, Jack, John Jr., and so forth-various reasons), Grace Kelly and Princesses Caroline and Stephanie (alopecia for Caroline, moods for Stephanie, Irish for Grace). List #2 later. We try to think of short, bald or thin hair, broken bones, red hair, Irish, Dutch, or various backgrounds, moods, teeth, autoimmune diseases, and we come up with this stuff. Too much time on our hands I guess.

Robix, your story sounds too familiar. How many people seek help from medical professionals to be told it's nothing. Just yesterday, a dear friend of mine saw her doctor, mentioned her positive genes for gluten intolerance DQ1, subtype 6 (per enterolab) and was told "Gluten Intolerance is NOT celiac disease so go ahead and eat all the wheat and gluten you want." She was so excited to hear that she could have her favorite foods again she stopped for a donut.

People trust doctors and look to them for sound advice. With all the recent research on gluten intolerance being the big picture and celiac being just a portion of that, you'd think that doctors would be learning about the significance of being gluten intolerant period. Needless to say, she became violently ill after her donut. She just went gluten-free in the past several months (after a lifetime of diarrhea and miscellaneous other symptoms) and was doing so well!!! She finally went off prednisone. Trying to stop the remicade. I think she got the picture when she reacted so violently to gluten yesterday after being told it wouldn't make her sick. No doctor can tell her it doesn't make a difference. Her body told her differently.

Back to your experience at the doctor, I'm sorry to hear about what happened. As I have mentioned on previous posts, I cannot say enough good things about the genetic testing at enterolab.com. It gives you a confirmation if you have the gluten intolerant genes or celiac genes, and that in itself is a relief to know something.

I personally was diagnosed celiac through biopsy, was told by that doctor that sometimes biopsies are wrong, was retested and still came up with damaged villi, then blood tested (after being gluten free) and those results were negative. After a year of going on and off gluten-free diets per the different doctors advice, I saw a doctor that told me in no uncertain terms to go gluten-free. I did that day and never went off since then.

Even with positive biopsies, positive dietary responses, positive family history, I was still in denial I guess. I ended up doing the enterolab testing and when it said double gluten intolerance genes, I realized both my parents had gluten intolerance and I indeed had to stay gluten-free. Since that time, many more family members have been tested and every single one has double genes. Even my husband has one celiac gene and one gluten intolerant gene. His parents are double carriers as well. All our children are doubles. It is like that old commercial that goes "and so on, and so on and so on." Sad but true. Wishing you nothing but good things. Stick with celiac.com. There is a lot of great advice by people who live this and understand. Hang in there.

They are a certified laboratory. Dr. Fine is an M.D. It's really more of a lack of knowledge issue with doctors when it comes to recommending enterolab. They just don't know much about the subject due to their medical school training. The information regarding gluten intolerance grows by leaps and bounds everyday. It's hard to keep up. However, as far as having results in your hand and a doctor accepting them, they should. Genes are genes and they cannot be changed. Whether or not your doctor knows and understands genetic markers for gluten intolerance is another question. Again, info is available on the internet (from some reputable sites such as the NIH that Doctors will believe) that shows what diseases are linked to what genes. So, they should believe the info after they research it. Go with documentation from reputable sites and if your doctor has a problem with it, get a new one.

  munchkinette said:

I was thinking about this. Can I get this done through my doctor? Or is it only available to do on your own?

I don't think your average doctor knows much about enterolab and their great work. They only know what they learned in medical school and that knowledge is only as good as the person teaching the subject. What CMCM said is correct. She really nailed the subject. Get on www.enterolab.com and read some of the info. What is great about Dr. Fine/enterolab is that you have the ability to test yourself in the privacy of your own home, the price is reasonable compared to typical laboratory fees, they send you everything you need and a return envelope/container. It couldn't be simpler. They are quick, and they send an explanation of your results. If you have any questions, this message board is great about helping to interpret and explain your results, although I believe enterolab will answer emails if you need it. You really should pursue their tests because everyone I personally know that has used them has been pleased. Best of luck and let us know.

  ChelsE said:

For the upteenth time....

They legally did nothing wrong.

I don't really think it's an ethics case, either. . . . Having gluten free options out is a privilege. Don't ruin it for the rest of us.

Not a lawyer, but misrepresentation or false claims sounds legally wrong to me.

  Rachel--24 said:

If you read these posts with an open mind I'm sure you can see that we are ALL concerned about others. We are concerned for everyone who is Celiac, or anyone who needs to be on a gluten free diet, we are concerned for those who will someday need to be on this diet, we are concerned for this family's little girl who will grow up and want more choices. Who are these people initiating lawsuits thinking about? Certainly not us. They are not concerned about the consequences of their actions. They see $$$.

I've tried to read all the posts regarding this subject so if I missed something, please don't jump all over me.

I don't know the details of this young child's lawsuit, however, I sympathize with him/her and what he/she faces in court. The lawsuit is good in that it makes people ACCOUNTABLE. People should not claim items are "gluten free" and "safe" for celiacs unless they know for certain they are.

Can't tell you how many times I've picked up an item labeled gluten-free, only to eat it, get sick, and then actually look at the ingredients and find vinegar (which I personally react to--distilled white in particular) or oats (which I understand is questionable) or spelt, etc. And yes, I've learned my lesson not to trust the gluten-free label and instead I read, read, read everything. It is difficult enough finding food safe to eat, but to trust companies who state that an item is gluten free when they know that it isn't, it is immoral at the very least, someday it may be illegal.

If the family is truly suing for monetary awards because of financial difficulties, then that is, of course, not good for celiac disease. Perhaps they should donate all proceeds to celiac research. Does any one know specifics of these suits? If they are just seeking medical expenses and not outrageous sums for "pain and suffering," then what is wrong with that?

On a personal note, having just made a trip to Florida in January, I worried about eating on the road, finding safe foods in restaurants, and taking enough snacks for the hotel rooms. I did my research on this site, online, and on the phone with restaurants. Since I don't normally eat at McDonald's, I looked up gluten free/ dairy free items on their site knowing that there would always be a McD's available at many exits on I-95 should I need a safety fast food choice. It said hashbrowns and scrambled eggs were gluten-free/DF, and I tried them on my second morning of travel. I got sick. Couldn't figure it out. I was so careful. I was scared to eat anything else for most of the trip. I became really, really picky and questioned everything at every restaurant. Was I extreme? I got sick while traveling, away from my comfortable home, stuck in a car for 1000's of miles, and seeking bathrooms. It was not fun. Having heard about the McDonald's lie about gluten free fries/oil problem, I can only wonder if. . .

In conclusion, I try to walk in another person's shoes before I judge them and their motives. Unless you are the person being affected and getting sick, can you really appreciate someone else's pain? Just my two cents.

  taneil said:

I have been using Arrowhead Mills Rice Flour for 1 1/2 years. Recently when I have baked with it, making muffins or biscuits it tastes bitter. I don't know if the flour in rancid or what but it tastes nasty. The worse time was when I made biscuits with Arrowhead Mills Rice Flour as well as with Bob's Red Mill gluten-free Baking Mix and when we added some turkey gravy to it, it became a chemistry experiement, amonia has created. My husband and I took one bite and could smell it and it tasted nasty

Has anyone else had this problem with flours? I have been trying to figure out if it is something else but the only consistant thing is the flour and maybe baking Powder. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Had the same problem with several of their flours. Called the company and was told that temperature changes can cause strange smell/color/taste. They were going to call the grocery store chain and inform them of the importance of room temperature storage. They thought that perhaps the warehouse was too hot. I personally used the products many times without problems and only had difficulties since this summer (the soy flour was the worst offender). And, like other people on this site, I keep mine in the fridge for freshness and I try to use it within a month. Call the company with the code number on the bag at least to register the problem.

  smjohn said:

Hello,

I was tested in June for tTg antibodies and was positive. According to the labs, anything higher then 8 was positive, I was 19. I had a upper endo biopsy and it was negative.

I had a rough summer. I was diagnosed with SLE(Lupus). I had a positive ANA, high sed rate (106), positive double stranded DNA, low complement levels. Saw a rheumatologist and was put on steroids and immunosuppressants. I am s-l-o-w-l-y getting better.

I am not convinced I don't have celiac as well. I have so many of the symptoms of celiac disease. The bloating, abdominal pain, diarhea alternating with somewhat normal stool, foul smelling stool, headaches, dental enamel defects all are present. I also have what doctors call a "dermatitis" all over my arms, legs and butt. It itches like crazy.

I have seen some articles on people who were diagnosed as having SLE when it was really celiac. I am just wondering if I have both?

I had some HLA testing done by a neurologist. They found me to be HLA B27 positive as well as DRB1(DR4) positive. Isn't DR4 a celiac marker?

Any input would be appreciated.

Did a little research. It looks to be celiac, but don't quote me. Check out these links regarding DR4 and decide for yourself. As for the rash, has anyone mentioned Dermatitis Herpetiformis? Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

  DQ1Squared said:

I have a pair of DQ1 genes (HLA-DQB1*0602, 0602) which I thought made celiac disease-type intestinal damage virtually impossible. But the anti-tTG result was positive—isn’t that supposed to indicate that intestinal damage indicative of celiac disease has already occurred?

Do any DQ1 people have some of the “typical” celiac digestive/systemic issues in addition to the neurological problems associated with this genotype?

Thanks for reading. I’d really appreciate any comments.

DQ1Squared

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds very familiar. I'm also DQ1,1. Experienced the frequent dizziness, one ER visit with severe vertigo, numbness, tongue tied speech, etc.

Before I was tested by enterolabs, had colonoscopy and endoscopy. The biopsies came back positive for celiac. My relatives with DQ1 had abnormal biopsy results with lymphocytes on villi tips. Many people say you cannot have an abnormal biopsy without DQ2 or DQ8 but I know many people with such. Does this fall into the rare 1% celiac without DQ2/8? I don't know.

Dr. Fine at enterolabs states that DQ1,1 and other double gluten sensitive genes can make things worse. I'm hoping that someday the powers that be (gene namers?/deciders?) are convinced enough to add the DQ1 gene types to the list of Celiac genes. Don't know how that thing works but I believe there are enough people on celiac.com that could tell their stories and medical histories to convince someone how seriously DQ1s are affected.

Does anyone know if prednisone, remicade and/or imuran can affect labs? What about endoscopy/biopsies? If those drugs suppress the immune system, do they make the villi appear normal (albeit temporarily).

  Judyin Philly said:

WOW Debbie, what a site. New to this newbie

thanks so much

Judy in Philly

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with Judy in Philly--WOW!!! Perhaps we should all copy this link, paste it in word and give it to every doctor we see. They should be reading what's out there as well. Obviously (as we on this site know) gluten sensitivity is rampant and unfortunately underdiagnosed because the people that can help us (physicians) are not getting the info they need. Thank you, Debbie, for the great info.

  Puckster said:

I've never been an angry person, until the last few weeks.  I went gluten-free about two months ago and it's been a total roller coaster.  I've felt pretty good, and then even sicker than before.  Lately my temper has been absolutely boiling.  Does anyone have this reaction if their consuming hidden gluten?  Or could it be an adjustment to being gluten-free?  It's totally irrational, too.  Nothing in particular sparks it. 

Thanks...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity sure seems to be a life long roller coaster. However, like a lot of posters have said, hopefully the highs will outweigh the lows. Most people I know think it's the end of the world when they go gluten free. Good advice is to think of it as the beginning of a great new world--of greater health. More good advice is to think of all the great things you can have instead of what you can't have.

A couple of times my husband would say "have some gluten" you'll feel better. How little he knows about celiac. You're allowed to have an attitude every once in a while. It may be the body adjusting. It may be hidden gluten. I don't really know.

Have you been limiting your dining out meals? That can go two ways. First, you may need a break from cooking and need a change of food. So find a good, trustworthy restaurant. Or, if you've been dining out frequently thinking you've been gluten free, you may be getting it inadvertently. Who knows. But, looking back I can definitely say I was more rollercoaster like emotionwise at the beginning of this thing.

What about your favorite foods? If you loved cakes and cookies, but haven't really had anything since you went gluten-free, go get some good mixes or look up recipes and get baking.

Thank you so much. I'll try them both this weekend. The kids will be excited.