celiac3270

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Hi...welcome to the board. I have had the symptoms of Celiac since first grade, but was only diagnosed 13 weeks ago. At first, for me, it seemed strange changing diet, and all the gluten-free foods didn't seem nearly as good as the normal stuff. You'll quickly become used to it...especially since you have others in your family with celiac disease. I guess there are only three things to mention:

- DON'T CHEAT -- As you already know, to heal your intestines you have to be 100% gluten-free. A nutritionist told me that any amount of gluten larger than your fingernail i n one day can screw up all your progress. It was difficult for me to watch others eat gluten foods that I couldn't have, but knowing how sick it would make me and how much better I felt without it made their food look less and less apetizing. It might be even harder for you than for me because you have NO symptoms. In a way, symptoms are positive cause they warn you if you eat something bad, so you know to stay away from it in the future. Plus, your desire to avoid symptoms outweighs your desire to cheat, so it helps in that respect, as well.

- WHEN IN DOUBT, DON'T -- Pretty straightforward. If you question something, don't eat it. Call the company later, but don't risk it.

- GOOD LUCK-- good luck with the endoscopy (throat thingy) and a quick healing of the intestines.

It may seem life-altering in the beginning (and it is), but it will get better over the weeks. Eventually it will seem so normal that you won't even really have to think when you reach for food to know that it's gluten-free or not. Good luck on the endoscopy.

It could happen, eventually.....

Hi, I've been gluten-free for nine weeks, now and my symptoms still aren't completely gone. I had occasional diarrhea, LOTS of bloating, gas, cramping, etc. and like you said, gurgling sounds. I am much less gassy and bloated, that part is almost gone. I have less diarrhea, but it can still come. As for my cramps, they are less severe and shorter, but, again, I still have them. I'm only 13 and I think I've been Celiac since first grade, so about six years. My symptoms still aren't gone yet, but beginning to subside slowly. It takes a while. It can take some people numerous months to heal if they've had it longer. Try staying away from dairy to help your symptoms; the nutritionist said that that could be what kept my cramping coming. I've tried it and it has worked well. I'll be eating dairy soon, though, it's just temporary. Anyway, don't lose hope; every day your intestines are healing and it'll be fine soon.

You can't tell. If you are still recovering and your intestines aren't yet healed, you can get your usual Celiac symptoms. Even if you're completely gluten-free, you can still get symptoms. If you've already recovered, then I don't know of any way to tell "regular" diarrhea from gluten/celiac symptom diarrhea.

The nutritionist I recently went to works for an adult Celiac doctor. She said that if I use clay at school (I'm only 13) I shoud scrub my hands really well before eating something that my hands touch. She also said that Elmers glue is known to contain high levels of gluten. I just believed this to be true since she probably knows more about it than I do (I'm only 9 weeks on diet). Perhaps it is only certain types of clay; the kind I use at school comes from a large block, so it might be okay. I don't know, but I'm being careful anyway, just in case.

I've heard that there is gluten in a lot of places you wouldn't think of. I'll list what I know about, but if anyone knows another product that you wouldn't directly digest that contains gluten, please add it. From what I know gluten is in:

- Glue

- Clay

- Playdough

- The side of the stamp that you lick

- The part of the envelop that you lick to seal

Any other weird places?

It depends. If you shop around, certain stores sell certain products for much less. In addition, if you buy the normal stuff in grocery stores it'll be the same cost, but if you start going to a lot of health food stores and buying things such as gluten-free bagels or gluten-free brownies it'll start racking up.

This is not at all unusual. I've heard from any number of people who had symptoms as a child and then went into "remission" when they hit puberty, only to have it return with a vengeance. I look back and am certain that I was anemic as a child and almost certainly had celiac disease then.

Definitely. I'm 13 now -- in 7th grade and nine weeks gluten-free. I started getting symptoms in first grade (vomiting, cramps, bloating, diarrhea). Then, in sixth grade (when I was 12 -- at the onset of puberty) I was only absent from school for one day. This year, in seventh grade, I was out of school more often than I had ever been (maybe 9 times, and that doesn't include those days on the weekends) with really bad stomach cramps. The nutritionist agreed that symptoms often temporarily leave at the onset of puberty. This probably doesn't mean anything to the orignal post, but I just wanted to confirm what Richard said. Anyway, in a way it was good that my symptoms worsened; this led to my going to a gastroendochronologist who found that I had Celiac.

Thank you so much for helping me. This sort of clears up my suspicions about candies. I appreciate it.

I don't have a ton of time, but just wanted to mention a few major things. I don't trust restaurants, so I ate in the hotel room (w/o them knowing). Thus, I don't have any advice for eating out. Here are four tips I have:

- Bring a toaster oven -- unless you have some sort of kitchen available, bring a toaster oven. Besides toasting any gluten-free bagels or breads that you bring along, you can bake things such as potatoes or frozen Ore Ida french fries. If you aren't going to eat fries or potatoes, just bring a cheap and small toaster to toast bread.

- Bring a George Foreman Grill -- a lifesaver. They have smaller versions. Really complete a dinner: after all, potatoes and steak is something reasonable that you might eat at home.

- Bring lots of your own food -- It's going to be easier to eat a gluten-free cereal in the morning than deal with the chef that's preparing your eggs or whatever...the Genisoy bars are great and quite tasty meal replacement bars if you need to use one every now and then. They are good for if you plan to eat out, too, because then you won't starve if you can't find a restaurant to serve you a gluten-free meal or you're eating on the go. Make sure, however, that you get the Peanut Butter versions of the bar. The others ARE NOT GLUTEN-FREE. I think the two good ones are Peanut Butter Fudge and Peanut Butter Yogurt, or something.

Don't have too much time, so I can't provide more assistance. Hope this helps.

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Is "Ensure" gluten-free? It wouldn't be the most delectable meal, but at least it would be nutritious. Obviously, soups and stuff, but I don't have any suggestions in that category...I've never had too much of that stuff

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Been gluten-free for not too long, but already used to the diet. I've only been gluten free for about 6 weeks, but I'm already used to it. Once you've called the companies and are accustomed to reading labels, it isn't too hard. At first there seems to be no variety, but you'll find more and more stuff. These message boards are a great help and once you find a good brand, there are often multiple options added to your diet.

Quaker buttered popcorn rice cakes -- I ate a ton of these upon first starting the diet. All of the quaker rice cakes (regular size, though, not the mini ones) are gluten free, so if you prefer cheddar or peanut butter, that's fine.

Yogurt -- I haven't started eating it yet, but will. Avoid dairy for the first 6 or 7 weeks. At first, your intestines can't process that stuff. I didn't realize this, upon first starting diet, so when I ate a lot of ice cream one night, I got sick.

Ice Cream -- Again, hold off at first. Haagen-Dazs is fine, but stick to normal flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry. I've always had a lot of vanilla ice cream but the strawberry is pretty good.

gluten-free Bagels -- Don't remember the brand and I've run out of them, but they're mini, may not look too appealing, but taste quite good. You acquire a taste. Cream cheese is fine, but make sure you don't choose diet or light brands. With many products, the diet versions are bad (though diet sodas are fine). Butter, in the stick form, is fine. I am not sure about "I can't believe it's not butter" so I have avoided it.

gluten-free Raisin Bread -- Absolutely amazing raisin bread. It honestly tastes exactly the same as the real thing. Made by glutino: "Sans glutino raisin bread". Try toasting it; it's best that way.

Pamela's Shortbread Cookies -- Fabulous. My mother isn't a Celiac, but even she loves them. Lemon shortbread are my personal favorite, though some find that flavor a bit strong. The butter shortbread is a bit milder.

Fritolay's Chips -- The fritolays company is entirely gluten-free. That means Lay's Potato Chips, Cheetos, Fritos, etc. are all gluten-free. It says so on the site, but you can call the company if you want to triple check.

Candy -- I don't eat it all the time, but if you're interested, I've contacted the Hershey's company. They sent me a list of their gluten-free products. Hershey bars, kisses, and jolly ranchers are all gluten-free. I've heard that Snickers are gluten-free, but am not certain.

Canned fruits -- Mandarin oranges, canned peaches, etc. I typically avoid heavier syrups.

Fresh fruit -- apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, etc.

Fresh vegetables -- I don't doubt you already know what veggies you like so won't make any suggestions.

Fresh meat -- Pork, steak, chicken, etc.

French Fries -- Ore Ida fries are all gluten-free. I'd eaten them before I was diagnosed; they're good. McDonald's fries are also gluten-free, but I always ask them to make sure that they only cook the fries in the oil (if nuggets cook in the oil, then the fries are contaminated). The usual reply: the fries and hash browns cook in the same oil. That's fine.

gluten-free pasta -- Tinkiyada (spelling might be off) is phenominal. My brother has always been crazy about noodles, and he thinks that the gluten-free kind is better than the regular. They come in a variety of forms: spaghetti, noodles, and a broader noodle. Pretty much the same as the regular kind.

Potatoes -- I have always loved potatoes. They're gluten-free, as they are a vegetable (or a fruit, however you look at it)

Got to go

Hey,

I'm a 13 yr. old new to Celiac disease, but since nobody else has helped you, I'll try:

- Corn Cakes (I like the butter popped corn) made by Quaker. I've practically lived off of these things. I'd recommend buying some stuff that might be hard to find there, before you leave.

- Bring a can opener: gives you a range of possibilities (canned fruit, tuna, etc.). This, of course, you wouldn't eat on the slopes, but would make for a good snack in a hotel room (or meal if you can't find gluten-free food for dinner one night).

- Meal bar: at school they've had no gluten-free food except for fruit. Therefore, I've had to eat meal bars. I've tried some Omega-3 bar and a Boomi bar. The first consists of dates and stuff. It was tolerable, and I'm a picky eater so that's saying something. Boomi bars weren't too great to me, but if you like fruits and nuts, etc., it's basically that with no additives (held together by some honey). Haven't found a really good one yet, but if I do, I'll post it. I've read a lot about "genisoy" bars being phenomenal, but I haven't found any of those yet and make sure you read the label. The two I've tried are, at least, filling.

- Break bars: from glutano. Supposed to be really good like kitkats. Of course, you could always bring some gluten-free candy on the slopes (like herseys chocolate, etc.).

- gluten-free cookies: I've tried one brand: mi-del. Their arrowroot cookies are pretty good. Also tried their chocolate chip -- those didn't live up to my expectations, but you might want to try them.

I apologize for not being able 2 give u more info. Hope this is helpful.

Hi,

I'm 13 yrs. old w/Celiac. I used to take flinstones, too. My mother found another vitamin, "Animal Parade". It doesn't say gluten-free (gluten free) on the container, but when she called the company, they said they were gluten free. They're chewable, which is nice. Hope this has helped. Vitamins are very important for Celiacs since we don't absorb all our nutrients, anyway. Good luck.

Hey,

I'm 13 yrs. old w/Celiac. I used to take flinstones, also. My mother found another vitamin. She called them and they said they're gluten-free. I now take "Animal Parade". It's chewable, which is nice. Hope I helped.

Wow...that's scary. Thanks for the warning.

Thank you, everyone, for replying. Molly, thank you for showing me that restaurant site. I was already trying to think of what I'd do when I go skiing in March. I'll check to see if there are any restaurants around the area. If not, I guess I'll bring my own food and meal bars in case I can't find something one night. After doing some more research, a lot of people are talking about fritolays being gluten free. This morning, I had two eggs, an orange, and some potato chips. I've never been a big fan of junk food, but now that I have a limited diet, I think I'll reacquire a love for potato chips, etc.

As for the list Mariann gave me, I am now unsure of what to do. Upon first viewing the site, it seemed like a good source for gluten free food. Thank you, huletts, for warning me that it might not be accurate. I may still be able to use it for food ideas, but I know to keep reading labels (as I would have anyway). I'd rather be safe than go off course and face the stomach problems that have haunted me since first grade. Do you have any examples of "gluteny" foods they incorrectly deemed fine for Celiacs?

Libbyk, unfortunately, many people who have Celiac disease don't know they have it. Thus, I would be alone, or one of few in an attempt to gain access to a microwave. I don't believe the faculty room has a microwave; I could check, but I want to avoid getting too pushy with the teachers. I'll post it if I make progress.

Thank you for all the information. It is helpful to get advice from more experienced celiacs. I'll keep checking for updates. Thanks again.

celiac3270

I'm new, don't know much, been living on:

Rice Cakes -- very goood, I'm trying not to eat too many and get tired of them

Canned Fruit (mandarin oranges, peaches, etc.)

Obviously, fresh fruit

Sorry, I don't have much experience yet

Only 13 years old, but I, too have had stomach problems for quite a while. I can relate to being worried about when I would be sick again. Eventually, I found that it came in a pattern, about once every two weeks. That made it worse, knowing that as the 14 days came around I'd probably be sick soon. Don't have much advice to offer; I'm new to Celiac -- just diagnosed.

My doctor strongly recommended a biopsy. I had the scope. It's not too big a deal, once they put you out. Once you wake up, you won't even have too bad a sore throat. The next day it's a little worse, but again, not too bad. If you eventually have one, I would recommend being put out entirely so you don't know what's going on. Good luck.

Thank you for replying. I'll have to try some of the ideas you gave me. Unfortunately, I do not have access to a microwave. Student council has been trying to get a toaster for years, and at times, a microwave, but it hasn't been successful thus far. Thanks again.

I had been having stomach problems for a couple years, but my doctor didn't attribute it to Celiac disease. Finally, after going to a specialist and taking some tests, he said that the blood test revealed that I may have Celiac diseas and that my slightly low bone age backs that up. About a week ago I had the endoscopy.

Prior to the procedure, I was told to maintain a regular diet. Now eating gluten-free, it has been difficult. I love potatoes, so I was glad to have a gluten-free starch that I enjoy. Unfortunately, I am a picky eater. Could someone please give a 13 year-old Celiac some advice on what foods are good? I can search stores for specific brands, if you have any.

School has been difficult as well. In the cafeteria, my problem is not about finding something I would like to eat, but something that I am allowed to have. All I have found is fruit (peaches, apples, banannas, grapes, etc.) and yogurt some days. Thus, I have been eating meal replacement bars for lunch, in addition to whatever fruit I can get. I have also kept corn cakes and some gluten-free cookies in my bag if I start to starve. I haven't found many good meal bars? Again, any advice?

Finally, having just begun the diet, I am not entirely knowledgable. I have read and researched a good deal and will soon see a dietarian about what I can eat and stuff. I have a nine year old brother who likes to eat gluten-packed foods, but that hasn't bothered me too much yet. The rest of my family is being tested. Any advice for a Celiac new to the diet and way of life? All responses are appreciated. Thanks for helping.

I had been having stomach problems for a couple years, but my doctor didn't attribute it to Celiac disease. Finally, after going to a specialist and taking some tests, he said that the blood test revealed that I may have Celiac diseas and that my slightly low bone age backs that up. A few days ago I had the endoscopy done.

Prior to the procedure, I was told to maintain a regular diet. Now eating gluten-free, it has been difficult. I love potatoes, so I was glad to have a gluten-free starch that I enjoy. Unfortunately, I am a picky eater. Could someone please give a 13 year-old Celiac some advice on what foods are good? I can search stores for specific brands, if you have any.

School has been difficult as well. In the cafeteria, my problem is not about finding something I like, but something that I am allowed to eat. All I have found is fruit (peaches, apples, banannas, grapes, etc.) and yogurt some days. Thus, I have been eating meal replacement bars for lunch, in addition to whatever fruit I can get. I have also kept corn cakes and some gluten-free cookies in my bag if I start to starve. I haven't found many good meal bars? Again, any advice?

Finally, having just begun the diet, I am not entirely knowledgable. I have read and researched a good deal and will soon see a dietarian about what I can eat and stuff. I have a nine year old brother who likes to eat gluten-packed foods, but that hasn't bothered me too much yet. The rest of my family is being tested. Any advice for a Celiac new to the diet and way of life? All responses are appreciated. Thanks for helping.