Canadians?

[dragonsrebel]

Hi Ivanna,

I haven't joined the Canadian Celiac Association, they also have a Vancouver Chapter, but I did go to one of their meetings (it was held at Panno Rizo a local rice bakery).

I have not been officially diagnosed either. My blood work was negative and I don't have the results back from my most recent biopsy. If my biopsy is negative I will still stay on my gluten free diet. I did a gluten load for 2 weeks before the blood test and I was miserable. I had bloating, gas (vile gas), constipation with occasional explosive diarrhea, muscle pain, migraines (everyday) and debilitating fatigue. I don't ever want to go through that again. I have fibromyalgia as well and the celiac really makes that way worst ( I used to be very involved in the MEFM Society and quit due to burn out so that may be why I haven't joined any other groups yet).

You may want to try making your own bread. It will be better than any that you can buy and it is much easier to make gluten free bread than regular yeast bread (alot less rising). Just be prepared for a quick bread batter rather than a kneadable bread.

I make a quick pizza by using Bob Red Mills gluten free bread mix. I ignor the instuctions, add water until I get a still mix that I can roll out. I roll it as thin as I can get it, put it on my peel that I have covered in cornmead (you can use a pan but grease it then add the cornmeal and that will ensure it is non stick). Lather on tomato sauce (I make my own to ensure it's fresh and safe) I put on my toppings (my favourites are spinach, roasted garlic, carmelized onions-I make a big batch in the crockpot {5lbs onions, 1 stick butter, splash of balsamic vinegar and keep the crockpot on for about 12 hours), feta cheese. Place in the oven, preheated to 500 F, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. It's not exactly like a regular pizza but it is nice and crisp and fast and easy and still tastes good.

For some treat recipes I have found many cookie and cake recipes all over the internet. Check out the baking sectiion of this forum, the recipe section of the site and various other sites. I really like glutenfreegirl's blog site. I have some cake recipes that work brilliantly everytime and nobody knows that they are gluten free. Let me know if you would like them.

Good luck. I'm off to the farmers market now.

Veronica (aka Wonka)

Hello fellow canadians. I am very new to this site only being diagnosed two days ago(april 7,2008).I have to say i am very scared and very frustrated. Scared cuz I know nothing about celiac and frustrated because I have been misdiagnosed for 23 years. I have been through surgeries and test I know i probably could have avoided had i been properly diagnosed. I have suffered from the following > Insomnia, acid reflux, severe muscle pains, siatica, headachs, neck pain, numbness and tingleing in my face and arms, depression,anxiety, constant yeast and bladder infections, and skin irritations. I have no idea how many of these are caused by wheat. Altho im sure alot of them are. I have seen doctor after doctor anly to be told either nothing is wrong with me or sent for more tests which only come up negative. Finaly i was sent to the right doctor who only had to do a simple blood test.The blood test was postive. The doctor told me that normal levels are 4.0 mine were 99.2!!!!! I have been reading this forum non stop and have had a few questions answered but have many many more. I go for biopsy on april 28 and have no idea what is involved. If there is anyone who can help me with my questions please reply to this.

[dragonsrebel]

Hello fellow canadians. I am very new to this site only being diagnosed two days ago(april 7,2008).I have to say i am very scared and very frustrated. Scared cuz I know nothing about celiac and frustrated because I have been misdiagnosed for 23 years. I have been through surgeries and test I know i probably could have avoided had i been properly diagnosed. I have suffered from the following > Insomnia, acid reflux, severe muscle pains, siatica, headachs, neck pain, numbness and tingleing in my face and arms, depression,anxiety, constant yeast and bladder infections, and skin irritations. I have no idea how many of these are caused by wheat. Altho im sure alot of them are. I have seen doctor after doctor anly to be told either nothing is wrong with me or sent for more tests which only come up negative. Finaly i was sent to the right doctor who only had to do a simple blood test.The blood test was postive. The doctor told me that normal levels are 4.0 mine were 99.2!!!!! I have been reading this forum non stop and have had a few questions answered but have many many more. I go for biopsy on april 28 and have no idea what is involved. If there is anyone who can help me with my questions please reply to this.

[Wonka]

The biopsy is no big deal at all. You will arrive at the hospital, they give you a gown to change into and then weigh you. Then they put you on a bed and put in the IV. They eventually wheel you into the room where the doctor is waiting, attach the sedative and spray your throat with some vile tasting stuff. Then you wake up and it's all finished. We do not have nerve endings where they remove the biopsies so you will feel no pain afterwards. You may have a sore/scratchy throat after, I didn't. If the doctor visually sees damage they will tell you right away otherwise it takes a few weeks for the results.

This can seem very overwhelming at the beginning. Just take a step at a time and don't expect to master this all in one swoop. I removed all gluten flours from my house, I allow some gluten items in the house for my hubby and kids but they have been given strict cleaning instructions for when they consume them (I want them tested, I'm battling my doctor on this because I went gluten free years ago before I had the blood test and biopsy so I have no diffinitive proof I am celiac except my symptoms and my severe reaction to gluten, he doesn't think he has enough evidence to have them tested. I may go over his head and take the kids directly to the childrens hospital clinic and ask for testing there). I bought myself a new toaster, cutting boards, replaced my collander (sp?)and sieve and some of my plastic utensils. I went through a shelf at a time (I have limited energy still as I have developed iron deficiency anemia and I have fibromyalgia) giving them a really good clean. All my cutlery was put in the dishwasher for a good cleaning while I scrubbed out the drawer. None of this was done in a day. In fact, I still have some shelves to do but these ones have never been a big storage place for gluteny things.

Do not go on the diet until after your biopsy is over. When you do go on the diet, you may have to also go dairy free. When there is damage to the villi our bodies can not produce lactase but this is usually temporary until the villi heal. Eat simple at first, lean meats, lots of vegies and fruit. Wait until you have healed some to introduce other gluten free grains.

I promise, you can do this. Many recipes can easily be adapted to be gluten free and there is a good variety of gluten free products available these days.

Good luck.

[Octoberme]

Well, I just have to chim in on here too. Not only am I new to this but am Canadian too. Kelowna, B.C. Canada BABY! And yes, all of this is VERY overwhelming and personally, the doctors here I find are VERY mis-informed ( or lazy?? ).....

But, welcome all and it is nice to see Canadians on here. This site is terrific and everyone has been SO nice, but sometimes it is tricky when getting advice and such, especially on products, as we cannot find a lot of the stuff here.

Ta ta :-)

[dragonsrebel]

The biopsy is no big deal at all. You will arrive at the hospital, they give you a gown to change into and then weigh you. Then they put you on a bed and put in the IV. They eventually wheel you into the room where the doctor is waiting, attach the sedative and spray your throat with some vile tasting stuff. Then you wake up and it's all finished. We do not have nerve endings where they remove the biopsies so you will feel no pain afterwards. You may have a sore/scratchy throat after, I didn't. If the doctor visually sees damage they will tell you right away otherwise it takes a few weeks for the results.

This can seem very overwhelming at the beginning. Just take a step at a time and don't expect to master this all in one swoop. I removed all gluten flours from my house, I allow some gluten items in the house for my hubby and kids but they have been given strict cleaning instructions for when they consume them (I want them tested, I'm battling my doctor on this because I went gluten free years ago before I had the blood test and biopsy so I have no diffinitive proof I am celiac except my symptoms and my severe reaction to gluten, he doesn't think he has enough evidence to have them tested. I may go over his head and take the kids directly to the childrens hospital clinic and ask for testing there). I bought myself a new toaster, cutting boards, replaced my collander (sp?)and sieve and some of my plastic utensils. I went through a shelf at a time (I have limited energy still as I have developed iron deficiency anemia and I have fibromyalgia) giving them a really good clean. All my cutlery was put in the dishwasher for a good cleaning while I scrubbed out the drawer. None of this was done in a day. In fact, I still have some shelves to do but these ones have never been a big storage place for gluteny things.

Do not go on the diet until after your biopsy is over. When you do go on the diet, you may have to also go dairy free. When there is damage to the villi our bodies can not produce lactase but this is usually temporary until the villi heal. Eat simple at first, lean meats, lots of vegies and fruit. Wait until you have healed some to introduce other gluten free grains.

I promise, you can do this. Many recipes can easily be adapted to be gluten free and there is a good variety of gluten free products available these days.

Good luck.

Thank you for answering me.You have cleared up my biggest worry> the biopsy. My brother was diagnosed with a mild wheat allergy 3 years ago. That was around the time i got very ill. I have had aprox 16 stomach surgeries in the las 12 years for things like fubroids, and cysts. I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 25. 2 years ago i had surgery once again because of simalar(sp?) symptoms that i have now. They found massive scar tissuse from my prior surgeries and they removed it. They said that was the cause of my stomach problems. Of course they were wrong because i got worse. Since november 25,2007 i have lost 35 pounds because i have been so sick. The docs tried to talk me into another surgery addimant(sp?) that it was scar tissue again. It so happens they sent me to a gastrointologist who sent me for the blood test. Now my mother and sister are going for testing and my son is being tested on tuesday. My hubby and I have decided we will all be going glute free so there are no slip ups. I think its going to be hard at first but eventually we will get through it. Thanks again for your help.

[dragonsrebel]

The biopsy is no big deal at all. You will arrive at the hospital, they give you a gown to change into and then weigh you. Then they put you on a bed and put in the IV. They eventually wheel you into the room where the doctor is waiting, attach the sedative and spray your throat with some vile tasting stuff. Then you wake up and it's all finished. We do not have nerve endings where they remove the biopsies so you will feel no pain afterwards. You may have a sore/scratchy throat after, I didn't. If the doctor visually sees damage they will tell you right away otherwise it takes a few weeks for the results.

This can seem very overwhelming at the beginning. Just take a step at a time and don't expect to master this all in one swoop. I removed all gluten flours from my house, I allow some gluten items in the house for my hubby and kids but they have been given strict cleaning instructions for when they consume them (I want them tested, I'm battling my doctor on this because I went gluten free years ago before I had the blood test and biopsy so I have no diffinitive proof I am celiac except my symptoms and my severe reaction to gluten, he doesn't think he has enough evidence to have them tested. I may go over his head and take the kids directly to the childrens hospital clinic and ask for testing there). I bought myself a new toaster, cutting boards, replaced my collander (sp?)and sieve and some of my plastic utensils. I went through a shelf at a time (I have limited energy still as I have developed iron deficiency anemia and I have fibromyalgia) giving them a really good clean. All my cutlery was put in the dishwasher for a good cleaning while I scrubbed out the drawer. None of this was done in a day. In fact, I still have some shelves to do but these ones have never been a big storage place for gluteny things.

Do not go on the diet until after your biopsy is over. When you do go on the diet, you may have to also go dairy free. When there is damage to the villi our bodies can not produce lactase but this is usually temporary until the villi heal. Eat simple at first, lean meats, lots of vegies and fruit. Wait until you have healed some to introduce other gluten free grains.

I promise, you can do this. Many recipes can easily be adapted to be gluten free and there is a good variety of gluten free products available these days.

Good luck.

Thank you for answering me.You have cleared up my biggest worry> the biopsy. My brother was diagnosed with a mild wheat allergy 3 years ago. That was around the time i got very ill. I have had aprox 16 stomach surgeries in the las 12 years for things like fubroids, and cysts. I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 25. 2 years ago i had surgery once again because of simalar(sp?) symptoms that i have now. They found massive scar tissuse from my prior surgeries and they removed it. They said that was the cause of my stomach problems. Of course they were wrong because i got worse. Since november 25,2007 i have lost 35 pounds because i have been so sick. The docs tried to talk me into another surgery addimant(sp?) that it was scar tissue again. It so happens they sent me to a gastrointologist who sent me for the blood test. Now my mother and sister are going for testing and my son is being tested on tuesday. My hubby and I have decided we will all be going glute free so there are no slip ups. I think its going to be hard at first but eventually we will get through it. Thanks again for your help.

[phelipa]

Hi Ivanna,

I haven't joined the Canadian Celiac Association, they also have a Vancouver Chapter, but I did go to one of their meetings (it was held at Panno Rizo a local rice bakery).

I have not been officially diagnosed either. My blood work was negative and I don't have the results back from my most recent biopsy. If my biopsy is negative I will still stay on my gluten free diet. I did a gluten load for 2 weeks before the blood test and I was miserable. I had bloating, gas (vile gas), constipation with occasional explosive diarrhea, muscle pain, migraines (everyday) and debilitating fatigue. I don't ever want to go through that again. I have fibromyalgia as well and the celiac really makes that way worst ( I used to be very involved in the MEFM Society and quit due to burn out so that may be why I haven't joined any other groups yet).

You may want to try making your own bread. It will be better than any that you can buy and it is much easier to make gluten free bread than regular yeast bread (alot less rising). Just be prepared for a quick bread batter rather than a kneadable bread.

I make a quick pizza by using Bob Red Mills gluten free bread mix. I ignor the instuctions, add water until I get a still mix that I can roll out. I roll it as thin as I can get it, put it on my peel that I have covered in cornmead (you can use a pan but grease it then add the cornmeal and that will ensure it is non stick). Lather on tomato sauce (I make my own to ensure it's fresh and safe) I put on my toppings (my favourites are spinach, roasted garlic, carmelized onions-I make a big batch in the crockpot {5lbs onions, 1 stick butter, splash of balsamic vinegar and keep the crockpot on for about 12 hours), feta cheese. Place in the oven, preheated to 500 F, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. It's not exactly like a regular pizza but it is nice and crisp and fast and easy and still tastes good.

For some treat recipes I have found many cookie and cake recipes all over the internet. Check out the baking sectiion of this forum, the recipe section of the site and various other sites. I really like glutenfreegirl's blog site. I have some cake recipes that work brilliantly everytime and nobody knows that they are gluten free. Let me know if you would like them.

Good luck. I'm off to the farmers market now.

Veronica (aka Wonka)

Hi, I'm new here and was happy to find a canadian discussion on here

I haven't been formally diagnosed either - I went for bloodwork a few months ago after my cousin was diagnosed with celiac disease after having stomach problems for years. All the bloodwork came back negative and my doctor refused to send me for the biopsy because apparently a GI specialist won't see you without a positive blood test. I have to admit I was a little crushed because she's diagnosed me with IBS and at least if it turned out to be celiac disease there would have been something I could do to help control pain, cramping, diarrhea etc... Some of the symptoms associated with celiac were also such a perfect fit - I'd always had joint pain in my wrists and knees and spent several years going to a rheumatologist, physiotherapist, etc...but no one ever found the source. I also had problems with anemia and weird sores in my mouth. I relayed this all to my doctor (well she already knew about it so I gave her a refresher...) and she sent me for the test which came back negative. After another bad episode of stomach upsets in april I decided to go gluten free to see if it helped - so far so good and it's been about 6-7 weeks now.

I guess I need to try the gluten load now but it's hard around a full time work schedule, so I had a few questions: How long does it take to see a reaction? How much do you have to eat for a reaction? Is there a defined recovery time after you eat gluten?

In addition I just wanted to add a few restaurant reviews We tried Bella Vista, the itialian restaurant a couple weeks ago and the pizza was AMAZING, I coldn't believe it was gluten free - I've been missing that taste for a long time. The staff definitely knew what they were doing and told me the food was cooked seperately and handled seperately etc...

I also tried milestones last night and called ahead of time to ensure that I would be able to eat something. The staff were FANTASTIC! They told me ahead of time that everyone washed their hands right before touching my food, they used seperate pans and utensils, the server washed his hands before bringing my food out and brought it out alone. When I got there I ordered a salad with grilled chicken and no croutons, mixed in a bowl on its own. A few minutes later the manager came out and said there were hidden ingredients like worcestire sauce in the dressing and listed all the other options. I ended up getting steak and they pan fried it to avoid cross contamination on the grill. They even had a dessert I could have! When they brought everything out they explained everything and its ingredients - I was very impressed with the service, two thumbs up! (And the dessert was AMAZING - if I go back I'll order two of those instead of steak ;])

[torontosue]

Hi all,

Newly joined and newly diagnosed (3 weeks ago). I live smack dab in the middle of Toronto. I'm sure there must be all sorts of places I can find stuff here in the city, but ugh, I'm so overwhelmed right now!

[psawyer]

Hi, Sue,

Toronto has plenty of options for celiacs. It is such a big city that I don't know even half of them, I'm sure. I live in Unionville, but my business is on Yonge north of Lawrence. Most of the places I know about are north and east.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Those should get you started.

Welcome to the board!

[torontosue]

Thanks for those links Peter. I went to Whole Foods Market today and stocked up on a few things....the most important being their gluten-free Pizza crust that became a lunch from the Gods today! LOL....man was I missing pizza.

I also got a menu from Magic Oven, but didnt eat there ... I'm sure I'll give it a try soon.

Anyway, you're work isn't that far from me..... I live near Davisville subway, so I'll definitely check into Il Fornello, there's one a few blocks south of me at St. Clair.

[Gerri]

Hi Everyone,

New here from Kitchener, Ontario.

Just resently tested for celiac. Test came back negative. My doctor did put me on a gluten free diet for the rest of my life. He is looking into autoimmune diseases. As I have major allergies, and liver disease (NASH - Non-alcohol fatty liver disease with inflamation), I can not have medication for pain for arthritis(s), depression, and for any other illness.

It is my understanding that going gluten free will help fight off an autoimmune disease, but won't stop it.

Just before celiac test I started eating lot more gluten, my stomach bloated, GERDS, leaky gut, my hands swelled, my pain increased, mood and depression increased. My sugar went whacky, as did my severe sleep apnea. My Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and Hyperacusis also went crazy.

Just two days into the process of avoiding gluten, I am finding that there is not much changes yet.

Hugs Everyone

Gerri

[Karl]

Not Canadian, but near the border. I understand Canada has a potential rate of 35% celiac

Celiac for 24 years before finding out! As far as symptoms, "Let me count the ways..."

Apnea; neuropathy in hands, feet and face; MS/Parkinson like tremors; inability to pick up a pen or piece of paper for a day at a time; short term memory loss like Alzheimer's; ADDDDDDD (extra D's for severity; weight gain; anxiety, depression; reflux; soy and lactose intolerance; multiple grain intolerances due to gliadin sensitivities; constipation; Candida; cholesterol imbalance; High blood pressure; other allergies

Had most of the above simultaneously! At one time enjoyed an occasional Labatt's or Molson's. (No more)

Beer and pizza are not the be all /end alls of life. Food is to be enjoyed but should not rule supreme.

Hang with the diet. The changes take time. I've been on the diet for 6 years. The major symptoms have cleared up. The candida is, unfortunately, a constant battle. No gluten alone changed a sudden spike in blood pressure at age 34 from 180 over 100 to 100 over 70 in 3 weeks, where it stays today. Cholesterol is now in better balance (used to be over 300 almost all the wrong kind virtually none of the good kind);

Reflux is the first sign I've been poisoned by an unwanted incursion of gluten, the constipation follow up and nervous system disruption always confirm this. Healing is now faster, however.

There are benefits to being celiac. (who's got some?)

Good Luck,

Don't know when I'll get to Canada next, but by way of Niagara Falls.

Can y'all give some suggestions as to places there and in Toronto one can get reasonably priced meals that are celiac friendly?

Karl

[leadmeastray88]

Hello fellow Canadians

I'm from Winnipeg! Any other 'Peggers out there?

[Karl]

I tend to run into known celiacs or many "I might be's, here are my symptoms" most places I go.

Keep in mind that the tests tend to be a 50/50 crap shoot.

Just because you test negative does not mean you are not celiac.

My sister tested negative the first time then positive the second time for antibodies.

A former colleague who had reflux and other digestive difficulties challenged herself by getting off gluten products at my suggestion. Ten days later all symptoms were gone and her energy was up. Ate gluten products again for a diagnosis, blood test negative twice, endoscopy once, but the essential fatty acids were found to be passing through in her stool. Result: definitely celiac, but found by special lab testing through the mail by labs that specialize in the celiac testing.

Remember the blood tests are 50/50 in accuracy, negative does not absolutely mean not celiac.

The endoscopy is only as accurate as the doctor taking the samples. He/she has to to know what they are looking for and actually get samples for the affected area. They can only get the scope into the very beginning of the small intestinal track, this leaves the mvast majority unable to be observed or tested.

The odd thing about being celiac is that you can show no antibody abnormalities or intestinal damage, but still suffer from other symptoms. (It is an autoimmune disaese. Live with its effects long enough and the immune system begins to attack other organs : thyroid, pancreas adrenals, etc.)

Suggestion: go on the diet and see how you feel after 7-14 days. if symptoms improve you may have answered at least part of the equation. Also, the B-12 deficiency can be due to a genetic anomaly. The defective gene can prevent the bearer from converting enough dietary b-12 (cobalamin) into the active form needed by the body mB-12(methylcobalamin). I have this issue. Unconverted B-12 is passed out of the body unused. Two of my children get daily shots of mB-12, the rest of us take sublingual tablets.

Take natural forms of the regular B-12. the typical vitamin supplement has cyanocobalamin in it. This is not a highly assimilative form. Your body has evolved to extract vitamins from plants and animal products, not test tube varieties.

Headaches, cramps, etc. can be from lack of magnesium, calcium, zinc and other minerals. This can be from just not having enough in your diet, to not being able to absorb enough from your food due to celiac malabsorption. Have you been tested for osteoporosis? Have your bone density checked if not already done.

Mineral supplements should not be of the inorganic variety. (These forms include carbonates, chlorides, oxides, sulfates) Sorry for all the chemistry, but it is how the body works. Inorganic forms of minerals such as calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate, actually cause a laxative effect in the large intestine. This can result in less absorption of minerals as they do not stay in the gut long enogh to be absorbed into the blood stream. Why spend money on something that your going to flush out of your body unused?

When I discuss these topics I remind the reader that I am not an MD but have gained knowledge through self research and from MD's who know. My background is in Chemistry.

Good Luck

[leadmeastray88]

Headaches, cramps, etc. can be from lack of magnesium, calcium, zinc and other minerals. This can be from just not having enough in your diet, to not being able to absorb enough from your food due to celiac malabsorption.

Hi, thanks for your concern!

My doctor did an enormous blood panel on me to check my minerals and vitamins, including all of those you mentioned above. Vitamin B12 was the only one I was deficient in. I am taking supplements right now, however I will most likely start shots instead.

I know this is not from my diet as I am an extremely healthy eater. This is most definitely not caused by my diet.

I am in the process of being tested for parasites, and if those tests come back negative then I will be scheduled for a scope. Right after the scope takes place, I am going to try the diet no matter what the outcome is.

Thanks again for your concern!

[yogi]

Apnea; neuropathy in hands, feet and face; MS/Parkinson like tremors; inability to pick up a pen or piece of paper for a day at a time; short term memory loss like Alzheimer's; ADDDDDDD (extra D's for severity; weight gain; anxiety, depression; reflux; soy and lactose intolerance; multiple grain intolerances due to gliadin sensitivities; constipation; Candida; cholesterol imbalance; High blood pressure; other allergies

I have some of the above but not all.

Hang with the diet. The changes take time. I've been on the diet for 6 years. The major symptoms have cleared up. The candida is, unfortunately, a constant battle. No gluten alone changed a sudden spike in blood pressure at age 34 from 180 over 100 to 100 over 70 in 3 weeks, where it stays today.

This bp remark prompts me to reply.

I diagnosed myself as gluten intolerant but since I didn't have official confirmation I ignored it. For most of my life in Canada I did not eat bread because it was pretty disgusting stuff except for the odd loaf from the Kensington Market bakeries.

When I came to Europe I started to eat all the fantastic breads and wondered why Canada, bread basket that it is could not produce good bread. In Europe I never had constipation again, probably owing to the bread consumption with lots of visible whole grains. When I moved to France I started to eat a white farm bread baked with faggot in a hole in the wall oven, a village or so away, and immediately got horrendous diarrhea which I put down to the sorbital in diet coke I had suddenly taken to drinking. I stopped drinking it.

then I put it down to the increase of meat i had begun to eat because it was cheaper in France than the last two countries I lived in. I diminished meat and for the last ten years keep largely to a vegetarian diet.

I moved from the village and seldom had access to this bread but started to eat croissants from the village baker. When I did have this particular bread I got diarrhea. Granted I ate a lot of it with thick slabs of aged Gouda cheese or charcouterie....let me count the ways one can gorge! My blood pressure slowly increased.

When I moved to the States I found bread, unless it was from Zabar's really awful but did eat bagels and drank a lot of OJ. I put the diarrhea down to the vast quantities of OJ. Then I started on BP medication which I have been on the last ten years and have had bouts of diarrhea at the same time. I probably stumbled on the symptoms of celiac disease on the internet which I had always thought was a disease diagnosed in child hood. for the past four years I diminished eating bread and pasta. Gluten free bread and pasta was pretty awful so I just diminished it. I went through a series of different bp meds the last one causing peripheral neuropathy or so I thought. It is possible or it exacerbated the gluten effects. I have yet to sort that out definitively.

Probably in a search for peripheral neuropathy (burning tingling sensations in hands and feet) I stumbled repeatedly on gluten intolerance. I was particularly careful not to eat gluten when travelling so as not to be caught short when it was not convenient. I'd had episodes of just making it to filthy toilets in China, Turkey and Kenya or in some instances not making it. During those vacations I hadn't made the connection but finally did on a visit to Turkey and a subsequent visit to Vietnam and Cambodia where as a treat we were served white bread. I ate it with an immediate reaction. A great laxative but it meant I couldn't go on the day's outing. Painful reaction too.

Last week I said enough. Avoid gluten, try it. Stop dicking around with your health and waking up each morning in extreme gut pain. Surely no croissant is worth the agony?

For two weeks now I've diligently avoided gluten. My blood pressure has dropped to normal. I continued to take the medication then half a pill and bravely none for two days. I take my BP night and day. At first I thought it was owing to a new BP cuff so I had my daughter take my BP (she's a medical intern) with the old cuff, the new extra big one for fatties I bought her and the new regular cuff. Three times the same result.

Now I'm trying to understand the scientific link between decreased bp and gluten intolerance. Edema must play a role. I still feel I'm healing but a normal BP is a plus I cannot believe. Stay tuned.

[yogi]

For two weeks now I've diligently avoided gluten. My blood pressure has dropped to normal. I continued to take the medication then half a pill and bravely none for two days. I take my BP night and day. At first I thought it was owing to a new BP cuff so I had my daughter take my BP (she's a medical intern) with the old cuff, the new extra big one for fatties I bought her and the new regular cuff. Three times the same result.

the above does not read correctly. I bought my daughter two bp cuffs, one for fatties (me) one for normal arm. My kid is no fatty. she's a championship kayaker who now owns a bp cuff for people with big arms and a cuff for people with regular-sized arms.

[KristaleeJane]

Hello fellow Canadians

I am originally from PEI but living in BC now, also newly diagnosed in April by positive bloodwork and biopsy. Slowly improving with the gluten free diet. But still struggling with many side effects still.

Just wanted to say hello, and also remind everyone in Canada that with a proper diagnosis and receipts for gluten free food you can claim your gluten free food on your income tax every year. So make sure to hang on to all receipts and get all your money back that you spend on expensive gluten free food.

[Salem]

hello all, add me to the list of Canadian celiacs (Vancovuer). I don't have an official diagnosis. 7 years ago all tests were negative including endoscope. I went mostly wheat-free for the next 7 years, but the last year I started to feel really sick. 2 months ago I got the blood tests and the test results indicated a false negative. I don't really know what to do with that non-diagnosis. I have been gluten-free since and feel so much better. Until I went gluten-free, I didn't realize that I felt like crap all the time!

This forum has been a real help, it is easy to feel like a food-freak. It's nice to know that I'm not alone.

[JAMES14]

Don't know if you have a Bulk Barn there, but my sister in Windsor called me in Calgary to see if we had one here. She said they have TONS of gluten-free stuff. Not sure about the cc issues though.

Celiacs should never shop at Bulk Barns. The staff are not concerned with cross contamination and customers certainly don't care. As much as one wants to save by shopping there, it just isn't worth the gamble. I hope I don't sound too blunt.

[leadmeastray88]

Celiacs should never shop at Bulk Barns. The staff are not concerned with cross contamination and customers certainly don't care. As much as one wants to save by shopping there, it just isn't worth the gamble. I hope I don't sound too blunt.

I shop at Bulk Barn and have never had a problem yet.

At mine, they keep all of the gluten-free products in a seperate area, so the scoopers don't get mixed up with the other flours/starches. If they were with other flour products I would be concerned.

[JAMES14]

I shop at Bulk Barn and have never had a problem yet.

At mine, they keep all of the gluten-free products in a seperate area, so the scoopers don't get mixed up with the other flours/starches. If they were with other flour products I would be concerned.

Then you live very close to paradise. I live in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and most if not all businesses are way behind when it comes to gluten free, they just don't seem to get it. You would get cross contamination issues here. Where is the Bulk Barn located that you shop at?

[isabelle]

Hi Lisa,

You are definitely not the only Canadian here. We have it covered from West coast to the East coast and in between. Where are you ?

There is lots of good info here, although I must admit I am jealous of the Americans for all the food choices they can get.

Hi,

I'm from Granby near Montreal .... Can you tell me where did you have a skin biopsy ... and what

did it said ... When I have a contamination ... my under eyes are getting all red and dry for

2 years I looked like a raccoon ...

thanks Isabelle

[maile]

Hi all,

I'm from Vancouver and self diagnosed, my blood work came back negative (I'd gone gluten-free for 2 weeks prior not knowing that it would affect the test) and like many others my GP will not send me for a biopsy at this point.

I've eaten gluten lite for most of my life mainly because my mother had MS and was suggested to cut carbs from her diet to help with the relapses and I got used to eating that way. but still for years I've had migraines both ocular and the regular type, constipation, bloating, gas, sore joints, unexplained rashes that take YEARS to heal, bruises that won't heal, intermittent canker sores and lately fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, menstrual irregularities (which interestingly enough went away for a couple of months when I was inadvertently gluten-free while doing a weight loss diet), tingling and numbing in my hands and feet....just writing this makes me tired and feel like a hypochondriac

This forum is truly amazing, I am learning a great deal here and keep getting that funny "gee I seem like everyone else here" feeling

Thanks to all the posters who have taken the time to share their experiences and knowledge