Michi8

What is PEG? My sons constipation also started when solids were introduced at about 7 months old. He's been on a varitey of otc and script laxes, many don't do the job. We found one that does work but unfortunately doesn't seem to be very safe for kids or atleast there is no study on them and I have already seem not the typical side effects in him while he is on the med....one that the FDA hasn't yet listed as a side effect too.....we take the generic form of Miralax.

Miralax=PEG. Our sons are taking the same product. PEG stands for polyethylene glycol. In Canada, it is only available in the generic form, and is not considered a prescription item. Our pediatrician believes that PEG is very safe as it simply pulls water into the intestine, and is not supposed to cause dependence. We have have seen no side effects whatsoever.

What side effects have you seen?

Michelle

Yup. My husband is of the "need a drs official diagnosis" camp.

I've had no luck with diagnosis for gluten intolerance, but have symptoms as long as I am tall. So I'm trying the diet. He agrees that I need to figure something out, because it's clear that my symptoms are an issue. But he is concerned that I will go through this diet and not believe in a negative result, because I'll end up blaming it on cc.

So, he's concerned that I'm not being careful enough with cc, especially since I'm preparing gluten-filled lunches, snacks and meals for the family (and he's right on that count...I just have to do the best I can to keep my diet free of cc) yet he's not willing to have the house go completely gluten free, or join me in my efforts. I told him if he can't be 100% supportive, he needs to keep his negative opinions to himself, and let me figure out what I need for my own health.

This summer I'll be trying an elimination diet with the kids too...and that will include going gluten free for a length of time. Surprisingly, he's supportive of the kids doing this. I'm really hoping that it will give us some aswers with my kids' health issues too.

BTW, the reason I need to try a elimination diet for my eldest is that he has had chronic constipation issues since he started solids as a baby. It resulted in him having major bowel distention and problems with him soiling and wetting himself (not feeling urges to go due to bowel distention disturbing the nerves) last year (at 8yo). He has since been on laxatives, exclusively PEG over the last 6 months, which has helped immensely. We're hoping his bowel will return to normal size over the next 6 months so we can back off on the meds. Though, in the long run, I really believe that dietary change will make the biggest difference...I'd hate for my child to have to take PEG for the rest of his life. Our 4yo daughter is now having problems with constipation and tummy aches too.

Michelle

BamBam,

That sounds like a good plan. Don't fear the heavy weights. Use compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and lunges. They will give you the most bang for your buck. Until you can get heavier weights, you could work with just your body weight to promote strength and balance.

My wife started doing pilates a couple years ago, and did not see any results. She then started lifting using compound exercises, and she lost fat and gained muscle much quicker.

Coltrane

Do not discount Pilates though. You won't see the same "results" as weight training and cardio, but it is very, very good for developing your core strength and flexibility which in turn supports proper spinal aligment...it will ensure that you perform other exercise and activities safely and effectively.

Michelle

This actually would not surprise me. Sweating is our bodies natural way of excreting toxins and etc. from the body through the pores in our skin, our skin being the largest organ of the body. The aluminum in anti-perspirants inhibits the perspiration so I would imagine if/when you stop using it a detox would happen?? Makes sense to me

I've had luck with using crystal antiperspirants before....many years ago. I can't remember why I stopped using it. I find that deoderant doesn't work well for me, antiperspirant is better...but I think I need to give crystal another shot.

In terms of detox, you may find your sweat smells less if you make sure you sweat thoroughly on a regular basis. Since I started hot yoga (twice per week) I find that my sweat has less odour...my body sweats thoroughly for the full 1.5 hour class. Definitely a great way to help one's body detox.

Michelle

Well, if North York is the location you will be staying, here are some options:

1) Swiss Chalet is a chicken place that is ALL over and you can order their 1/4 (or 1/2, if you're hungry!) chicken with baked potato. That is gluten free, along with their butter, sour cream and dipping sauce (not the gravy though!) Just make sure you order it without the bun.

Swiss Chalet, BTW, has a pamphlet on food ingredients and allergies. They list all the items on their menu and whether it has wheat, gluten, dairy, peanuts etc. Just ask the manager or hostess for a copy. They are very accomodating of customers' dietary needs. Montana's (part of the Cara chain along with Swiss Chalet) also has a gluten free menu. Also part of the same chain is Kelsey's, Milestone's, Harvey's and Second Cup. I expect each restaurant is able to accomodate dietary requests.

Michelle

Edit: Oops! My reply was "too late!" Glad your trip went well.

Unfortuately, you can't target weight loss. But you can work on muscle strength and tone. Doing pilates is great for working on the core muscles which helps support your body in everything you do. There is also a lot of work on flexibility. Yoga may be helpful too.

However, if your main goal is to lose weight overall, then maybe use a cardio machine. A recumbent bike may be a good investment for home workouts. It would be more comfortable than using a regular exercise bike and easier to use than an elliptical trainer if you have trouble with balance and gait.

Michelle

I was wondering if this was a symptom, or just some silly reaction I'm having to something.

Last night I noticed an itchy rash on both of my cheeks - this morning it is worse...! It's rather red, and I'm trying not to scratch it as I don't want to irritate a rash somewhere as obvious as my face.

I can't think what has caused this...! My skincare routine hasn't changed at all, and I've been very careful not to get glutened. Anyone have any experience of this/ideas as to what may have caused it.

Thanks very much.

It could be anything..allergic reaction, virus, heat rash, DH. Best to have your dr or dermatologist look at it.

Michelle

I think it's possible...but it's a good idea to try treating it as another condition (ringworm, psoriasis) to see if it responds.

Are you very fair-skinned?

I ask because I am very fair, and my DH spots on my elbows (extensor surfaces) does not really look as dark or as bad as many of the pictures of DH I have seen. I have taken photos of it, and it does not look like much other than pink areas that leave behind thickened skin. When it starts, I get anywhere between 1 and 5 bumps per elbow, clustered. In this stage, it is very itchy. Now that I've been gluten free for six weeks, I have scarred areas only; no itching. The skin is really starting to thin back to a normal texture, too. I must have a pretty mild case compared to people who have it stay around for a year or longer. When I got glutened by accident, one little itchy spot showed up on each elbow. I have had the rash off and on since childhood. My parents took me to the pediatrician, who prescribed hydrocortizone cream.

Some people say they get purple scars afterwards; my scars are pinkish (where fading) and dry / white (where only thickened skin remains)...but I finally read an article on DH that said either purplish OR whitish scars were a feature.

If you think you have a problem with gluten, be persistent in figuring it out.

HTH! - April

April, what you are describing sounds a lot like psoriasis to me (especially with the thickening skin.) My elbows do the same...and that is what the dermatologist said sounds like psoriasis (rather than eczema that I was diagnosed with many years ago.) For some people, their psoriasis gets better with a gluten-free diet.

The "DH" lesions, on me, react differently, and leave dark marks that take a long time to fade (I'm fair-skinned too), but the skin does not thicken. Maybe I'm just all confused now...I've got so many different skin issues going on that I'm not sure what is what anymore.

Michelle

#5, 9, 24

Michelle

I think that this thread has degenerated into an argument over whether or not marijuana should be legalized when the original question was CC. Since marijuana is LEGAL in some places for certain purposes (such as medicine, or in European countries and parts of Canada), the CC question is valid because this board is international, IMO. However, an argument over legalziation is not.

If you don't have an interest in the original question, please take your argument elsewhere. Otherwise, a potentially helpful thread will probably end up being shut down by Scott.

Thank you.

I don't want to get into an argument. Just want to point out that legal med use, and the move towards decriminalization for possession (of small amounts...being a dealer would still be illegal) is across the board in Canada (not just in parts.)

Hemp is 100% legal here, and has good nutritional value and is widely available in products as well as food. I like it in granola.

Michelle

It does look a bit like ringworm according to some pictures I saw on the internet. But of course, it also looks like dermatitis herpetiformis, psoriasis and eczema. Is it just me or do all of these skin conditions look almost identical?

It's not just you, and I think drs give incorrect labels a lot due to skin conditions looking similar. You need to see a dr or dermatologist who doesn't just glance at it and give you a quick answer. They need to take your history, and really examine what is going on.

I got a label of eczema years ago, only to find out now that what I had/have was/is probably psoriasis. Now I have to go in to see my dermatologist when I have an active case to confirm. Hard to find the time when I'm run off my feet with my three kids and their health issues too. My suspicion of DH is based on different lesions...but the biopsy (done by a different dermatologist I won't go back to!) was taken from the wrong spot, and so the negative result is really inconclusive.

Michelle

OK no stone throwing then but tobacco and alcohol are also illegal for teenagers and depending where you live so is dope... Yes, tobacco and alcohol are illegal for teens, but marijuana is illegal for everyone, at least in America and in my opinion should only be used as a prescription for those terminally ill.

The laws are quite different in Canada and the U.S. Medical use is allowed here, and is supplied and controlled through the federal government (though there has been some question to the potency and effectiveness of this medical grade drug.) There have also been changes to the possession laws.

This forum does host more than U.S. citizens, and I think the topic is worthwhile. For me, I'm interested in hearing about cc of hemp, especially in foods.

Michelle

To me, it looks like "ring-worm." I know that it sounds gross, but it's really not caused by a worm. It's caused by a fungus-like organism. It is cured by over the counter athlete's foot mediation. (I hop it's gluten-free ) For a while I was prone to this rash. Typically it is seen in people who live in dirty homes with lots of pets (especially cats), according to the doctor I saw. Well, I don't live in a dirty home, or have lots of cats , and you don't have to either. If it is ring-worm the rash should start to fade after a couple days to treatment.

It doesn't look like typical ringworm. The ring is usually more pronounced, whereas these images do not show a ring. It is more likely psoriasis, but I really think a doctor should be consulted, because it really could be any number of things.

Ringworm is not caused by dirty homes, but it is contagious, and can be contracted from animals (pets) as well as humans. Anti fungals such as miconazole and clotrimazole (both are athlete's foot and yeast infection meds) work well for treatment.

Michelle

The silence from Kinnikinnick is overwhelming. I guess this is it for them. They're no better than serving your children processed junk food. Msg laden, gluten free bread products. Thanks, Kinnikinnick, for all the poison.

Since this is so important, have you considered phoning them directly? Perhaps they didn't receive the email, or haven't been responding over the long weekend. Your original post was on Saturday (I'm not sure when you sent the email to them), and it's entirely possible that they have been closed until today.

Michelle

Edit: These are the company's hours (they likely would have been closed Good Friday & Easter Monday as well):

Administration Hours: (MST)

Monday...........9am-4:30pm

Tuesday..........9am-4:30pm

Wednesday........9am-4:30pm

Thursday.........9am-4:30pm

Friday...........9am-4:30pm

Saturday.........Closed

Sunday...........Closed

Retail Store Hours: (MST)

Tuesday..........9:30am-5pm

Wednesday........9:30am-5pm

Thursday.........9:30am-6pm

Friday...........9:30am-5pm

Saturday.........9:30am-5pm

Sunday...........Closed

Monday...........Closed

Maybe...or maybe not. The problem is that the scarring from a lesion can look like so many other skin issues...eczema, psoriasis, etc. You really need a dr to look at an active lesion.

Michelle

There are good links and photos on this site:

Open Original Shared Link

Michelle

Oh boy can I ever relate...once before I was diagnosed. I got sick at Walmart and had to break down and use their bathroom before I had an accident. I don't know about anyone else but Walmart has the worst bathrooms in the world, they are so unclean and disgusting.

This is a very common topic and I am glad there is somewhere we can talk about it.

Sadly, some of the worst public washrooms I've seen have been in the U.S....especially in NYC. Only the washroom at the airport in Moscow, Russia was worse. The Walmarts around here are actually not all that bad.

Michelle

Before going gluten-free, my sister and I both had terrible bouts of itching on our legs. Was very weird, it happened about the same time everyday and you got so you dreaded that time of day. When my daughter was 2 1/2 she was in a full body cast for hip problems and my legs broke out in a terrible, itchy rash. First the doc said it was poison ivy, then he said it was an allergic reaction to her cast. This would come and go for me, never getting terrible as some of you have mentioned. After going gluten-free, I had one major incident when both elbows had the identical rash--I used peppermint lotion which helped tremendously and also, which I can no longer find anywhere. I was told at the time that it was DH, but never doctor diagnosed for it.

You can get the pharmacy to make up a cream with menthol (usually in Glaxal Base). My daughter had a prescription written up for it, but I don't know if it needs a prescription.

Michelle

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is not an anti-inflammatory.

Michelle

What I wrote yesterday...

Swiss Chalet and Milestone's are part of the same chain as Montana's...they should be able to serve gluten free customers as well. I know that Swiss Chalet can do a good job. They offer a pamphlet with info on gluten free options (as well as other allergy issues), plus mentioning it to the server or manager should alert the kitchen staff to watch out for cc. OPM is supposed to be an excellent restaurant for gluten free options too. They are located in South Edmonton Common.

Boston Pizza was mentioned earlier in this thread. I know that some of the locations have offered gluten free pizzas, however one Sherwood Park location has stopped offering this option, but will make a pizza for you on a crust you bring. Worth calling the restaurant to confirm. Do keep in mind that, given the labour shortage, many restaurants are short of staff, so that may up the risk of cc as staff are often frazzled and overworked.

Michelle

I could have sworn I posted in this thread yesterday...what happened to that post?

Michelle

I believe that using such abbreviations are silly--just write it out! Such things only make it impossible for others to search for information that could help them.

Scott

AFAIK these are common internet abbreviations that have been in use for over a decade...just like the smilies. I don't see their usage stopping. For a list of common abbreviations, check here:

Open Original Shared Link

I've tried "regular" yoga classes before, and wasn't a big fan...though I loved the pregnancy yoga class I took in Vancouver with Janice Clarfield...it was amazing. In general, I much prefer pilates.

However, I've been doing Bikram Yoga (hot yoga) now for a couple of months (started at the end of January) and am hooked! I love having the heat for increasing my flexibility and the thorough sweating is good for removing toxins from the system. The room is kept at around 105 degrees (though one class I attended was 110!), and is humid. The class is 90 minutes long, consisting of 26 postures.

I'm going a couple of times per week now, went to class this morning, and can't wait for the next class on Tuesday night.

Michelle

I've heard of it...years ago...but haven't tried it. From what I understand it's a detox/cleanse diet.

Michelle

I grew up in home which in 1960's and 1970's was quite unusual..as my mother had an idea that being exposed to germs kept us healthy. She cleaned home of course and used cleaners and bleach but wasn't off the wall about washing hands or playing in dirt outside. We were not sicker than any other neighborhood children. I married husband who is "Felix Unger" and he always insisted in washing hands when coming in, taking shoes off before entering house and again, my level of colds and sore/strep throat or flu never changed.(snip)

Taking shoes off at the door is part of the culture in Canada. It would be rude not to do so. But it also serves a good purpose. It keeps your floors cleaner, and extends the life of your flooring! My floors get dirty enough as it is...I can't imagine having to constantly clean up after tracked in dirt, especially on my carpet. Also, it's good for your feet to not constantly be wearing shoes.

Additionally, as a teenager I only washed my face once a day - and that was if I wore some mascara and blush - so some days I didn't wash my face, but I've sometimes dabbed it with alcohol - I don't remember why. I never had breakouts and my skin was clear. I believe that there's a "mantle" needed to protect the skin and chemicals and harsh scrubbing removes it.

You don't need to wash your face more than once per day. I have heard the recommendation that you should wash before bed. I prefer to wash in the morning myself, but I don't wear makeup either. I also only shower every other day, and only use soap on the parts that really need it. The oils on the skin perform an important protective role, and to use soap frequently washes that away.

Michelle