Michi8

From what I could find the program, Your Health, is on "FamilyNet" which is a radio station on the Sirius Nework. This is what it says about the channel on the homepage: FamilyNet Radio, the Voice of Christian Talk on SIRIUS, is now on Channel 161 as part of SIRIUS' new Faith and Family Group. I was unable to locate specific information on the TV broadcast.

Michelle

Don't throw the food out...take it back for a refund!

Michelle

My three month old is teething... I need a gluten-free/DF product - I understand Hyland's tablets aren't gluten-free and have milk in them? Tylenol does ok, but seems to wear off after about 2 hours.

TIA !

Open Original Shared Link, by Boiron is a liquid homeopathic teething product. Essentially has the same active ingredients as the Hyland's, but has no lactose or gluten. I found it to be a superior product to the Hyland's tablets as well. Boiron is a very good name for all sorts of homeopathic preparations.

Michelle :-)

Hey guys--Hawkfire raised some interesting issues and some legitimate questions. While I do think that 2kids4me provided an enormous amount of concrete information that answers almost every question, I do NOT think that anybody ought to be bashing Hawkfire. There is a difference between treating someone with kindness and respect--even if you don't agree with his or her views--and smashing them down and being gleeful about doing so.

Some of you are treating her exactly the same way the doctors who don't believe gluten is a problem have treated most of us. Cut it out.

It is possible to disagree without being nasty about it.

I did no bashing or "smashing down" in my responses, yet was accused of being prejudiced, that I have a personal problem with the question, that I am "offended on the behalf of a pig," and that I am belligerent.

Who exactly was being nasty here?

Michelle

Do they even feed pigs wheat? Usually they feed cattle corn. There was an expierment done where they fed cows either corn or wheat and the ones on wheat got really sick. Even corn is pretty unnatural to cows. I've heard that it causes their gut to get unnaturally acidic. If they weren't being fed antibiotics they'd all die from gastrointestinal diseases before they could be slaughtered. In fact, that new, very dangerous variety of E. Coli probably is a result of the feedlots, it survives the very acidic stomach whereas older E. Coli wouldn't.

Cows can easily get sick/die from the wrong feed. There was an incident just last year where a cattle farm went into receivership (due to the whole mad cow thing) and the agency responsible did not use the correct feed mix...quickly lost a lot of cattle.

Michelle

Happy Birthday, Tiffany! Enjoy your biscotti!

Michelle

From all the research I have done on Miralax, and from my younger sons GI doc's recommendation, I just do not feel comfortable with Miralax. "I" don't think he is constipated at all. I think his guts are contracting, trying to poop, but there is nothing there to poop. Eventually he will go, but his tummy hurts til he does.

It's important that you are comfortable with the method of treatment. Have you tested your son for allergies or intolerances?

We're still trying to figure out my son's intolerances, and will push for complete allergy testing (he's only been tested and confirmed for severe penicillin allergy). We tried going dairy free with some success (my son seemed to have more energy and fewer tummy upsets without dairy in his diet.) At this point we've significantly reduced his dairy consumption.

Michelle

Are you kidding me? Why settle there?

This is why:

Open Original Shared Link

It doesn't get much better than that!

Karen

That's a good argument if you live in Calgary (it was really nice being close to Banff when I lived there,) but the argument doesn't work for those of us in the Edmonton area...we're 4 hours away from the nearest mountains!

Michelle

Regarding Video Issues....

Ok, I can view the video fine. Nini can view it fine. Anyone else? And if anyone else is successful, what browser and version are you using?

It is working fine for me...I'm on a Mac w/OSX, and browsing with Safari.

Michelle

So, my oldest(not little Lanigan this time) is having an issue. He tries to poop so hard he almost makes himself throw up. Although, he acts like he has no control over his pushing. Nothing happens. No poop. Then about 1-3 hours later, he will have HORRIBLE runny stools. Like water. And his belly hurts. He is also peeing all the time. Every 30 minutes to an hour. And not just a little bit, a LOT. His fabulous(that was said with much sarcasm) here said he is peeing to much because he is constipated and not emptying his bladder all the way. Well, he has to be emptying it completely. I stand there with him. He pees FOREVER. I have even measured his pee in a hat. He is peeing more than 200cc's each time. And he might be constipated, but then he has the horrible diareah. All in the same stinking day. She wants me to put him on Miralax, but after researching this, I feel very uncomfortable doing so. She told me to keep him on it for 6 months. It is recommended that it is used for no longer than 2 weeks to avoid dependency. I am just frustrated.

If he is having runny stools, then is it actually constipation? Is he feeling the sudden need to have a bowel movement, but nothing happens? Is he having stomach cramping before the need to have a movement? Is it possible this is not constipation, but an intolerance reaction (lactose intolerance for example)? I know from my own intolerance reactions, that I have cramping and a sudden need to go, but then nothing happens...this pattern repeats itself until I finally am able to have a bowel movement...sometimes hours later.

If it truly is constipation, then it can have an effect on the bladder as well, but it sounds like, in your son's case, something else is likely going on. In terms of Miralax, it is a better choice of laxative than others out there, and can be used as recommended by your doctor. My son is on Miralax, because of chronic constipation that resulted in a distended bowel and lack of control over bladder and bowel movements. He will be on Miralax for a loooong time...apparently it takes a couple of years for a distended bowel to return to normal. I suspect there is a dietary issue at play, but we haven't figured it out yet, and the doctor is positive it's simply a slow metabolism.

Michelle

Burrr I am SOooooo feelin for you!! I am Soooo glad I don't live where ever in the world you live haha I'd be freeeeezing!!

-Jessica

Yeah, I still haven't figured out why human beings settled around here. It is damned cold...the only thing winter has going for it is tobboganning and skiing.

Michelle

That's right people.........the stinkin' weather man said SNOW!!!!!

It isn't supposed to accumulate or stick. However even the sight of snow means that real snow is on the way someday soon. It will be cold and slick and burrrrrr did I say cold??!!!

Snow is beautiful if you can stay inside until it melts. UGH!!

-Jessica

Oh, stop yer complainin! LOL!

We had our first snowfall before Halloween, and it hasn't left. Got a lot of snow over the last couple of days, and even after using the snowblower yesterday, we still had deep drifts and had to shovel the walk and (long) driveway again today! Got to a high of -8C today...should warm up to 2C tomorrow. Ugh...6 more months of this to go!

Michelle

I watched it (or should I say listened to it) at celiac central. Still get the teeny screen with only a portion of the people showing. Very aggrivating. Good to have mainline coverage.

Andrea, could there be a issue with your Quicktime settings in terms of video size? Are there preferences you can set/change to adjust the size?

Michelle

Open Original Shared Link

If by "questionable" you mean they came from religious sites, then you're just being predjudiced. You can't dispute the biology of the pigs digestive system or that due to it's digestive system, and because of it's digestive system, it releases more poisons into it's flesh. That's not something you can dispute. Your problem with the whole question is personal, at best. You are offended on behalf of the pig. You cna't dismiss the known digestive system of the animal, what it was used for (a street cleaner) and ignore the fact tht more waste si found in it's *edible* flesh due to it's digestive system.

I know that the likelihood of the flesh being tested for a protein is very slim. But I don't know how small bacteria, viruses, and pesticides are in relation to a protein... so I was wondering if gluten could also be pushed into the flesh as a result of it's digestive system.

Declaring all meats free from gluten doesn't make sense if no one's considered testing the flesh of an animal with a digestive system that prematurely forces the food into storage creating a situation where toxins are then imbedded in the flesh. Why are y ou so adament that no protein (gluten) can possibley be in t he flesh if no test has been done on this animal with a specific digestive system unsimilar to a cow etc.?

Please stop feeling the need to defend the pig as "clean". It has nothing to do wtih the familiar image of a pig laying about in mud. Missing the point after this is just beligerance.

I am editing.. I believe it is safe to assume no tests have been done to see if a pigs digestive system, forces along proteins into the flesh along with bacteria and viruses. Ok. I would say, it remains unproven that th eflesh of a pig is safe to consume due to the FACTS on how a pig digests food. I'm sure that pigs are being fed enormous amounts of gluten grains as they are cheap standard feed for livestock. Lots of corn too, but surely an unnatural amount of gluten grains as well. I am not eating it for oter reasons AS WELL as this concern over gluten remaining in the flesh. and there is too a sweat canal that runs down the back of the back legs adn it is true that it is also a conduit for the release of additonal toxins as well as PUS.

I say that the information is questionable, because it is not based in scientific fact...and I have not been able to find scientific data to back the claims. It really is a matter of taking what you read with a grain of salt...doesn't matter if it is posted on the internet, and article in the newspaper or written about in a book...just because something has been written down does not mean it is true. I also don't believe everything that Dr. Mercola writes...and am not fond of websites that want you to give up your email address just to read their articles.

There is validity in choosing the source of your meat...perhaps buying from an organic farm is a better choice to avoid meat that has been vaccinated, fed antibiotics, treated inhumanely and less cleanly, etc. There is also validity in choosing not to eat meat. Posting fear-mongering information doesn't help though.

A pig is clean, because it doesn't s*!t where it eats. If it is eating its waste, then there is an issue with the human beings who are taking care of that pig. Again, you can choose to buy from a conscientious producer, or choose not to eat it at all.

Finally, it makes no sense to me that there would be gluten in the meat of a pig anymore than it would be in the meat of a cow.

Michelle

The question I have remains desptie the poster who objected to it. Does the protein gluten remain in the flesh of an animal that has a digestive system that pushes the food out rapidly? If bacteria, viruses, antibiotics, and parasites can enter the flesh from a poor digestive system, can a protein? I don't think that's an impossiblity. Has it been looked into? Probably not.

Oh, and I feel the need to put this thought in as well, I am not against the pig as a beautiful animal of the earth. I love all creatures and embrace their existence on our planet. I only wonder if it is safe to eat from a gluten perspective and what I have learned of the digestive system makes me never want to consume it's flesh again.

IMHO, the links and information posted seem to be of questionable validity and do nothing more than to instill fear about eating pork. As mentioned by other posters, pigs are actually quite clean animals (and do not have pus glands in their legs)...I have no reason to believe pork is unhealthy to eat. AFAIK (and as mentioned earlier) gluten is not found in the meat of any animal.

Michelle

That was a great piece! Nice to see.

For those looking for the video clips, both are posted here:

Open Original Shared Link

There are links to both segments on the home page. I know some had problems with viewing, I don't know if the problem simply got fixed, but I had no trouble viewing either of the videos just now.

Michelle

I'm going to keep my eye out for a Sanyo, teflon-free rice cooker. (I'm in Canada---it might be harder to find one here.)

My Sanyo rice cooked is from Canada (since that is where is live ). Go to Sanyo.ca to see all the appliances they offer...they've got rice cookers at all sorts of price points.

Michelle

You're in much the same shoes we are except my dad is at home. Prayers for your family as well.

Thank you, Andrea.

You may find that your kids will do quite well with visiting in your father's home. The surroundings will be more comfortable for them than having to visit in the hospital where there isn't anything to do but listen to all the adults talking (my kids got bored with the visits fairly quickly.)

Michelle

Andrea, I am so sorry your family is going through this difficult time. This is unfortunately a timely email for my family, because my FIL is passing away from brain cancer very soon...it's just a matter of days, maybe weeks.

He went into hospital last week after a seizure, and went downhill very quickly. By the time we visited last weekend, he was barely responsive: couldn't open his eyes, but could still hear and respond with a squeeze of the hand and slight movements. We brought the kids with us, because it is important for them to know what is going on, to communicate with their Grandpa while they can, and to make peace the best they can.

My eldest is 8.5, and really understands what is happening. He originally thought that Grandpa will get better, but he now knows that he will die soon. He wants to spend as much time as he can visiting with Grandpa. My 6.5 yo had a hard time seeing him, and didn't know what to make of it. He didn't want to touch him, because he doesn't look like himself. My youngest, 4 yo daughter, readily gave Grandpa a hug...and Grandpa had a tear roll down his cheek. She sang songs to him too, while he tapped his hand in time. All three kids talked to him about all the things they are up to. We know that it comforts Grandpa to listen, and to know that life is going on for the family just as it should. They all got to tell him they love him. My eldest has expressed a desire to go to the funeral...we will bring all three kids...they need closure too.

We are all going back again tomorrow and for the weekend to visit some more. It's a tough rollercoaster...not knowing a timeline is hard on everyone, especially MIL. We do know he is in no pain (no more headaches) and does not need pain relief. He also seems to be very much at ease. For that we are grateful.

I hope for peace and comfort for your Dad and family.

Hugs,

Michelle

Also - thanks for the support on breastfeeding. Being 21 months - I have gotten some flack from our DR and even the Lactation consultant. The attitude is like "well it's okay to keep going - but she is old enough to stop". And of course she can stop anytime she wants. I have actually fed her on demand since her birth. When everyone else was reporting that their toddlers were only nursing at night or in the morning. Sadie would and still will nurse a couple of times a day on many occasions. Now - I am wondering if she needed it and if she might have had much more trouble with her weight and development if I had weaned her. I guess she knew what was best for her. So we'll keep going for now. And I really appreciate your support because I undertand that many people think it odd to still be nursing a toddler.

I can understand a Dr not understanding all the benefits of extended breastfeeding, because they really aren't taught much about it, but shame on the lacation consultant for not being supportive! No one has the right to make you feel uncomfortable about the breastfeeding relationship between you and your daughter, because it is nobody's business but yours. Even beyond 2 years of age there are health benefits in breastfeeding. I encourage you to keep going as long as it feels like it's the right thing for both you and your daughter.

Michelle

I think the simple answer would be to remove gluten-filled foods from the kitchen so that you are not tempted. Do be aware that cooking a lot with wheat flour puts you at risk of cross contamination. Baking recipes can be altered to be gluten free. Keep gluten free bread & buns in the kitchen for yourself.

How supportive is your family of your need to be gluten free? Can you simply cook gluten free meals for the whole family for dinner? If your family is not willing, then can your teens be responsible for cooking dinner for themselves and your spouse?

Michelle

I have a rice cooker that's specifically for use in the microwave. I haven't cooked rice any other way for years. It takes 15 minutes. The steam overflows though, and I just put a plate with a a few paper towels under it.

I probably got it at either Target or Walmart. It looks like this one Open Original Shared Link

Just FYI...a standard rice cooker doesn't take much longer to cook rice (about 20 minutes is what it takes to make enough rice for a family of five) and it shouldn't steam over (have never had it happen in the 15 years I've used my rice cooker.

Michelle

I use a Sanyo rice cooker. It has an aluminum bowl/pot (no teflon), and a keep warm switch. Super easy, foolproof and makes the best rice. I don't ever cook rice on the stove anymore (well, except for packaged mixes). The bowl and lid can be washed in the dishwasher too.

Michelle

I purchased Dove beautifully clean shampoo and conditioner because they seem to be gluten free. However, whenever I use them my arms and legs itch like crazy. Is there something else in them that may be causing my problem? Can anyone suggest another shampoo & conditioner that's gluten-free?

You could be sensitive to any number of ingredients in the shampoo and/or conditioner. I'd call the manufacturer and see if you can get a replacement product or reimbursement since you are reacting to their product.

Michelle

My questions are these:

Does what the nurse told me on the phone pretty much identify celiac? Is it possible she will have to have a biopsy as well?

Is breastfeeding still ok? I am guessing I will need to cut out gluten if she does. I know many people wean at 1 year old - but she just didn't want to and she still nurses alot.

Our appointment is at the end of this month - in the meantime should I continue with her normal diet. I don't want to do anything to mess up further testing - but I don't want to be hurting her or causing more damage?

Thank you so much for reading this. I know we will be alright if it turns out to be celiac - I am just scared and don't like being in limbo.

Amy

Welcome, Amy!

It is so good that you've found out now that your daughter may have celiac disease. It means that it has been caught early, and just with a dietary change, your daughter will grow up healthy. I would suspect that the GI will want your daughter to continue with the "normal" gluten-filled diet, but why not call their office and confirm?

It's great that you're still breastfeeding! Consider that your daughter has been getting the best possible nutrition through your breastmilk...especially since her body hasn't been digesting and getting all the nutrition it needs through other foods...your breastmilk has been providing many of the necessary nutrients, because it is easy to digest and also provides immune benefits even at this age. Do modify your own diet and keep breastfeeding! It will continue to help, especially as your figure out diagnosis, and make the transition to eliminating gluten from her diet.

Michelle