angel-jd1

Any list is out of date as soon as it is printed. Things constantly change. That is why you have to take it upon yourself and call the company directly. The lists are there to give you an idea of what you can have, or a guide. You really need to double check it on your own. I would never depend totally upon a list. I always call and confirm on my own. Gives me piece of mind to hear it for myself anyways.

-Jessica

Keep reading the malt-o-meal labels. The formulation will/should/supposedly is changing soon, to add wheat. Be on the safe side and always read.

-Jessica

Salads are usually never gluten-free.

I'm curious what you mean by this?? Salads are just veggies. Request that croutons be left off. Bring your own dressing. Couldn't get any easier.

-Jessica

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH the prep is the WORST part of it. Trust me!! I hope you got yourself some baby wipes (flushable kind). After you get through the prep, it is smooth sailing from there. You will do fine.

-Jessica

You might look into a translator if there are any language barriers you might face. Make sure to pack a few snacks to take with you "just in case". If you are careful, I am sure you can/will have a great experience.

-Jessica

I have been feeling similar the last couple of weeks. I have not been hungry, nothing sounds good to eat. If I SMELL food, I get hungry, but otherwise not hungry. Living alone, you don't SMELL much food!! ha I try to make myself eat one meal a day. I know I have to eat. Just not sure why I haven't been in the mood for food lately.

-Jessica

Sounds to me like this is a REALLY good lesson as to why you shouldn't eat gluten. Cheating does damage. There are too many nasty things that can come from not saying on the gluten free diet. If the big C word (cancer) doesn't scare you then I don't know what will. Cancer, lupus, infertility, diabetes etc etc, those are NOT nice things. I don't think eating a doughnut or a piece of pizza is worth it.

Time is about all that will "cure" your reaction that your body is going through. You can try drinking lots of water, eat good foods, some people say that peppermint teas help calm their stomach.

-Jessica

Try Manna from Anna, it's awesome!!

-Jessica

I like these:

*Genisoy Southern style chunky peanut butter fudge

*Think thin caramel swirl (they have several flavors that are gluten-free and say so on the label)

*Envirokids (all flavors are good)

Some other ideas:

*Ziploc bag full of nuts cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds etc.

*Mrs. May's Naturals Nutty Snacks ( Open Original Shared Link )

*Snickers bar (not as healthy, but filling)

*take your own chips and salsa to the party (not terribly "uncool")

-Jessica

Progresso chicken with wild rice and Progresso Creamy Portabella Mushroom are not condensed but work well in caseroles etc as a sub for condensesd. Progresso clearly lists the top allergens on their labels so always read.

-Jessica

First of all I want to say WOW, you are a great husband for helping her with all this. That is great!! She needs your support now and you are doing a great job.

The best way to learn is just jump right in!! This is a good place to start, I have learned the most from message boards.

You are overwhelmed with information right now, but it does get easier. You will learn how to read labels, learn what brands to trust, and what foods are good and not so good. Hang in there.

If your wife has celiac disease then she needs to avoid gluten TOTALLY. There are not levels of celiac disease, but there are levels of villi damage. The villi are the little hair/finger like things in the intestines that help us absorb those nutrients. Once she begins on the diet and avoids gluten the villi can heal and she can begin to start feeling better and getting her vitamins and minerals.

Many people do not have symptoms, just like your wife. Or sometimes they do not have "typical" symptoms. There are over 200 symptoms associated with celiac disease.

Hang in there, things will become easier.

-Jessica

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally someone who understands where I am comming from on this.

-Jessica

I'm sorry, but the whole idea that a child needs a 504 for celiac disease is dumb.

Why is it dumb to want to protect your children? I am not saying that these particular people are correct in their thinking on the whole issues of the 30 min late start. However, celiac disease IS covered by the ADA. To think that a school could just pull this child's rights is crazy!!

I am a teacher and would prefer that my students have a 504 if they qualify. It sets up good communication lines, draws out clearly what needs to take place, and makes a safer environment for the child.

This should be a non issue. It helps kids.

-Jessica

MMMMmm pizza burger that sounds good. There used to be a little mom and pop place near me that made pizza burgers. Had sauce and mozzarella cheese and some italian seasonings mixed in with the burger. Good stuff!!

-Jessica

There are more than one kind of Amy's pizza, so make sure to read the label and get the rice crust.

I get my Amy's meals at the health food store and also get some of them at Target and HyVee in the frozen foods section. They are cheaper at target and HyVee, but less variety there.

-Jessica

Here is the link to the thread for shopping on a budget!!

Open Original Shared Link

-Jessica

Like everyone has said, it DOES get easier. Things are very overwhelming in the beginning. Hang in there.

There is a good thread that was started about shopping on a budget. You might want to check that out, has tons of great ideas for those of us without a large bank account .

-Jessica

The multivitamin chews from Viactiv are a brand new product. They just came out within the last month or so. You would probably be better off calling the company to find out the status. Let us know what you find out.

-Jessica

Well I'm glad that works for you, most people choose a 504 plan for their children. It saves headaches and creates a partnership with the school. Opens lines of communication and helps out everyone involved. And the child with diabetes actually is a good example, but whatever.

I'm curious what you do for :

field trips (to the local bakery, doughnut shop, pizza parlor)

craft projects (paper mache or macaroni)

special events (someone comes into the class to make bread)

medical emergencies at school

impromptu snacks

birthday parties at school

any other even where the child risks contamination/eating something bad.

all these things involve someone being INFORMED about your child's needs. if it isn't written out, they don't technically have to be followed, to ME that's very scarey. I doubt that a pre-schooler or a kindergartner would "take charge" in any of these situations on their own accord. As a teacher I want to know what the process and needs are for each student in my classroom. I don't want to make them sick or hurt. Not having a 504 is just plain silly.

If the child is ill from accidental consumption, then the child should be at home, with a note from the doctor.

Also if you have too many of these notes without documentation (504 plan) as to a condition. You will most likely be turned in for truancy. Just a thought.

-Jessica

Why don't you all get your stories lined up?

You are obviously upset, but I have no clue who you are upset with?? Who do you think needs to get their stories straight?

-Jessica

It says that the honey FOR the chicken nuggets is gluten free. McD's chicken nuggets themselves are NOT.

You can find the gluten free list here:

Open Original Shared Link

-Jessica

Smith-

Like others have said mexican food is relatively inexpensive. I find that ground turkey is less expensive than hamburger and is healthier anyways. With added seasoning I can't tell the difference.

Mission white corn tortillas are about 1.50 for 30 of them I believe. Very cheap. You can even do breakfast burritos with those. Eggs are very inexpensive.

I also cook quite a bit of stir fries. Inexpensive cuts of beef sliced thin, add sauces and veggies. It is quick and easy. Some of the Sunbird sauce packets are gluten free (under a dollar a packet), they are made by the company that makes Williams chili and taco seasoning (both gluten-free also).

Chili is a good easy thing to make. Bush's beans (NOT the chili magic line), williams chili seasoning, ground turkey, some onion and can of tomatoes. I can eat that for a whole week and still have some left to freeze. Make chili fries with the leftovers (ore-ida french fries)

Taco salad is a favorite of mine also. Make the taco meat, toss with lettuce, cheese, tortilla chips and some salad dressing.

I also find that cooking extra and freezing portions in gladware containers is a very great inexpensive way to have a "frozen dinner" for those nights I don't feel like cooking. Or on days I need to take a lunch with me. Pull it out of the freezer and go. Then I don't have to worry about contamination or spending extra money. I label them with the dinner title and date so they are easy to identify. (frozen things all look alike )

-Jessica

Yes, the school should have to provide her a lunch and breakfast that is glutenfree, but what else is there that the school should have to do about it?

Those EXACT things would be in the 504 plan. Without the plan, the child would have to eat what every other student eats. WITH the plan, special dietary guidelines are set up. It protects the child, the plan follows the child from grade K-12. It is updated as needed and is a great program.

-Jessica

Here is some information on 504 plans to help clarify what they are:

Q. What is a 504 plan?

A. A 504 plan is a legal document falling under the provisions of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to plan a program of instructional services to assist students with special needs who are in a regular education setting. A 504 plan is not an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as is required for special education students. However, a student moving from a special education to a regular education placement could be placed under a 504 plan.

Q. How is a student considered for a 504 plan?

A. A student with a physical or emotional disability, or who is recovering from a chemical dependency, or who has an impairment (i.e. Attention Deficit Disorder) that restricts one or more major life activities.

Q. What are examples of "major life activities"?

A. Major life activities include caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, working, and learning.

Q. What is the process for placing a student on a 504 plan?

A. There are essentially four steps:

Student is referred by teacher, support staff, parent/legal guardian, physician, or

therapist. On occasion, a student may initiate a self-referral.

A 504 plan meeting is held.

A plan for the student is developed.

A review date is set.

Q. Who is involved in the process?

A. The student, parent/legal guardian, teachers, principals, Pupil Services administrators, support staff (i.e. nurse, counselor, psychologist, language/speech pathologist) as well as the student's physician or therapist may be involved in the placement process including the 504 meeting

Q. What is the teacher(s) role/responsibility in the 504 placement process?

A. If you have a concern regarding a child's performance and/or behavior that you believe is caused by a disabling condition, you should initiate a referral after consultation with support staff and/or building administrators.

Also, you should participate in any meetings where a 504 plan may be developed. Further, you should be ready to supply pertinent data and documentation such as test scores, discipline referrals, and anecdotal information to assist in the writing of the plan.

Q. What accommodations might be included in the 504 plan?

A. Attached is a sample list of accommodations taken from the Pupil Services Handbook. Additional examples are presented below:

A child's seat assignment accommodates a disability.

A diabetic child may be permitted to eat in the classroom.

A child may be permitted to go to the office for the administration of medication.

A student's assignments or testing conditions may be adjusted (i.e. extensions of time, modification of test questions).

Note: This is a team process where all members of the team, not just the teacher, may have responsibilities in fulfilling the requirements of the 504 plan.

Q. What if I disagree with the 504 plan or any of its components? What are my rights?

A. If you disagree with the 504 plan you can:

Express your views at the meeting and suggest alternatives.

Refuse to sign the plan.

Contact your building steward if you believe the plan alters your terms and conditions of employment.

Q. Once the plan is approved, what are my responsibilities?

A. You are expected to reasonably follow the strategies written to implement the plan and to participate in the review process.

Q. Can a 504 plan be altered and can I request changes in the plan?

A. Yes. Make a written request to your building principal for a Pupil Services Team meeting. Send a copy to all who attended the meeting where the original plan was approved. In addition, be sure that there is a planned review date on the original 504 document so that the effectiveness of the plan can be evaluated and adjustments made, if needed, at that time.

Q. If I sign off on a 504 plan, what is my accountability?

A. You are legally responsible to implement your designated accommodation/strategies on the plan. You are advised to maintain regular and consistent documentation to display that you have attempted to implement the plan. For example: You may keep a file of student, work or write special notations in your gradebook, or maintain personal notes. Keep copies of any adjusted tests, assignments, behavior plans, and all notes to and from parents/legal guardians.

Again, if the plan isn't working for the student, ask in writing for the assistance of support staff (counselors, nurses, psychologists, etc.). Also, some degree of accountability rests with the parents/legal guardians in following through. Do not accept the burden alone. Again, keep copies of all pertinent documents.

Open Original Shared Link

Here is an example of a plan for a child who has diabetes: Open Original Shared Link

Wilson's Syndrome Symptom Checklist: Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

I have also found several articles calling Wilson's Syndrome "bogus" So not sure what to think now, but many still believe it is a genuine condition. I would just LOVE to ask a doctor about it. I'm curious now.............especially since so many symptoms are like ours.

-Jessica

Daisy brand is gluten-free.

-Jessica