jmd3

Yesterday I went on a mission to get some gluten-free fours to blend together - I actually made chocolate chip cookies today - my first homemade item since I was diagnosed! It did feel good to bake again, but I am learning all over again and feel like fish out of water. the process was a bit overwhelming for me, and will probably take me a while to get this down and experimenting with different combinations of the gluten-free fours until I get a good blend.

Anyone have a good gluten-free Flour blend to share?

By the way, the second pan turned out better, then the first pan...but my family tells me they were good. I ended up making ice cream sandwiches out of them, and freezing them for another day.

I used the toll house receipe, and used 3 cups of gluten-free flour so they would be a bit cakey- and made them bigger so I could put ice cream in between 2 cookies.

Hi,

I am just wondering if anyone is familiar with FMLA. I have applied for FMLA at work because I have been so sick. Some days are just too bad for me to make it to work. Anyway, my employer gave me a very hard time about it and now they have had their Lawyers contact me via certified mail telling me that I have to get a 2nd opinion by a physician of their choice. First of all...is this legal? Second, I have been on a gluten free diet now for almost a month (May 1 will be a month) so any tests that they do will be a false negative bc I don't have any gluten in my system, right? Also, I don't want to have to get another biopsy just because they don't believe the 2 physicians I have already seen, it just doesn't seem right. Does anyone know about this? Have any advice?

My Hubby had to take a FMLA to take care of me when I had my surgery in Dec. The problem is though his was not paid, made it tough on us as I wasn't working either. (I am in direct sales)

If I would have had a regular JOB - I would have been fired, I was so sick, and now recovering from the gluten. I would have been off since last Oct. I seriously don't know how anyone could work with the brain fog, the big D and so forth!

I really don't know how you could get a second opinion when you have celiac - that is outragous!!! If it was on your blood work the first time - that is enough!!

Good-luck to you - I feel your pain!

hi everyone, heres one for you, who gets swollen joints? when i eat gluten either my wrists swell and get tender, or my fingers, and today its my left knee. im a runner so i used to think that i was straining my knees all the time. anyone get this as well? what do you do to help the swelling and aches. would love any ideas here that people can come up with. thanks in advance!!!

Behind my knees, inside my elbow joints - both areas swell pretty badly. My fingers swell at night, I can't sleep with any rings on anymore.

I hope that you feel better soon!

I am so new to being gluten-free, and was so extremely ill, I am just starting to fell a bit better so I want to bake some bread... I see most of the recipes call for a gluten-free Flour, sometimes gluten-free flour blend, What flours should I mix together for this, and suggestions?? Confused and puzzled - need a flour blend 101, can anyone help me?

Thank-you in advance!

Hi all

Does anyone knows a good brand of vitamins. Something strong especially when you have malabsorption. I've been in a gluten free diet for about 5 weeks, and I am always very tired.

Your help is appreciated.

My gasto dr recommended just centrum vitamins as they are gluten free - I have been taking them, plus an omega 3 for about 5 weeks, plus a probiotic - (all gluten free) HOWEVER, I just started to take mangoni - a now product. I love it, I only take 2 tbl spoons a day - I have more energy then I have for quite a while.

Can any one recommend a probiotic that is gluten-free? I also am looking for one that is soy and dairy free also just cause I like to be complicated can probiotics be dairy free????

I am taking florajen3 - No wheat,yeast,sugar, soy,eggs,corn,gluten,coloring or preservatives - should keep refrigerated. I mix up FOS powder in my water and take it with the probiotic. I get it from a pharmacy, but you could probably go to there website. The pharmacist told me that it is like eating over 10+ yogarts a day.

I thought this was thought provoking, granted the numbers of patients isn't all that high. We all have likely felt what we call brain fog......this article seems to give a reason that is often directly connected to celiac sprue! So many of us are iron deficient....and it looks like replacing our iron stores will help .

Open Original Shared Link

There could be some people with celiac that this has been true - but.....

I don't think I put to much into iron deficiency and brain fog - I had a high level of iron, but such a bad, bad brain brain fog. The celiac diease chose to pick my brain as the organ of choice to destroy. I still am only in the first month of gluten-free and I have a long way to go. My short term memory seems to have been effected - but I believe it will not be as bad six months from now.

Hi there

I am relatively new in the gluten free area.

i am 50, diagnosed about 2 years ago, still checking out things and want to do things right. i need some friends and support, would like to be in contact with friends from the forum.

lots of health

Daniela e mail is danielajosef@walla.com

Welcome - I have found more info here in just the last few weeks, than any dr could give me...In fact, the two Dr's that diagnosed me did not give me any info other than I was celiac and to avoid gluten... I am lucky I found this site! I have sent you an email.

I need your help here guys! I've been scouring my memory trying to work out what is making me sick and was wondering if anyone had any insight into things.

Had lunch at about 2pm. By 2:15pm was dizzy, extremely tired, and my stomach started cramping. Sounds like a glutening to me! (What are other people's immediate symptoms).

Today I have eaten (bear in mind I'm in the UK)

Banana

Apple

Gluten Free cereal (Nature's Path Mesa Sunrise Flakes) + soya milk

Jacket potato from cafe around the corner with lettuce, rocket, gruyere cheese & heinz salad cream

Alpro Soya chocolate shake - I checked the ingredients and it seemed ok!

I can't work it out! Usually I can trace it back to one (evil) piece of food!

Thanks

I would suspect the salad dressing - sometimes there is hidden gluten in them -

but what about the jacket potato - was there any seasonings on them?? Sometimes there is gluten in seasonings, or perhaps msg in the seasonings, did it taste real salty?? Herbs are usually okay, but store bought seasonings can be suspect with hidden gluten.

I feel for you today, I don't know what I got into but I have had a "tuff" day too...I know tomorrow with be a killer.

How do people cope with being gluten-free when a patient in Hospital ? Can you trust the catering ? What do you eat/ take along with you ?

I was told every time that you go into the hospital - you are to mention that the #1 reason of illness is celiac diease - then name the other reason you are there, that is the only way it gets into the computer as serious. Our hospital has gluten-free meals, but not sure of the X contam.

I wanted to share this email with a chip company that I just received. There was a discussion about chips on the board and many mentioned about kettle chips making them ill - I guess they have a new SEPARATE FACILITY!! ANyway you can read the email:

Thanks for your inquiry regarding gluten in Kettle

Guilty of what? Not wanting to get sick? Then, yes, I guess you are guilty

I think they just started adding gluten in cocoa pebbles. I seem to remember those with a sell by date of April 2007 or later have gluten in them.

We called the company yesterday...and both Cocoa and Fruity Pebbles are gluten free.

Thank you to all that replied!

I do not feel quilty anymore - you are right, I would give up things for them if I had to just to make sure they were fine, it is about my health, and it is better that I am healthy...

...or hoping to get better each passing day.

Hey everyone!

I graduated college 2 yrs ago, but didn't do much drinking because of the whole celiac thing. Now, I work for a wine and liquor distributor! What a coincidence right?!

Basically, I stay away from the liquors I know contain gluten in their mash b/c I am too paranoid of being contaminated (been gluten-free for 6 yrs) and so far so good.

Any ?'s, just ask me and I can probably find out. Sorry for the long post.

-Rob

DO you know anything about the flavored Rums?? I used to drink some coconut rum...Perhaps, malibu is gluten-free do you know?? I have not had any alcohol for over 7 months, thinking I might like to have one some warm summer evening!

Thanks in advance

I had a really scary brainfog driving experience probably a month before I found out celiac even existed. Leaving my neighborhood, it took me a minute to remember what color on the streetlight was the green one. Yep. Turned around and went home.

Nancy

I had run a red light after I was done working one evening - didn't even realize I had to stop for anything - couldn't remember what the lights were for, the other time I ran a stop sign. Stopped driving for a while until I could think and talk better. There were days when I wanted to say something...and I couldn't remember how to get the words out...I would just end up crying. Bad thing was my work consisited of driving to give presentations - about 18 days a month - There were days that it even effected my eye sight, seeing double, and blurry. (that is all gone, and my eyes are the same before I got sick - according to the eye doc!)

Now, I am doing so much better at least my husband says I am getting better - got to believe him. I am now back to giving my presentations about 2 times a month. I rest the whole day before I go, and them do nothing the entire next day. It's slow going, but everyone on the board is giving me hope right now!

It's hard to imagine the alcohol used to extract flavor is the culprit here. First, the alcohol might not even be wheat. Second, it's distilled. Third, the amount is so miniscule it's not even measureable.

richard

Dannon company rep explained this process to me....When they put the FLAVORS into the yogart the alcohol burns at a high temp , making a by-product - thus "possibly" putting into the yogart same traces of gluten...that is why the companies can not say they are gluten free.

I am told only the PLAIN yogart of most companies are the only ones guar. to be gluten-free - of course unless stated on the packaging.

This is just what was explained to me -

When I was at my last Gastro Dr appt. ( 2 weeks ago) I told my Dr I thought I was gluten-free...he asked me if I was eating flavored yogart - then he told me it wasn't gluten-free if I bought the flavored kinds from the grocery store...- The Dr. also told me he makes his own yogart - just like someone who posted before me...The GI Dr. told me the same thing about flavored yogart as the Dannon Company rep

So now I am eating plain with fruit, and learning how to make my own.

I feel the same way........My head feels like it is gonna pop. I have pressure mainly between my eyes, and around my temples accompanied by a stiff neck. It freaks me out and bothers me greatly. I dont know if its stress, some sinus issue, or something crazy like a tumor. For some reason Ativan seems to help a lot, and i only take .5mg at night . Is it really the Celiac causing it, or is it stress/anxety. Puzzled?????????????????

I have to take the same pill..just to relax and get some sleep at night - My newest dr (#5 - of just pcp dr's in 6 months) begged me to try this pill, he promised it would help me.( I had my original pcp for 23 years - never sick, then I fell extremely ill last Oct- he thought I was totaly crazy with all my symptoms, even refused to let me come to office for visits, made me go to ER!!! - what a jerk!!!) Anyway, I thought this new dr. was trying to get me to take the anxiety meds because he thought I was crazy too. I had insomnia so bad that I would only sleep about 2 hours, I had the biggest + darkest bags under my eyes. My bags are still there...but not as bad. Sleep seems to help me get up with a much better attitude. But, by afternoon my head starts feeling the pressure again. I even had trouble just holding my head up...it is not quite a bad as it was, but I still have trouble just turning my head. I believe it is nerve damage from the celiac. It maybe called - peripheral neuropathy I just pray that it is not permanet. Perhaps after a few months of gluten-free, it will will ease up somemore. My earaches don't seem to be as bad anymore, although I still have the pressure. Going to stay with this dr for a bit. I can't seem to find any dr's here YET that understand celiac

I have also learned that this disease can attack any organ that it wants to, not just in the GI tract. So as I understand it - my brain and my nerves were being attacked by my immune system.

Thank-you to those that come to this board and share your info, it helps me so much in just everyday decisions right now! It is so great to be able to come to this board for help and to know that I am not out of my mind and this is REAL for me.

Oh My...Can I take the communion wafer?

My alternative health Dr. tested me for food intolerances and I came back highest with Bakers and Brewers Yeast. Next was Gluten and Wheat...He said it didn't appear from my Ig-whatever the test is called, I forgot, that did NOT have Celiac disease.

Evidently I need to go further with some more testing...thinking it would be doable for me to not eat gluten...except I'M CATHOLIC. I just found out that IF one IS Celiac, it can be actually harmful to eat ANY gluten.

I'm concerned. What do I need to ask my Dr. to do next in order to get a complete picture AND...what about the amount in the communion wafer?

Thanks!

I am catholic

As I was in the hospital so much over the last 6 months....my church representative, or father was always coming in to visit and I was taking communion, not knowing that was adding to my illness, I kept taking it.

...and I have since talked to our priest, they said they would arrange me to be able to take that 1% wheat waffer - however, I can't even do that as my system reacts to event he smallest tennsy weensy fraction of a crumb...so I kneel and pray during communion. II am just glad that I am well enough right now to go to church! Besides, God is forgiving, and if you can't take it - he will understand. In fact it makes people wonder what I have done bad that I don't go up and get the blessing - ha ha.

I don't do the cup because I am afraid the some of the wheat waffer gets on the cup from others....or I get sick from someone that is sick in church that day, and since I have with celiac disease I get sicker than the average person..

My youngest daughter is not understanding the fact that she can't fling the bread, or crackers, etc... around... She has started to make her sandwiches on a paper towel...but then she picks up the towel and the crumbs go everywhere! I feel like I am continuously harping and I just want to lighten-up! Am I guilty for slowly weening my bread and cracker purchases for the rest of my family?? I am replacing my daughters waffle fix with coco pebbles, and fruity peebles...I think they are gluten free. ( I have tried to sneak gluten-free waffles in...but she won't eat them) Thinking about making her rice-crispie treats...only with coco pebbles. I am at the point that if they want it...they buy it! What else can I do?

I have been so ill, that I am scared and not seeing that I can co-habit with gluten in my house...

Dear Marisa,

I have had nightmares about being glutened too! A lot of us do! I dreamt the other week I was eating Cheez-Its (miss those!) and woke up freaked out because I was afraid I was going to get sick! Then I realized it was a dream! I also have food lust dreams about foods I cannot eat anymore.

I find myself watching the Sopranos and drooling about the delicious baked ziti they are eating, or the spaghetti and ragu sauce with huge meatballs! Last night, I dreamt about brownies with tons of icing!

Dear Susanna,

I appreciate the help! I am so glad there is something I can finally bring with me. I have low blood sugar. That makes it essential I have something with me when I go out! I am tired of worrying!

Sincerely,

NoGluGirl

My GI Doc told me that Duncan Hines - Homestyle icing was gluten free - I have not called to check on it - but perhaps some gluten-free cookies with the icing might satisfy your cravings.

Also, try to find a health food store and get a gently natural probiotic and maybe some papaya enzyme. They'll help you digest the food you're eating. And eat lots of avoccado and raw olive and coconut oil. They have good fats that repair your cells. I actually really like scrambled eggs with diced tomato and avocado, nice simple dinner.

Where are you finding the coconut oil?? I have been looking for it all over our town, plus the surrounding towns - can't find it anywhere - any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

jmd, have you checked to see if your cipro is gluten-free? And maybe mention to the doctors that if it's been four months maybe IT'S NOT WORKING!?!?!?!

Yes, Cipro is gluten free - There was a culture - cipro kills sermar. However it kills almost all bacteria - good and bad - that is another reason for the probiotics - The pharmaists says there will probably be a battle of good and bad going on for the next few weeks - where I may feel worse, but he assures me that the good will win!

I usually get up fine in the morning - it is later in the day - I start getting tired, then my head feels so aweful - I have only been diagnosed for a short time now, I just can't wait for the day when I feel good for an entire day!!

i have read on some sites that gluten can not be absorbed through the skin, which would amke sense - but i know that my friend who cant tollerate nickle has been told to not wear make up with nickle in - and i have seen several posts on here about shampoos that are gluten-free and detergants and make up and things.. do i have to whole have my whole life gluten-free?! does it matter about things like shampoo and mascara and hand cream?

anyone have any idea about this in relation to lactose / cassin as well? as i have to avoid all dairy and lactose related products at the moe as well.

help?!

I am newly diagnosed too =

I wear bare essentials, or bare minerals - all there make-up is gluten free - I don't know if it is nickel free though.

Also, I had to take away any lotions as I was wearing one that had oatmeal in it, and my hand had a slight cut...well I still have a scar from it going inside the cut.

Have you checked for gluten in non food items as well, things like bird seed, pet foods, toiletries, soap and shampoos, household glues, drywall compounds, wall paper paste, makeup and pet litter, cross contamination from can openers etc?

Do you still eat in restaurants frequently? Do you consume alcohol, some think they can tolerate gluten grain alcohols but large numbers do not.

The plan to go withonly whole, fresh, naturally gluten free foods is a good one. It is the easiest way at first to heal. After you are healed then you can add back in processed goodies.

I have not had a drink of alcohol in 7 months - I would love to have one, but I am so scared!!

I have to go out of the country in May - and that has me so worried! Mexico - that is where I got so ill last June. I am petrified as I am told to stay away from raw fruits and vegs. No fried foods either.

I have only gone out to eat a few times - then I eat mostly salads - with just vineger and a dash of oil.

I put a lotion on my hands, which I had a slight cut - I now have a scar because there was oatmeal in the lotion... I have cleared all my shampoos, gave most of them away as they said wheat protein in the ingrediants.

Bare essentials, or bare minerals - they tell me there products are all gulten free, so I am safe there, I will have to watch the pet foods, wash my hands real careful - totally forgot there. And my daughter has a habit of opening the bread and laying it on the counter to 'fix-it" so we have to stop that.

Dear NoGluGirl:This is my first time here I was just diagnosed on Tue with celiac disease. My head is spinning I was already on a low fat diet due to gall bladder removed. I took them 2 yrs to find that and then I had a blood test done for celiac and came back pos. So I went to the store and I looked at so many labels it made me dizzy the dietitan has not called me yet and we have no support group out here where I am so I'm very happy to be here and very thankful that u posted this list. I did want to ask on the Crest Whitning Expressions. When I went to the site it said it did have gluten in it ? I have so many other questions and I'm sooooo hungry please help!!

I called crest - they say all there products are gluten free - They don't regualry test for gluten though.

Here is the site that says that...perhaps copy and paste...

Open Original Shared Link

Hope that helps