gfmolly

I am going to be making a cake for my sister's birthday and I don't have any of my own gluten free flour mix on hand. So I was wondering, instead of making my own, if there were any good gluten free flour mixes all ready made that I could buy?

I like Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour mix. It seems to work in alot of different recipes and is a blend of different flours.

Crockpots are the best, especially during the winter! I use mine twice a week. I have a 2-3 quart and a 6-7 quart model with the removable crock. If you get that kind, you can throw the crock in the dishwasher to clean. My favorite two easy recipes are chix breasts with Trader Joe's marinara sauce and a little water and mush, put that over tinkyada pasta. Or a variation of that is your favorite italian sausage with the same ingredients.

Terri

This was my first gluten-free Thanksgiving, so I brought alot of food to my mom's so that I could eat like I wanted to. I made a ten lb. organic turkey with wild rice and sausage stuffing and pumpkin bars. I used

Grandma Ferdon's pumpkin bar mix-they were so good my cousins that are not gluten-free at many of them and wanted the recipe!

The best part is not being sick the next day from cc!

Terri

Darlinda,

What does your tummy do when you have the foods that you are intolerant of? I am wondering myself about soy and tomatoes. My stomach rumbles loudly, and I have D. I do best when I eat tuna, rice toast and green, cooked veggies. Very boring!

Terri

Both of my kids have ezcema as well. Any number of these things may or may not help, but here is what we do:

We only use Dove unscented soap.

We only use unscented/dye free detergent/ dryer sheets.

We use a water softener because the water here is very hard. When it runs out of salt, my kids break-out.

When they have a bad breakout, we use a doctor-prescribed steroid cream. Just a little seems to help as long as I am doing all of these other things. If any of the above changes, we end up with a rash.

I hope that is helpful!

Terri

Hi,

What do the dairy free people use as a replacement for sweetened condensed milk? I've been Gluten-free Casein-free since April now and would like to try a little baking. One of my favorites is pumpkin pie, but I'm not sure how to get the right texture and taste w/o the dairy. Most of the recipes I have seen include the dairy.

Thanks!

Hello,

How do you know that you have trouble with High oxylate foods? I've looked up a list of those foods, and would have to say my stomach is tender to many of them. Obviously I am off any gluten-containing grain, but soy was one of my first intolerances, and I've since added it back to my diet for variety. I eat peanut butter everyday, seemingly w/o problem! I love zucchini, summer squash and potatoes! So what are the symptoms? Are they similar to when glutened? Here's my situation:

I've been having a great week and have not slipped up at all. For lunch I took my son to culver's and had a cashew chix salad, and didn't feel great afterward. Yesterday for dinner I made a vegetarian enchilada with sweet pot, carrots and zucchini. I was still hungry before bed so I had envirokids peanut butter cereal with silk soymilk. After the cereal my stomach became very noisy and is right now! I will probably be fine after I go to the bathroom, but for the time being, I just don't feel good! Is there a way to tell if that was from gluten (cc) or the high oxylates?

Is the fix to try LOD and see if my symptoms dissapear, much like when I went Gluten-free Casein-free? Could I just be developing a stronger intolerance to soy? Is there testing for this that is not diet-related?

Sorry for all of the questions. I've been poking my head in your thread for a while now wondering...

Terri

Your road to discovery sounds just like mine. I was actually a grad student when I started the lactose free diet and then went gluten free when that didn't seem to be the only problem. I was eating just a pbj on whole grain bread before class to help me get through a 3-hour class, and would be in horrible pain and my stomach would make horrible and loud noises! Once I went Gluten-free Casein-free, the pain, D, and noises cleared up. Now when I get glutened, or cc'd, my symptoms flare up instantly. The diet can be a good indication of whether you are gluten intolerant or not. From what I have read, Enterolab does not diagnosis celiac, only intolerance. This should at least confirm your thoughts and own testing by diet.

My first doctor had diagnosed IBS and suggested lactaid after a colonoscopy didn't show anything. After I did my own research and tried the diet I switched doctors and am so glad that I did! My current doctor isn't concerned with whether or not I have celiac-she just believes that gluten is a poison in my body so I should stay away from it! She has done all of the other testing necessary to check my health such as bone density, bloodwork to check for iron and other levels, etc. My own feeling about my previous doc was that if she wasn't interested in exploring the problem deeper, than I wanted a doctor that was willing to go the extra mile to help to find out what was wrong with me.

Anyway, my two cents! Best wishes.

Thanks for all of the advice. I will check out the Cycle book. That sounds interesting. I am only taking a probiotic, but have a really good iron and multi I should be taking but don't. Like I said earlier, I have really tried to eliminate all possible reactors, so I was afraid to take any supplements, gluten-free or not. I think I will try the I eliminated, even before gluten as a way to try to not get D. My diet is really low in fat as is, I don't think I could go lower. Since Nov. I have lost 16 lbs, and really shouldn't lose too much more. The only fat I get is from olive oil, peanut butter, and the occasional red meat we may have.

I've been off the pill for a few months now, and am about to start the patch. We tried using condoms, but it really doesn't work well for us, so I am going to see how the patch is for me. I have used the patch pre-diagnosis, but it made me really nauseous at the start of the patch, so I'm not looking forward to that!

I've never heard of ibuprofen as an anti-d! Is there a particular brand that works well?

Are you taking any supplements? I was really deficient in B, A, D, E, iron and magnesium. I hope eventually my intestines will heal and I can stop them but in the meanwhile I can tell if I miss them. My cycle was horrible before I was dx'ed. So bad, in fact, I was considering hysterectomy. Since going gluten-free they are light and *almost* pain-free.

Just a thought. Good luck!

I was dx'ed in April, too!

I'm supposed to be taking iron because I am anemic, but I am so afraid of upset this fragile balance of feeling well! I will go back on the iron and I have a really good multi that I should be taking as well. I do take a probiotic daily, and can really tell if I do miss that. I'll give it a shot this month and see if it helps.

Thanks!

Since diagnosis in April, I've been getting better and better, but when my period comes I get nailed with "glutened-like" symptoms: major migraine headache, the big d for days and painful gas and bloating. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies that seem to alleviate some of the symptoms? I do have endo as well, and have been off the pill since I can't find a gluten-free/lactose free pill on the market, so my hormones are probably out of whack as well. I know that I am not being glutened, because it is clockwork. I have been enjoying feeling more normal. It has taken months to get to this point and it feels really good. I'm not sure I want to feel nasty for a week every month!

Terri

I live in Madison, Wi and find that I have to go to at least 3 different places to get the brand names that I want. Does any one else find that they have to go to various stores to find any kind of a selection?

I'm not too far from you in Waukesha and have the same issues. I'm not sure where you go, but if you've not checked out Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, they are a must.

Also for dining, Bunky's has gluten-free pizza and pasta! I've not had it the pizza yet, but want to badly!

Terri

Anyone from southeastern WI , namely New Berlin, Franklin, Muskego or Hales Corners having a hard time finding Progresso Creamy Mushroom soup? We haven't found it in any of the Pick N Save or Sentry stores for the last couple weeks. I called Chris, the manager at the Hales Corners Pick N Save and he said he'd try to order for next time and they discontinued carrying it at his store. He was great to talk with and he said I'm not the only one to call so he's going to order. They have to buy about 70 cases and I said I'd take at least 2 if he brings it back.......anyone else shop there? Have any ideas? or recommendations?

Thanks for reading.

Hi,

They have it at the Pick-n-save in Pewaukee on Silvernail. I was just there on Sunday and it was there!

Terri

mine is breakfast bowels

Hi Paula,

Just had to point out the funny in your post-bowels instead of bowls!

Anyway, I love Trader Joe's French rolls with pb and TJ's cherry preserves.

Terri

I am needing a few slow cooker recipes for chicken and a beef roast. It has to be gluten-free of course and dairy and soy free. I use to use the onion soup mix and cream of mushroom but those are out if I want to enjoy it too I need something else to put in it.. I am planning on making it tomorrow can you throw some recipes my way please!!

We had this Tuesday and it was so good!

1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch chunks

1 20 oz can pineapple slices drained, reserve juice

1 8 oz. bottle of Kraft French dressing

1 TBSP grated lemon peel

1 small green pepper, cut into thin strips

1 tbsp. cornstarch

1 tbsp water

2 cups broccoli

1 cup sliced carrots

1. Place chicken pieces in slow cooking pot. In bowl combine pineapple juice, salad dressing and lemon peel. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook at low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

2. Fifteen minutes before serving, arrange pineapple slices and green pepper over chicken to heat through. Steam broccoli and carrots.

3. If desired, thicken juices with 1 tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp. of water. Stir slowly into juices until thickened at setting #5 (high). Serve over brown rice.

We loved it!

What an emotional rollercoaster! It is certainly up to you to do what you need to do for yourself, but I am personally in a similar situation and have decided to not go through with the biopsies because my response to the diet has been great! When I do get glutened, it is horrible and within one hour I am in the bathroom and it takes at least a week to get it out of my system. The way I look at it is whether I am gluten intolerant or celiac, the end result is the same- a gluten free diet. It is such an individual and personal decision.

I think we think we need affirmation from medical tests that tell us what we have because that is how many things are done, but we really need to listen to our bodies.

Hugs to you and best wishes as you decide what to do.

I have had both experiences when eating out, but it seems the chain restaurants, cheaper restaurants nail me every time! My last Chili's experiences was horrific AND they have a gluten free and dairy free menu. I was scrupulous in the way that I ordered and was sick in two hours.

The flip side is the really nice special occasion restaurants that have a gluten free menu have been outstanding from service to prep and I haven't gotten sick. I am going to save my money and go only to that type of restaurant when given the option.

Terri

I just made my second trip to Trader Joe's...yum! Since this post has made the recent board again, I'll tell you my favorites for follow-up. I've not had any cc reactions to their food, thank goodness.

The basmati rice mix, banana waffles, dark chocolate covered mints (tastes just like a york peppermint patty) their soymilk, veggie and flaxseed chips, sweet potato chips, chicken taquitos, their chicken sausages and the olive hummus. Guess I'm a fan, just wish it was closer!

Unfortunately in order for your body to stay healthy you need to avoid gluten completely, which means no cheating. I am Catholic as well and haven't had the host since I've been gluten-free. Last week at church the wine was almost gone when I got there, so I didn't really get any, just tipped the cup! You won't have that problem! (:

There is a gluten free beer available, but I've never been a beer-drinker, so I don't know if it is any good. Think it's called Redbridge. There are some really great gluten-free baking mixes so that you can enjoy a sweet treat as well from time to time. My favorite is Pamela's chocolate brownie mix, and I add a handful of chocolate chips to the mix to make it even better.

It does get easier, and you will feel so much better after some time. I'm not sure what your symptoms are, but the worse they are, the more clearly you will see the importance of staying gluten free.

Best wishes.

Terri

You are not alone! First off, big hugs. I hope that you can find some time for yourself and get healthy again. I, too can't get rid of d when I am stressed or anxious. I think your body's weakest spot is compromised when stress is an issue. For me, and sounds like for you that is your gi tract. I go back to school tomorrow, so I get anxious about maintaining this schedule and missing my kids while I work, work, work. (I'm a teacher) I've had d for a week and don't think I've had any gluten.

For me exercise does help calm my nerves. I have to get up extra early to do it, but even 15 min. on the treadmill helps me out.

I hope some sanity will come your way soon.

Best wishes,

Terri

Not sure if you canhave this, but for me goat's milk seems to be easier on my tummy. Open Original Shared Link This is the website of the ice cream that I found at my health food store. It has the same texture of regular ice cream with a little tang. Yummo!

I'm with newB. Dairy is jsut too much of an issue for me. However, I seem to be having trouble with packaged food as well. I don't think it is gluten for me, but maybe your tummy is just taking it's time to heal, and you have developed other intolerances for the time-being. When I ate only fresh foods, I do really well. Add in packaged stuff, i don't know what to link it to!

Oh Dear! we use Log Cabin Syrup. Can anyone suggest another that is gluten free?

I use 100% maple syrup. It costs a little more but is very yummy!

I was told to ask away with the poop questions because this is most likely THE place to get a response. . .

my 2 1/2 year old has these mushy poops and occasionally it looks like there is black pepper "sprinkled" all over it! I have done a Google search on this and come up with nothing; I am keeping a food journal on her but can't seem to trace it back to anything.

Has anyone here with malasborption due to celiac or something else experienced this in their kids stools?

Thanks!

I have had malabsorption due to celiac. My poo floats when I have ingested gluten and goes through me very quickly. Malabsorbtion is a symptom. Other symptoms along those lines include gas, foul-smelling stool, frequent and loose stool, distended belly, bloating....Iron sems to be one of the first nutrition deficiencies that show up as well as the b vitamins.

If you do decide to do bloodwork, make sure that she is continuing to eat gluten daily so that the test can be accurate.

Terri

I've noticed that I feel noticeably better when I don't eat wheat. So, about 5 or 6 months ago I stopped eating baked wheat products (but I didn't pay close attention to ingredients so I still had soy sauce and the such). Every now and then I'll have a bite of my child's sandwich or something, but nothing substantial in 5-6 months. I eat tons of oats, though, all day long.

I posted recently how I had a negative biopsy 3-4 years ago and as I remember I was going light on the wheat products then, too, although I hadn't cut them out as much as I have this time. But, now my oldest son has been diagnosed with Celiac, my grandma and great aunt also have it. My dad is waiting for his results and he strongly suspects it (he is also an MD).

BUT I had a blood test last week and my dr hasn't called, meaning it was negative. Because I don't eat wheat, could my blood test be negative even if I have Celiac? If so, how long would I have to consume wheat to get a positive result? I feel like I really need the official diagnosis. Also, my husband is still an unbeliever and has a hard time believing I need to go the complete gluten-free route. So, if I had the diagnosis life would be soooo much easier.

Thanks so much for all your wisdom

Hi there,

YEs the blood test could be skewed if you've not had enough gluten in your diet before the test. Especially considering your family history and you have seen positive diet results. I believe you need to consume gluten for 4-6 weeks before the test on a daily basis to be sure. I skewed my results as well, and I was only on the diet for 1 month. My misiniformed doctor had me eat a piece of pizza the night before the test and said that would do it. Best wishes.

Terri