Lynayah

Ask your pharmacist. They may have to ask the manufacturer.

In North America, gluten in Rx meds is relatively rare. When starch is needed as a binder for a tablet, it is typically corn starch that is used. Corn is abundant and inexpensive here.

Peter, I agree with your wisdom. Any time I have a prescription OR any time I buy over the counter meds, the pharmacist has been able to help me make sure it is gluten-free.

There is also glutenfreedrugs.com, but I prefer checking with a pharmacist in addition to useing glutenfreedrugs -- that way, I'm making double sure I'm getting the most up to date information.

Do you knit to help cope with a gluten-free lifestyle?

Sorry everyone for my typo! The title line of this post should read DRY beans, not dru. Augh. I cannot figure out how to edit the title line. -- PS: Like magic, Peter saw this and fixed the title. Apparently, only a moderator can do it. Thank you, Peter!

Thanks for your reply. I was just curious as to which gliaden test you had. As far as the gene test, LabCorp only reports whether or not you have DQ2 and/or DQ8. They don't test for the other DQs. I'm only aware of Enterolab testing for the other DQs, but they only do the beta DQs in order to keep the cost of the test down.

Yes, it's the transglutaminase test I was asking about. IGA and IGG are typically tested in all the various celiac/gluten testing, including the anti-gliadin test. From what I know, IGG does not indicate gluten intolerance more than IGA. Thanks again.

Sorry -- I am not sure what you mean about what gliadin test I had. As far as I know, there is only one that tests for the level of gliadin in the blood.

For the information regarding IGA vs. IGG I would recommend you look at Dr. Stephan Wangen's book Healthier Without Wheat. Pay particular attention to page 111 (paperback version) that gives a chart about testing. Tissue transglutaminase IgA -- if positive, you have celiac disease. Negative, you do not have celiac, however, if either the Gliadin IgA or IgG is positive, you are gluten intolerant.

Hope this helps.

I love Nuts Online. I buy raw almonds and quinoa from them in 5 lb bags. Very good quality. They also have gluten-free raw/sprouted nut mixes. Good stuff.

Whoo-hoo! Good to know. Thank you.

Hi, Everyone:

I posted this in an old, old thread that discusses dry beans. I am posting this under a new thread because those who tap into the old one might give up reading and miss this new info I discovered today, which may be important to those of you who, like me, are so highly sensitive to gluten that most store-bought dry beans cause a reaction:

Here FINALLY, is a source of gluten free dry beans -- others may have posted about it here, but I just found it today. Their website shows the beans as being Gluten Intolerant Group of North America CERTIFIED gluten free, too. It is a website called NutsOnline.

The above link takes you to the beans that are certified gluten free -- be careful, they sell other varities of beans, which may not be certified gluten free -- for example, they sell black beans, but black beans don't appear in the above link.

To be sure, look at the actual product description of the type of bean you wish to order. Under the description, you will see lists for kosher, organic, etc. If the beans are certified gluten free, it will list it as well, along with the GIG Logo.

Has anyone here ever used NutsOnline?

Everyone:

Here is another source of gluten free dry beans -- just found it today. Their website shows the beans as being CERTIFIED gluten free, too. It is a website called NutsOnline.

Open Original Shared Link

The above link takes you to the beans that are certified gluten free -- be careful, they sell other varities of beans, which may not be certified gluten free -- for example, they sell black beans, but black beans don't appear in the above link.

To be sure, look at the actual product description of the type of bean you wish to order. Under the description, you will see lists for kosher, organic, etc. If the beans are certified gluten free, it will list it as well, along with the GIG Logo.

Rancho Gordo = LOVE. I just received my third shipment from them. My favorites are the Rio Zapes (like pintos, only better, somehow) and Santa Maria Pinquitos (just plain good). Borlotti beans are terrific with pesto and the Vaqueros are great in soup (in fact, I've been enjoying a batch of the Bean and Vegetable Posole- recipe on their website- with Vaqueros). I just read an article singing the praises of Christmas Limas so I'll have to try those next time.

I haven't tried the Rio Zapes -- I'll have to order some next time! Thanks.

Update: I recently tried Rancho Gordo's flageolet beans, and they are excellent. They are a creamy, buttery, whitish color bean -- I'm addicted to them.

My latest gliadin test results are back. I'm happy to report that my gliadin has dropped from 88 to 78! Whoo-hoo! The goal is to get it under 20. I am told this can take time for someone over 50 like myself. I'm healing slowly but surely. All the dedication is paying off!

I am curious whether all the anti-gliadin tests you've tested positive with have been the older one your mentioned in one post. I wasn't sure if the doctor said she wanted to also test you with the older gliadin test, implying you first had the deamidated gliadin test. Also were you negative for the tTG?

I am asking because I've tested positive twice for the deamidated gliadin test and am DQ2 and DQ8 negative as you are. (First one came back 33.9; after almost 9 months of a gluten free diet, it came back at 13.4.) I've never been given the older gliadin test. I am negative for tTG. Also, how were you able to find out that you are a double DQ6? When I was tested at Lab Corp for the celiac genes they only reported I was not DQ2 or DQ8 positive, not what DQ I was. My understanding is that Enterolab can give that information but only on the beta portion, not the alpha, and of course I would have to pay the full cost of it. I'm getting curious as to which DQ(s) I am.

Thanks for posting your experiences so far.

Darn, I remember the doctor talking to me about the older -vs- newer test -- I believe I've had both, but I am not sure. I remember there was one she used because, if I'm remembering this correctly, one is better if taking a look at gluten intolerance as opposed to celiac only . . . but I'll have to check on this. I have to call U of C in September for more bloodwork, and I can ask the nurse at that time.

Double DQ 6: If you've had your DQ tested, then you have which DQ you are in the results. Just call and ask.

tTG?? Does this refer to Tissue transglutaminase IgA? I was tested for IgA and IgG and only IgG was positive, indicating gluten intolerance but not celiac.

See below for more . . .

Update: I had another check-up last week. Vitamin levels are good. I'm still waiting on gliadin results and will post them when I know.

I asked about my DQ, and I am a double DQ6. I remember reading somewhere that those with double DQ6 are perhaps more prone to neuropathy, which has certainly been true with me. I treat my gluten-intolerance as seriously as celiac. I honestly believe that, with me, it's an auto-immune disorder that attacks my neurological system instead of my intestine. (This is me talking here and not my doctor.) Anyway, I hope U of C learns something from me that might help others with the same.

I continue to feel better by the day. It is amazing how much my mood has improved over time! I am calmer and have more peace of mind -- able to relax easier, which has really been delightful to experience.

It's still a battle, and some days are more challenging than others, but it gets easier all the time. Life is good.

For those of you out there just beginning your gluten-free journey, hang in there!

This is definitely the best advice and the most normal way to go about a resolution. I couldn't agree more. I have yet to go to any "special" restaurant, which sounds like it would be a higher end place, that could not accommodate a gluten-free diet successfully. Even an Italian restaurant can make a steak or chicken dish, with a potato, that could be safety ingested without it being a big deal.

You may not get the meal of a lifetime but if it's well prepared, that should do fine.

I do second vote your husband as being the slightly selfish one and he could be more understanding about it but maybe he feels the same and cannot fathom why you wouldn't be able to order something and not get sick. I am about as sensitive a Celiac as they come and I have eaten out successfully no matter what the situation. Celiac doesn't have to be a show stopper, for the most part. There are things that will be off limits but this isn't one of them. I think you should call the place and feel them out as to what they could do for you.You may be pleasantly surprised!

Thank you! Check out my post No. 27 for an update! : ) You may have missed it.

Masterjen: I have been out of town and just found this thread. I just wanted to add that you are in my prayers and best thoughts. Thank you for posting all you are going through.

I -- all of us -- look forward to hearing every update. Sending love.

And I had NO repurcussions... none.

I wonder how many others have experienced similar situations: Healed . . . screw up . . . everhthing is fine . . . but when you try it again, WHAM! I would love to know.

I agree: I wouldn't put gluten in my mouth for anything. Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels.

Thanks again everyone, you are all very clever people I just needed to hear from people that what I was thinking and feeling was justified. I really struggle and worry about what others think, especially when a lot of people don't really understand coeliac and think "oh you just can't eat bread right?"...sooo not that simple haha! I've spoken to my project manager and she is very supportive of whatever decision I make....she said its awful seeing me mope about the place. I'm going to give it a little longer to see if my final attempts to avoid gluten help and if not it'll be time for me to move on. Thanks again for all your straightforward and sensible advice.

You are in my best thoughts, and I look forward to hearing how things are going for you. Hang in there. You have so much good to give the world . . . the better you feel, the more good you can give to others. : )

Think of it like this: you're on a plane, and there is a kid next to you flying alone. THe oxygen masks fall down. PUT YOURS ON FIRST because if you don't, you can't help the kid next to you. I use this as a parenting philosophy too.

If you aren't healthy enough to enjoy your experience or even your life in general, you can't help anyone else. Do what you need to do, and don't feel guilty

WHAT A WONDERFUL POST!

The only protein I have been consuming in large volumes recently is hemp protein, unflavoured and cold-pressed. It retains all its natural goodness and is rich in essential healthy fats, fibre and is very filling. Taste is an issue, initially - but the more you eat, the better it tastes! (well that's what I have found anyway...). If you look at the nutritional profile its pretty interesting, basically its 'complete' so could sustain life on its own - now your not going to get that with a yucky processed whey protein. Finding decent hemp protein that is easy to eat can be a challenge, especially if like me you drink it mixed ONLY with plain water.

Thanks, daddypig. Which brand do you use?

Wow -- all of the replies here have been so thoughtful AND helpful! I'll add a longer post later (just got back from vacation), but I wanted to thank all of you right away.

Here's a short update:

Hubby and daughter were VERY supportive -- more later.

As it turned out, the restaurant in question (which is a road-side, Food Channel "Drive-In, Diners and Dives" hamburger joint) WAS able to accomodate me, which came as quite a surprise -- I plan to post a review in the forum and will notate it here when I do.

However, there was an old-favorite New Mexican restaurant that was unable to give me an uncontaminated meal -- it seems that everything there comes in contact with flour in one way or another. When I called them, they were very honest, which I deeply appreciated.

I'm pleased to report that my husband and daughter went alone and had a great daddy/daughter dinner, but only after my encouraging them to do so (thank you to those who posted this suggestion).

Bottom line: Why did the situation change and work out so well? Well, thanks to all the posts here, I prayed about it, let go of my ego, and just let life guide the way . . . and it all worked out.

Everyone here: You are the greatest friends and THE WORLD'S BEST support group. I love you for taking the time to post a reply. Thanks again.

Yes, I get tired of the few foods I eat, but I would rather eat those than something i'm afraid will make me sick. My sweetie gets really irritated with me because I only eat a few select ones and he wants me to eat more and I refuse to.

He tells me i'm not eating enough variety in his opinion.

I'm at the point I would rather be bored with what I do eat than be sick eating what he wants me to.

Doing this I have lost 40 lbs, no longer asthmatic, depressed, anxiety ridden, no longer anemic for the first time in 35 years, sleeping thru the night. sores on my head that i've had on the top of my head for 25 years or more are gone. I could go on and on.

What a wonderful post! Thank you for reminding us all of the importance of being on "the other side."

What foods do you eat? What works for you?

I need everyone to be very honest with me. I need to know if the way I am feeling right now is selfish of me or not . . .

My husband and I are going on vacation to be with our daughter. Today, hubby told me that he and our daughter might want to go to a very special restaurant where I can eat nothing safely.

I told him that it would be wonderful if they go -- that they should go and enjoy themselves! I asked for his understanding if I did not go with, and he said I was being very selfish.

I responded that I disagreed. I felt I was being empathetic. I explained that, if he couldn't eat gluten, it would kill me to go to a restaurant and eat all kinds of wonderful, highly-rated, much-craved food while he sat and watched and ate nothing . . . even if he were being a great sport about the whole thing. I explained that I am asking to sit out because it would allow them to have a good time without having to think about my sitting there . . . which I really understand. It is not a problem!

He disagrees. He feels I should go and sit there and be the higher person, and that I am being extremely selfish if I do not do it.

Perhaps he is right.

Augh . . . thank goodness for this group! I am really on the fence here. I am honestly am not sure how I should process or react to this.

I am also feeling a bit hurt by his reaction . . . I want him to understand how difficult it would be for me to go and just watch them eat while I drink water . . . but perhaps I am being unreasonable?

We belong to a non-profit organization where I have to bring my own food to the meetings. Why shouldn't I also be able to be the bigger person when it comes to my family . . . and either just drink water and enjoy their company or bring my own food and shut-up about the whole thing?

My husband is a very kind and caring person, as is my daughter.

Your thoughts?

Hi,

I'm going to Sante Fe next week. Are there any other restaurants that have gluten free menus?

I am particularly interested in finding gluten-friendly restaurants within walking distance of the old, historic shopping district.

Thank you so much for any assistance!

While I haven't tried it yet, I am intrigued by Alpha ENF (there is also Alpha PMX, which has less protein), which can be ordered online (just google Alpha Nutrition products, and that should get you to their site). I like the formulation, as it is designed to give a balance of all nutrients, not just protein. I have in the past used Biox Power Whey. Incredible flavours, and no "chalky" residue left in your mouth. Both products are gluten-free, however I personally have had a tough time with the Biox since being diagnosed with celiac (probably I'm reacting to something else in it).

Alpha ENF sounds very interesting - thank you! I'm trying to find the ingredient list on the site and haven't found it yet. If you have a link to the ingredients, would you kindly post it?

As corny as it sounds, I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. Maybe you are meant to move on to something else, and this is life's way of letting you know. There may be great things in store for you out there, somewhere other than where you are now.

Truly, what does your heart tell you? If you really listen to yourself, you'll make the right decision.

Gluten issues aside, for years I struggled with leaving a job that was killing me in many ways. Problem was, I loved the job . . . or I thought I did, and I loved working with and helping the people around me.

But it was too much -- 12 to 16 hours a day, working weekends, and 24/7 stress beyond belief. I was in denial of how much I needed to make a change, and I fought it for what seemed forever.

Honestly, I felt as though quitting would be throwing in the towel, too. I was wrong. I was supposed to move on and life was telling me so, but I ingnored it.

I guess you could say I was playing God -- I thought I knew what was best for me despite life hitting me over the head with a hammer!

Here's the thing: The more I denied needing to change direction, the worse my situation became.

Life it like that. If you're supposed to make a change, whether it's a job, a relationship or whatever, the situation will keep getting continually tougher and TOUGHER, until you finally get it.

If life seems to be indicating your taking another direction, despite your not wanting to give up, it might be best to listen to what your heart and your gut are telling you.

I don't get sick of the same foods. Since going gluten free didn't take care of all my health issues, I went on an elimination diet and started out with only three foods and built up from there. I am up to about thirty foods now. I pretty much eat the same thing most days. The thought of the same food does bug me but once I get to eating, every bite I take is so good.

It seems like my taste buds are my friends now because everything tastes so much better since going gluten free. Of course, I haven't tried any of the gluten substitute flours or packaged goods yet so don't know if I'll like any of them.

Jackay,

Which three foods did you eat at first?