polarbearscooby

Me and a 3rd cousin so far, I'm sure my Grandma has it, and my sister probably does...Who knows how many others...

As most of you know I'm on vacation with a friend of mine who also has celiac disease and we REALLY want chocolate chip muffins! Only they have to be Egg, Dairy, Corn, and of course gluten free! If ANYONE knows a recipe for at least gluten-free muffins please PLEASE post it, we will try to modify it anyway...

Thanks in advance!!

Oh My Gosh, I feel your pain. Today ALL I wanted was a Double Cheese Burger, a large fry, and a 50 piece nugget....and like you it's hard to squash that feeling during certain times... I wanted it SOOOOOOOOOOO bad, and it didn't help my Dad had done the drive thru and gotten some McNuggets...I seriously wanted to cry. I've tried everything, eating a snack, having special snakes, and NOTHING can kill the craving! I think McDonald's is poisoned so that women everywhere feel the NEED to eat it. *I hate life right now*

  On 12/13/2010 at 4:26 PM, Gemini said:

I don't think the response was rude, it was honest and based in reality. It serves no purpose to cover up an illness just to try and make it through basic training. Sometimes a person cannot do what they want in life due to an illness or condition and there is no shame in that. I'm sure there are positions in the military where having Celiac would not compromise their job duties but lying and covering up so you can pass basic, and then having it diagnosed as a new condition is plain stupid, not to mention dishonest. Not a good way to start out a military career and there is no guarantee this won't keep you from getting a medical discharge anyway.

I agree, my Dad was in the military, and therefore I've been to the military doctor's and sometimes they can be a bit clueless....They see 100's of patients each and every day. And while some are actually sick, some are just trying to get out of PT, or get SOMETHING on their charts so when they leave the service they can draw better benefits. There is no honor in that at all!

As far as symptoms go, for me each time I get exposed the symptoms get worse, and then the next time it takes even less to trigger me... I can't imagine eating wheat for a day, much less two months...I'd be worthless that whole time stuck in the bathroom

I pray you don't have to do it, but if you do I pray you heal quickly afterwards...

  On 12/13/2010 at 4:40 PM, cap6 said:

my pleasure. Lol !!! I think that this is a topic that concerns all celiacs to some degree but not necessarily one that is easy to bring up. But desperation does force us I guess and it's good to feel so safe to talk on this board.

Very true!

Thanks for having that courage!

Whenever I crave Chinese food I make it myself, if I'm feeling like cooking alot I get a bottle of Teryiaki (spelled wrong I know, but my spell check can't find the word ) some chicken, peas, and I make it. If I'm feeling lazy I get a box of the new gluten-free Chicken Helper Fried Rice! (I add extra pea's to it though, there never seem to be enough) It tastes AMAZING and I just love it.

As for P.F Changs, I'll never eat there. The one time my Dad and I found one, we asked to look around before we decided to eat there,and there were plain wheat filled noodles EVERYWHERE, in all the other food containers, people were using the same tongs for all the foods, and it was chaos. I almost had nightmares about that place

Its good to know I'm not the only one, because I've had times when Ive considered eating gluten just to go...but I've been to embarrassed to ask about it...

I've had the issue my whole life, and it got worse after my gallbladder was taken out. I actually ended up in the ER because we though I might have busted an internal stitch, but my doctor told me my entire bowel, all the way up to my stomach, was um. Full. Then two years later I got diagnosed and I was free of the D and the C....until my first glutening, then it happens like clock work, D 30 mins after for 2 hours, then after that C for up to a week.... and once it's all gotten out of my system I'm fine until my next accident.

I ALWAYS drink plenty of water, we buy by the case now, I drink 4-6 bottles a day...

I eat veggies (although probably not as much as I should...)

I don't drink milk, the only dairy I get is from a vitamin and cheese on things like Tacos and Pizza (what?! I'm a college student! lol)

Anyway thank you for finally breaching this subject!!

Wow! Thanks for all the tips!

Yes, my Dad made sure I'd have a fridge and microwave in my room! So I should be set

Has anyone ever tried Austin's? It's a Tex-Mex place that's supposed to be amazing, and has a LOT of gluten-free options?

Also as far as P.F Changs goes, I don't think I'll ever eat there. My Dad and I found one once, so we decided to take a look. It was awful, there were noodles EVERYWHERE and people were mixing the tongs, I just about had nightmares about that place, and we were so glad we decided to look BEFORE we ate there....I would have been sick for a month!!

I LOVE Chipotles but we'll have to see how my stomach is healing, after my last glutening it's VERY sensitive to spicy foods

I'm so excited! )

I've found some stuff, I just know that people who live in the area know what places are good, what places are great, and what places to avoid unless I want to spend my vacation in the bathroom

In the Mall area.....

Have you ever been to a whole foods or trader Joes?

We don't have them here so IDK how good they are...

So, for Christmas this year my Dad's giving me a vacation, I'm going to see my two friends who both have celiac disease and live near DC. On the first part of my trip I'll be staying with my friends family, so I'll be able to get food easy. On the second leg of my trip my other friend and I will be staying in a hotel in DC, and I'm curious as to any advice you have for me (especially those of you from that area, or who have to to that area) on where to find food, and etc.

I've heard Whole Foods and Trader Joes are good places?

Thanks in advance!!

  On 12/3/2010 at 1:26 AM, mushroom said:

I went to my local Wal Mart in Nevada because everyone had been telling me how they bought their gluten free food there - HA!!! Spent about 20 minutes, didn't see a single thing labelled gluten free, left. Period. Wouldn't even bother asking.

For reals right! I buy some naturally gluten-free stuff there, like pizza sauce, fruits, meats, etc. I love my gluten-free grocery app

  On 12/3/2010 at 1:51 AM, kareng said:

The walmarts and targets in the OP,KS area have a little bit of pasta, a couple of cereals, and a few things. Sometimes they are all together by the baking stuff and some are just mixed in. HyVee has lots of gluten-free stuff. I think you told me you come to the area sometimes. You may just have to stock up.

Your dad might want to see if he can email walmart coporate and tell them about the manager's behavior being very rude. They might not sell enough there of gluten-free foods to stock them but he didn't have to be so rude.

When your in town, I have a Lab rescue dog you could practice walking. ( Cooper made me type that)

Whose Cooper?

I actually used to baby-sit a service lab I really miss him...

I'm in the town 50 miles away several times a week cause I go to school there

But I'll be in KC sometime soon (can't remember what date )

So my Dad complained to the manager of foods at wal-mart about the lack of gluten free foods and this is how he cold me the convo went:

My Dad (MD): Why does the one thing in this store that is supposedly gluten-free have wheat in it?

Guy: People with gluten intolerance and celiac can still eat wheat, just not as much.

MD: Um, no. People with Celiac and GI aren't supposed to consume ANY wheat products at all

Guy: Listen, they can still eat it, and I can't do anything to help you. BYE.

*face palm*

My Dad talked to the manager of the whole store and he promised to look into gluten-free food if there is a profit in it

*SIGH* I am NOT holding my breath, and still plan on going 50 miles away to get food....

I thought you all might be curious to know that I had a rather long serious discussion with my Dad tonight about me getting a dog (it was an hour long...) And after our long talk we decided that I can start looking for a dog after my Dad gets a raise, we puppy proof, and find a good larger dog vet (My vet is more of a farm vet although he can do cats and small dogs, we have to ask if he's willing to take on anther client). He said it might take 6 months....but he promised since (and I quote) "This sounds very important to you" that he would try to get it done as soon as we could. Now he/she (I'm leaning towards a she, I've been doing research for MONTHS and he knows it) would not be a "service dog" per-say, but I am considering getting us both certified for Therapy work, since my Major does have a LOT to do with Children (Childrens Ministry lol) and my minor is Deaf Com. But Therapy dogs aren't the same as a service dog (as I'm sure you know)

@GFinDC Dad and I even discussed the cost of said Dog, which is why we are waiting on the raise ;-)

Right now I'm looking for a dog for companionship, friendship, playmate, and even a guard dog to some degree. And my biggest concern is "Will my Cats hate me?" lol But they've never cared about our current dog. Anyway...Sorry that post is rather long and it's really celiac related.... Thanks for all the input!

  On 12/2/2010 at 1:52 AM, GFinDC said:

I don't know about a dog, although they are nice. I used to have 2 Shetland Sheepdogs, Corey and Sasha. Now I have a cat, and she isn't much on sniffing out gluten. But when I get cc'd gut pains, and am laying in bed, she always gets on my chest and kneads my tummy with her claws. That's the only time she kneads my tummy, other wise she will knead my shoulders or chest. I don't know how she knows it hurts, but she does. She was an alley orphan.

The dogs did do a lot of woofing though, and chewing on things. They were also great at getting rid of Thanksgiving turkey bones.

You should check on the life span of the dogs you are considering. Some live for 10 or 12 years, others can go upwards of 18 to 20. That's a long time to care for an animal, taking them for walks every day, trips to the vet for shots, boarding in kennels when you want to take a trip. Getting home from work on time every day to feed them and take them out for their business. You also need to get them flea meds every year, and heartworm shots or pills. Taking them to the groomer is important also, and has to be done regularly. They need their toe nails trimmed and fur washed, cut and brushed etc. And a license every year in some places. I don't know if you've ever had a dog, so thot I'd mention these things. Costs can add up too.

I have two cats, and they are awesome!

As far as costs go I understand that all to well. We've had a family dog for 13 years. We've always had a dog and my cats have to have allergy shots every month. So I'm used to it all

If I get a dog it won't be an overnight thing....it will take a LOT OF prep because I want a puppy and I want it to be a good fit. And we'll have to puppy proof...

  On 12/1/2010 at 9:41 PM, Jestgar said:

go for it. Tell her you'll do the training.

Tottally what I'm thinking ;-p

  On 12/1/2010 at 9:48 PM, jenngolightly said:

Good for you! I've heard that it's tough to find gluten-free food on campus. I work for a university and I always bring my own food when we have events. I can't trust our food people. For some reason they think gluten free is the same as vegetarian. ??? I'm glad you have a supportive dad. I lived with my dad, too.

Well the school I got to has a mandatory meal plan, and I can't eat literraly anything in the caff. And since it's a private Bible college they have very strict rules about living off campus. I have to live with a guardian until I'm over 24 or have 60+ credit hours....

  On 12/1/2010 at 9:14 PM, jenngolightly said:

When I first read this I couldn't help laughing. I can't imagine a dog going with you to the grocery store to read the labels on soup to see which ones were gluten-free. Isn't that what we, as Celiacs, are doing most of the time? We pick up something in the grocery store and immediately flip it over. A dog could never do that!

As I thought more about your post, I started thinking about your mother who hasn't been taking your illness seriously until now. You say that she's taking Celiac more seriously, but now she's trying to get a dog to do her job. She needs to step up and protect you from gluten. She needs to read labels, keep the counters clean, teach you how to prepare for cross contamination. I'm not sure how old you are, but it sounds like she's still in charge of your well-being? She should know the symptoms of when you've had gluten and how to take care of you. A service dog can't do those things. A mom must do those things.

Getting a pet dog is secondary to the real issue that you've posted. Your mother sounds like she's pushing her responsibilities onto someone (or something) else. Or, she still doesn't understand what to do with your Celiac diagnosis. It may be time for you both to go and see your doctor and get some guidance, but not from a dog. :-)

I'm 20, and I live at home with my Dad because I can't live on campus. Up until this point my mom hasnt taken an interest in me having celiac disease at all. I do all the shopping, and my dad is the only other person who has any idea what I can and cannot eat....

As it stands I have no problem doing all this myself...

That's what I'm thinking....

And it is a good excuse for her to finally let me get a dog....

  On 12/1/2010 at 5:19 PM, kareng said:

Sorry but I think your mom may just be making fun of you.

Dogs could probably be trained to smell wheat, rye or barley. But what amount would they need to over power the smell of the burger the restuatant cooked on the same grill they just toasted a bun on? Also, I have been seeing a lot of people with service dogs that aren't being utilized. It's a terrible waste of a trained dog. Not every dog has the temperament or natural talent for various jobs.

Unfortunately she's not making fun of me.... She just really thinks I have a disability....

See! That's what I thought! (And quite frankly I do a good job of keeping gluten out of my diet. Except for CC on occasion) But my Mom insists that I need a service dog because obviously I can't do this myself, sucks.

I was thinking of a lab, I had a friend who had a service lab, we connected so well (I watched him on the weekends she worked all day and night (nurses aid) )...He was able to predict my panic attacks, and even taught himself to detect if my Dad's sugar levels were to high or low... Every lab I've ever met we just seem to make an immediate connection.

Ok, so as some of you might know, My Mother hasn't taken me having celiac disease very seriously... Until now. After my last bought with Bronchitis she finally got to see what I'm like after I've got glutened (brain fog, weak, sick, etc.) and now she's at least sorta taking it seriously. She's convinced now that I need a service dog to help me "locate wheat" and "let me know when I've had wheat" and "to help with the brain fog/panic attacks". My question is: Is she right? Should I look into this? Or should I tell her that such a dog does not exist. I find this all kind of ironic because I begged to be allowed to get a dog 5 months about and she wouldn't hear of it ;p Thank you in advance for the help! I don't know what I would do without you guys!

I've been known to go all day (from when I wake up at 530 to when I get home around 3) without eating just so I can sleep a few more minutes or save a few dollars.... I know. shame shame on me

We are having our Thanksgiving Day on Wednesday, we are going to Longhorn Steak house because my parent's want to give me a break from cooking

I'll let you know how it goes....