Celtic Queen

Just wanted to add that Kroger's rotisserie chickens are not gluten free.  Which is really unfortunate for me since Kroger is super close to my house but Sam's and Costco aren't. 

 

If you were an Atheist why would you be at Mass?  LOL

Yeah, that's I wanted to tell her.  If I was an atheist I wouldn't bother.

Yeah, next year I'll definitely bring my own.  It didn't occur to me that there would be communion.  We're Methodists, so we don't always do communion on Christmas Eve.  But I buy the gluten-free communion for our church and can grab one next year for sure.  I can't wait to see the look on her face.

So, my MIL and I have been having some issues lately.  Mainly it's because I don't live my life exactly the way she thinks I should and don't agree with everything she says  But we did have a nice Christmas holiday together.  I did have to share this funny story though.

We went to Christmas Eve service at her church.  She lives in a small town and everyone at church knows everyone else.  They were serving communion at the service.  At my home church, I am in charge of serving the gluten free communion to the 4 of us who are gluten intolerant.  But I knew they wouldn't have gluten free communion at her church, so I just sat in my seat during the communion.  When she came back from getting her bread and juice, she said to me, "You should have gone up there.  If you didn't want communion you could have let the pastor know and he would have just blessed you.  Now everyone probably thinks you are an atheist since you didn't go up there."  I responded, "Well, God knows I'm not an atheist."

So which is worse, being a Celiac who can't take communion or having everyone at church think I am an Atheist?  I thought it was pretty funny.  I could care less what everyone else thought about my not going up to communion.  This is one of the reasons we clash.  She lives in a small town and is very much about keeping up appearances with everyone.  I could care less what everyone thinks of me.

It was also funny that Christmas dinner was pretty much a Celiac's nightmare.  She saved out some ham and cheese grits for me.  Everything else was filled with gluten - ham and biscuits, sausage balls, pigs in a blanket, sweet roll, cookies, rum cake.  There was not a vegetable to be found and everything had gluten in it. 

Several of those things are also high in salicylate.  Might want to do a search for salicylate intolerance too.  Do you have problems with asprin?

^{Yeah, I got nailed at Pei Wei a few weeks back.  I was sooo disappointed because Pei Wei and Changs were the two restaurants that seemed to be doing a good job for Celiacs, or at least for me.} 

 

I ordered gluten-free sushi and asked additional questions (because I got hit the time before after many previous good experiences) and found out the staff was frustrated by people requesting gluten-free (and staff going through the menu, etcetera) and then ordering glutinous items. Yeah, frustration. We talked a bit and my waiter was happy to explain to the chefs that I was serious, and I got a safe meal.

 

Actually, a good friend of mine is a server at a high end French restaurant and this was a huge issue for him.  He had several customers send him running back and forth to the kitchen several times to check ingredients, only to go ahead and order something with gluten in the end.  I explained to him that those people were probably not true Celiacs and that I would never, ever order something with gluten in it on purpose.  People like that make the real Celiacs look bad.

A couple of weeks ago he had a true Celiac come into the restaurant and he was able to help her order something safe. He told me about it the next day.  Made me feel better that my "education" helped.  I have started telling servers that gluten will make me very sick just to clarify to them that that it's not a fad for me.

As for the hostility of others, I sometimes wonder if it is because they know they need to change their diet but don't want to, so they become resentful of those of us who do.

I know.  Who would suspect wheat in frozen veggies.  The wheat was in the actual ingredients, not as part of a process in a facility disclaimer.  It was crazy.  I figured I was safe since it was just frozen veggies.  Luckily I happened to catch it beforehand.  Learned my lesson about reading the labels on everything with that experience.

Another one that drove me crazy was packaged potato salad.  I usually like to make my own, but we were going somewhere and I didn't have time to, so I picked up a package of Kroger brand potato salad and the label had wheat on it.  Not sure why they had to put wheat in potato salad.

Would be interested in joining.  Unfortunately don't have the time to lead.

Found it in a package of frozen broccoli once.  Luckily I read the package before cooking and eating it.

Soups are one you really have to be careful of too - especially tomato soup.

Gluten free goddess has a lot of very delicious recipes - especially for baked good.

This dinner roll recipe is awesome.  It's gluten-free and dairy free and I love, love, love these. I make them on weekends all the time.  They use a mixer, but not a food processor.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Soft Dinner Rolls Recipe

Posted By Carol Kicinski On November 18, 2011 @ 9:57 am In Breads | Open Original Shared Link

Yikes.  Hadn't thought about that.  That's going to be a fun subject to bring up (sarcasm alert).  DH is really good about eating gluten-free at home, but I don't know that he'd want to give up his beer. 

Thanks shadowicewolf.  That is exactly what I needed. 

Kareng - Promethus charges $650 for just the labwork.  Your doctor has to order the kit and do the blood draw, so there's a separate fee there.  Luckily we were getting blood drawn for his ADD meds at the same time and I managed to get a two for one.  So it's going to cost me about $450 in the end.  Pricey, but well worth it for my peace of mind.

Hi all,

Just got the test results from the genetic testing today for DS.  According to Prometheus Labs, here are his results:

Homozygous DQ2.5 (DQA1*05:DQB1*0201)

Apparently that puts him at the top of the risk scale.  Anyway, can anyone recommend an easy website for me to read to so I can easily explain this to my hubby (who is not Celiac). I didn't have any genetic testing done when I was diagnosed, so I don't know much about it.  And I'm not too scientifically inclined, so I basically need Celiac Genetics for Dummies

I know there are a lot of super smart folks on this board who know a lot about the genetic side of the disease, so I am hoping you can help me out.

Also, fyi for those looking into getting the genetic testing done.  My insurance wouldn't pay for the genetic testing unless DS already had a positive blood test or biopsy.  (Even though we would already know he had the disease at that point and wouldn't really need the genetic test to confirm  )  Anyway, Prometheus has a financial assistance program for those who qualify.  We didn't qualify for that but they are going to give me a 30% discount if I don't file anything through insurance (including the cost of drawing the labs) and pay within 30 days.  So there are two options to make it a little bit cheaper for those who think they can't afford it. 

Thanks for your help.

How long have you been gluten-free?  I've notice my tolerance for alcohol dropped significantly after going gluten-free.  I can literally get a buzz off of one cider now   Maybe your tolerance has changed and your hangover really was a hangover?  Another thing is that you could be uncovering additional food intolerances and might be reacting to something in the cider - apples, yeast, the fermentation process, etc.  I've had to give up cider because I'm reacting to it

I haven't tried Harpoon because they don't sell it where I'm at, so I can't answer your questions about it.  If you want a drier cider than Angry Orchard, try Hornsby's (like Kareng mentioned) or Mangers.  Hopefully you can find both where you live.  I used to be able to get Hornsby's here, but Mangers bought them out recently and they don't distribute where I live, unfortunately.  Occasionally I can find Strongbow, which isn't bad either.  But mostly I'm limited to either Angry Orchard or Woodchuck (ugh).

Also, if you sign up for Penzy's mailing list, they'll send you a catalog each month with a coupon for a free spice that can be redeemed at the store.  No other purchase necessary.  My coworker does it.

Totally feel your pain. I called in September to make an appointment with an Integrative Medicine Doctor.  The first appointment for a new patient was in April of next year.  Ugh. I'm staying on the list, but there's no way I can wait until April to get all my problems sorted out.

Omg.  I'm in trouble.  You're truly evil for sharing that

I am sorry if I upset you by mentioning the doctor.  I know how frustrating it can be to spend money on tests that come back negative and doctors that dismiss you.  Believe me I could tell you all about it with the story of my colonoscopy and endoscopy... 

But if you are passing out or feel like you are passing out, you really do need to see someone.  It really could be life threatening to you.  Some symptoms people can ignore, but I don't think this is one that should be.

One of the first times I passed out, I was driving my car.  Luckily I wasn't on a crowded street and I managed to pull over.  I hit the curb and ruined the tire on my car, but it could have been much worse.  I could have seriously hurt or killed myself or someone else.  Another time I passed out in a store and banged my head pretty badly on the floor.  Again, it could have been much worse because I could have really hurt myself. 

If you really can't see a doctor, these are the few things I suggest that may help.  First of all, have you had your blood pressure checked lately?  Is it low?  Some places like drugstores have those machines that will check it for free.  Also, if you sit for long periods of time, be sure to stand up slowly.  Irish mentioned something about diabetes.  Do you have that?  Could it be related to your sugar? 

My cardiologist told me that when most people pass out, their body recognizes that their blood pressure is dropping rapidly and sends a spike of adrenaline to push it back up.  For me the adrenaline is what makes me feel shaky afterwards.  It always puts me into a bit of shock and I have to cover up with a blanket and sit still for a little while afterwards.  Over time, I've been able to sense when an episode is coming on.  It's hard to explain, but it's kind of like deja vu.  Now when that starts, I can "talk" myself out of the passing out.  I just repeat over and over to myself, "I will not pass out."  It seems to help.  I'll also pinch myself or bit my lip to shock myself out of it.  But the most important thing I do is put myself in a safe place so that if I pass out I won't myself or someone else.  If I am driving, I'll pull over immediately.  If I am standing, I'll sit down on the floor.  If you can learn to identify the onset, maybe you could use some of those techniques also.

Sorry you're feeling bad.

Let us know what you get.  I love getting little random things like that in the mail.  I'll sign up for a sample of something and get so excited when it arrives.  Just getting something that's not a bill makes me happy. 

Hope you start feeling better soon.

Be careful on the m&ms.  The regular and peanut ones are gluten-free, but the pretzel ones aren't (obviously) and I noticed that the candy corn ones aren't gluten-free either.  Might want to stick to the old fashioned brown and yellow bags.

Skittle and Starburst are also gluten-free.

Lays Stax (but not Pringles, those have gluten)

Most fruit snacks (check your labels)

Nutella

Lara Bars or Kind Bars

Jif to Go Cups

In my pre-Celiac days I would have similar feelings.  Several times I actually passed out, but several times I did not.  My blood pressure has always been low, but not low enough for medication. I went to several specialists - neurologist, caridiologist, etc.  None of them could figure out what caused it.  They diagnosed me with Vaso-Vagal Syncope - which basically means I passed out but they couldn't figure out why.  Kind of like the generic IBS diagnosis they give everyone with stomach troubles.  At one point I was on a custom compounded medicine that seemed to help some.  Eventually the episodes stopped.  Mainly because I have figured out when it's coming on and have learned to stop it before I get to the passing out stage.  It rarely happens to me now.

I would definitely suggest seeing a doctor.  Some of the things they might want to consider are low blood pressure, migraines, and seizures.  When I was getting checked for my problems, they ran a bunch of tests - EKG, EEG, Holter Monitor, Echocardiogram, heart cath, tilt table.  I hope you can find out what the problem is.  Sorry you're having to go through this.

This is really yummy, for those that can eat tomatoes.  I usually tone down the spices a bit because hubby is a wimp when it comes to hot food

★★★★★

Prep Time: 0 hr 0 min | Cook Time: 0 hr 0 min | Makes: 10-12 | Difficulty: Easy

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into,1/2 inch cubes
• 2 large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cans black beans (15 ounces) rinsed and drained
• 2 cans fire roasted tomatoes (15 ounces) with juice
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• Grated cheese (optional for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional for garnish)

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté sweet potatoes and onion, stirring frequently until onions are translucent. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-35 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender, but still in a cube shape. Add water or broth if too thick. Season to taste. Serve with cheese and sour cream (optional).

May need to cook longer if you don't chop the sweet potatoes small enough. 

 

Internal Benefits:

• Reduction in the serum cholesterol levels
• Increased intestinal fluid viscosity
• Relief from digestive problems such stomach ache, diarrhea, inflamed bowel, etc.
• Lowered blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
• Helps lung related problems such as bronchitis

 

External Benefits:

• Relief of aches and joint pains
• Increased muscle energy
• Relaxed and soothing feeling
• Relieves arthritis
• Helps in cases of inflammation of joint tissues, ligaments, tendons,
• Relieves muscle strain and fatigue
• It also helps in treating boils on the skin

Thought the above was funny.  It really doesn't do any of those things if you have Celiac.  In fact, it makes many of them worse.