hez

Thank you so much for the advice. Part of my problem is that it is really scary for me to eat outside my home. I do it on occasion but I am careful. Last time I was glutened I stayed sick for about three months (I think I was glutened three times). I am really looking forward to a weekend getaway with dh, it should be fun!

Hez

I have seen the tv ad a couple of times. The first time I just thought I misunderstood. It does seem kinda ironic that they mention they are gluten-free while the ad shows a big sandwhich!

Hez

I don't mean to come off as cross but there is no way I would bake with gluten! I live in a world where it is unsafe for me to eat out. Bring that into my kitchen? I think not. My thought is if someone is dying for gluten they can easily get something from a bakery. Life for me is not that easy. Not worth the risk IMHO.

Hez

Besides the typical chains there is a great italian place that has a great gluten-free menu. I have been there once and had a great experience. It is Open Original Shared Link.

Hez

I use a paste like product that I love called Better than Boulion. I contacted the company about 6 months ago and it is gluten-free.

Hez

I know alot of people have done cruises and had a great time.

I am about to book a quick anniversary get away and wanted to know if anyone has been on the Monarch of the Seas out of LA? I am worried that since this is a 3 night cruise they may not be as attentive as a 7 day. There are tons of posts but none on this ship.

Thanks,

Hez

I have had 2 endoscopies about 2 years apart. The first one showed complete villi atrophy. The second one showed villi but they are fragile and delicate. Looks like I still have some healing to do!

Hez

Based on my bloodwork my family doc thought I had borderline celiac (is that like being a little pregnant?). However, my gi did an endoscopy which showed complete villious atrophy. Fast forward two years, I had another endoscopy, I now have fine delicate villi but my small intestine still looks like my stomach.

It sounds like you have celiac. However, if you need another opinion go get it. Just make sure the doc is well versed in celiac or you may cause more damage down the line with an incorrect dx.

Hez

Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I never cheat because I would get so sick. I am sick for a month just from cc. I can only imagine how horrible I would feel if I ate gluten. I am not sure I could leave the potty

That said I am sorry this keeps happening to you. I think the idea of having tempting treats at work might help ward off the temptation. For me I treat gluten as if it were poison. Remind myself how much better I feel. Remember that I need to be a good role model for my children. Find you motivation and stick to being gluten-free. It is no fun walking around feeling guilty, so don't bet yourself up too much.

Hez

Welcome to the board!

I really do not have any suggestions for books on celiacs. I learned most things on this board and other web sites.

Welcome to the world of reading labels, everytime. I would look for both wheat and gluten on product labels. Keep in mind wheat free does not mean gluten free.

My advice would be to keep it very simple for the first month. This allows time to research what words to look for and what companies you can trust. Remember that meats, seafood (real stuff, not the fake), fruits and vegetables are gluten-free.

As far as the boaderline question, I am not sure how to answer. My mom came back the same way. However, she had already gone gluten-free before the test which can mess with the results. For her, she tried the diet and could not believe how much better she felt. She is gluten-free and has never looked back.

Hez

I am so sorry. It is obvious that this person does not value honesty. It does sound like your son is in the middle. However, I think he has been given a sign as to her personality. I think it sounds fishy.

Hez

I have some in my freezer right now! I freeze them unfrosted and after they defrost I put on the icing. They taste great and it is so easy to pop one out whenever I need a chocolate treat.

Hez

I rarely eat out. I have tried the Chili's once here and had a good experience. Although I know of others who have gotten sick at the same Chili's. I look at eating out like gambling, it is a risk. Especially for those of us that are very sensitive.

Hez

We have to be there about 1 1/2 before the game starts. My son is in cub scouts and my dh is helping with the color gaurd. Plus we live over an hour away. So knowing me I will need some food!

Thank you so much for giving me the run down. You are right, sounds like there is gluten everywhere! I will bring in a few snacks and grab some popcorn or peanuts and call it done.

Thanks for your help!

Hez

Our family will be attending a Colorado Rockies game next week. I have had just peanuts and soda before. I was wondering if anyone else knows of safe options at this ball park? We might go with a family that has peanut allergies so I was looking for alternatives.

Thanks,

Hez

This was pretty much my only symptom as well. Felt lucky to have a dx within six months after reading about others on this board.

Hez

The bags I buy now no longer state gluten-free. I e-mailed the company about it. They have not changed a thing, just took away the gluten-free label. Their reason is that the governement (US) will be defining what is gluten-free in the near future. They are waiting to see what comes of that before they label gluten-free. I eat the chips and have never had a problem.

Hez

I chew trident sugar free all the time. Here is what their website says

Is Trident

I have made amaretto sours in the past without issue. I use DiSarrano (sp?). I contacted the company a couple of years ago and was told that the amaretto was gluten-free. I wish I could remember the sour mix I use. I recently contacted Freshies mixers and their sweet n sour mix is gluten-free.

It is possible that the drink was gluten-free but that you are still in the healing process. It took me over 6 months (not typical) being gluten-free before I felt better.

Hez

I use karo syrups (light and dark). I can not remember how I found out they were safe.

Hez

Another idea is to call the office ahead of time. Get the number for the company that makes the cleaning stuff and call to verify status. I never can remember the stuff my dentist uses but it is free of gluten.

Hez

I have a box in my cupboard that I use on occasion. However, I have never called Kroger to verify the gluten-free status. I have called on other products and they have been very helpful.

Hez

The local Chili's here fries the chips in a non-dedicated fryer making them unsafe. For awhile, I was told that the salsa was not on the gluten-free menu because it contained vinegar.

Hez

Does TUMS

I have an official dx. Not really by choice, it just happened that way. I was so sick that it took over 6 months before I felt better. Without that dx I might have given up on the diet.

I do like having the dx only because it keeps me in check. Along with being violently ill by even slight cc! It is also nice for my kids. If they ever have a problem my dx may make it easier for them.

Hez