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Posts: 12
7/5/11 12:29 P

It can be overwhelming, but I really try to think of my glass as half full. Considering I am allergic to 5 of the top 8 allergens in addition to the celiacs, life could be discouraging. I am an eternal optimist, however, which really helps. I think about all of the fresh foods I can eat and it helps me. Try to think about what you CAN eat, rather than what you can't and you will be much happier. I also RARELY eat anything that anyone else has prepared. Even though they probably love you, they simply don't know everything to watch out for. I even prepare my own meals to take to gatherings and just plate my food when everyone else is ready to eat. I also offer to bring a menu item so that I at least know there will be ONE thing that I can eat at a party. Another coping mechanism...eat before you go so that you are not starving (which tends to make you feel put out if you can't eat and you are so hungry!) Good luck and hang in there. It gets better and your improved health makes it all worth it...plus my waistline has improved!

Posts: 30,260
7/4/11 11:24 P

Hi and welcome to the team.

current weight: 240.0

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Posts: 4,542
7/4/11 10:27 P

We have all had our struggles with things like this unfortunately! This is a learning process and you will get better at identifying potential hazzards! It can be overwhelming at first for sure! Just take it one meal at a time and keep things simple. I like to do basic meals like a meat, potato and veggie. It is a foolproof recipe for GF meals! Also look into ethnic cuisines that DON'T rely on gluten. Thai, Chinese, Japanese, mexican, etc. have a lot to offer that is naturally GF.

current weight: 192.0

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SparkPoints: (7,595)
Fitness Minutes: (5,153)
Posts: 1,915
7/4/11 7:47 P

Welcome to this site. I know exactly what you are going through. I have been gluten free for 2 yrs this month. If I ingest just a small amount of gluten, I get really sick. When I first became gluten intolerant/celiac and would ingest gluten accidentally it would take me about an hour before I would get really sick. The other night I had the same thing happen to me with Cole Slaw. We went to a friends house for dinner and she does make gf for me. Well when I ate the Cole Slaw (mind you two helpings) within 20 minutes I was extremely sick. I asked her what she put in it. She did not put the Ramon noodles in it but the season packet and just a small amount. Well that had wheat in it.

It is scarey as who would think about Cole Slaw but we have to check everything to make sure that it is safe for us.

I am glad that you joined us and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Char

current weight: 117.0

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Fitness Minutes: (70,781)
Posts: 5,329
7/4/11 4:27 P

Welcome to the team. I have been gluten free for 3 1/2 years and know how frustrating it can be to think you are eating something gluten free and find out there is just one item in it that you missed. I also have thyroid, skin and digestive issues related to my gluten issue. Take one day at a time and you will succeed at being gluten free and healthy. Smiles Barb

current weight: 186.5

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Posts: 774
7/4/11 3:30 P

I totally understand what you mean by feeling overwhelmed... I am gluten intollerant/Celiac (who knows for sure) and sensitive also to soy. I can handle milk only in very small quantities (kiefer and yogurt excepted). I often wonder "what CAN I eat?" especially when I'm out of my own kitchen. I'll be great for a while and then I get hit with some kind of contamination (like your Ramen noodles) and I'm back to square 1 again. It's really frustrating.

But, on a positive note, I DO know what makes me sick and I CAN control it. It's a constant learning experience, and the people on this team are AMAZING! I have found such support and information. I'm glad you're here.

Pounds lost: 7.4

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Posts: 10
7/4/11 3:14 P

I've struggled with a number of health issues for years. I had thyroid cancer in high school, and a few years ago had gallbladder surgery. Since the surgery, I've still had gastrointestinal problems, but that's not uncommon with gallbladder removal. They never seemed to get better, and I've had a host of seemingly unrelated symptoms over the past few years.

A few weeks ago, I developed a rash all over. It doesn't look like the rash people talk about with celiac (can't remember the name?), but the doctor put me on steriods and antihistamines, and it didn't want to go away. She suggested an allergy elimination diet, and within two days, the rash and all my stomach issues went away. In the past couple weeks, some of the symptoms I thought were unrelated also went away, and we surmised that I must be celiac or gluten intolerant.

Yesterday, I was at a 4th party and thought I was being very careful. I watched the hostess make coleslaw with slaw, oil and vinegar, so I thought it would be okay. I ate a small serving, then realized there were bits of ramen noodle on the plate. I had a stomachache within an hour, and the rash and stomach issues came back as well. So it would appear wheat is the cause.

I've been allergic to corn since I was a child, and that has a pretty big impact, so I'm starting to realize how big this is and feeling a little overwhelmed by it.