Now guess who is not eating gluten.....
Diagnosed Today
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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Linda in BC
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 801
- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
Hi Khick and welcome from Canada;
Getting a diagnoses of MC and then learning about all these potential lifestyle changes all at once can be overwhelming, I'm sure. Heck, I got my diagnoses 13 years before I heard about the need to go gluten free to get better and it was still overwhelming news for me even then. I know you are worried, but over time, as JoAnne said, eating to avoid our intolerances just becomes second nature. The secret is to figure out what you can't eat, and then find allowable alternatives and keep them on hand. This does take some time and effort though. I know I was incredibly hungry for the first few weeks because I couldn't figure out what to eat, especially for breakfast, so I ended up not eating very much. Then I found a cereal and milk I could tolerate ( no-name puffed rice and silk almond milk) and learned that sticky white rice ( jasmine scented ) was delicious, and could also be made into yummy rice pudding by adding raisins, cinnamon, vanilla and almond milk and heating it. I swore off most veggies at first, but was still able to eat well cooked carrots, potatoes and most meats, but especially pork and chicken. I am not real fond of cooking so when I do cook , I make lots and have it for several days , or freeze some and then when I am in a pinch, and don't have anything made, I can pull it out. You get used to it.
You will be OK, and you will get better. There is a very good chance that your fatigue, joint pain and itchiness are caused by gluten and you should see an improvement in those symptoms fairly soon. Also brain fog if you have that too.
Best regards, Linda
Getting a diagnoses of MC and then learning about all these potential lifestyle changes all at once can be overwhelming, I'm sure. Heck, I got my diagnoses 13 years before I heard about the need to go gluten free to get better and it was still overwhelming news for me even then. I know you are worried, but over time, as JoAnne said, eating to avoid our intolerances just becomes second nature. The secret is to figure out what you can't eat, and then find allowable alternatives and keep them on hand. This does take some time and effort though. I know I was incredibly hungry for the first few weeks because I couldn't figure out what to eat, especially for breakfast, so I ended up not eating very much. Then I found a cereal and milk I could tolerate ( no-name puffed rice and silk almond milk) and learned that sticky white rice ( jasmine scented ) was delicious, and could also be made into yummy rice pudding by adding raisins, cinnamon, vanilla and almond milk and heating it. I swore off most veggies at first, but was still able to eat well cooked carrots, potatoes and most meats, but especially pork and chicken. I am not real fond of cooking so when I do cook , I make lots and have it for several days , or freeze some and then when I am in a pinch, and don't have anything made, I can pull it out. You get used to it.
You will be OK, and you will get better. There is a very good chance that your fatigue, joint pain and itchiness are caused by gluten and you should see an improvement in those symptoms fairly soon. Also brain fog if you have that too.
Best regards, Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
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MBombardier
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1523
- Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:44 am
- Location: Vancouver, WA
You will be absolutely amazed at how much food is non-gluten. What is hard is being a detective for gluten that is an ingredient in other things. I launched my gluten-free living on Sept. 25th, having no idea really of what I was doing, but knowing it was the right thing. The only two times I've gotten glutenized since then were eating hot dogs, and contaminated peanut butter.
I really learned a lot from the book, Gluten-Free Living for Dummies. I haven't tried any of the recipes in the book, but there are numerous recipes on in Dee's Kitchen on this site, and lots of delicious foods available in the grocery stores. Lots of stores (like Trader Joe's and Safeway) have lists of gluten-free foods, and lots of restaurants have gluten-free menus.
Going gluten-free does not have to equal starving, though like you, I starved for a couple of weeks before I started figuring things out. Welcome to the adventure!
I really learned a lot from the book, Gluten-Free Living for Dummies. I haven't tried any of the recipes in the book, but there are numerous recipes on in Dee's Kitchen on this site, and lots of delicious foods available in the grocery stores. Lots of stores (like Trader Joe's and Safeway) have lists of gluten-free foods, and lots of restaurants have gluten-free menus.
Going gluten-free does not have to equal starving, though like you, I starved for a couple of weeks before I started figuring things out. Welcome to the adventure!
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
a belated welcome from Oz
it probably feels like you have opened the door and entered a completely different world, where people are saying words you have never heard before, discussions on topics that seem very unrelated to digestion or D.
My saying about MC is that there is no right way or wrong way, there is your way. and unfortunately there is no quick fix or magic potion that instantly cures you.
in the words of the band the new radicals, "you get what you give" with this condition, if you apply yourself 100% to treatments and the right diet you will get better and feel great.......
take care
we have all been there
it probably feels like you have opened the door and entered a completely different world, where people are saying words you have never heard before, discussions on topics that seem very unrelated to digestion or D.
My saying about MC is that there is no right way or wrong way, there is your way. and unfortunately there is no quick fix or magic potion that instantly cures you.
in the words of the band the new radicals, "you get what you give" with this condition, if you apply yourself 100% to treatments and the right diet you will get better and feel great.......
take care
we have all been there
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
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Coach Polly
- Little Blue Penguin
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2011 11:02 pm
What everyone here is saying is exactly true and this is where you will get your best information. My doctor told me the exact same thing as yours did--gave me Entocort and said come back in 8 weeks. Luckily I got wind of another GI near me that does believe in the diet connection with GI problems and I got in to see him for a second opinion. He suggested looking at the Paleo diet which is VERY strict but has helped.
I also have young children and we live at the ballpark, etc. You have to plan, plan, plan ahead and keep safe snacks with you at all times. It takes me longer to plan/gather my food for the day than it does to pack both their lunches/snacks and they are very picky eaters! I have a food stash in my desk at school that I replenish weekly
Once you figure out what foods are safe for you then it gets a lot easier. The maintenance of this disease is a process and although it seems like a long road at times the wisdom you will receive on this board will get you where you need to be much faster.
I also have young children and we live at the ballpark, etc. You have to plan, plan, plan ahead and keep safe snacks with you at all times. It takes me longer to plan/gather my food for the day than it does to pack both their lunches/snacks and they are very picky eaters! I have a food stash in my desk at school that I replenish weekly
Once you figure out what foods are safe for you then it gets a lot easier. The maintenance of this disease is a process and although it seems like a long road at times the wisdom you will receive on this board will get you where you need to be much faster.
"Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere."
Coach Polly
Coach Polly
Dear Khick
A late welcome from Hong Kong. You will find the answers to many, many questions on this board. So keep reading....
I very much understand how frustrating it is to get family (and others) to take an MC dx and the radical things you need to do to conquer it, seriously. As Tex said, we usually look Ok. One trick that I have used is to emphasize my GI prescribed steroids. To most lay people that makes them sit up and take notice.
Of course he did not also prescribe diet. I deal with that by just stating I am Celiac as well as having MC. The reason I have no problem saying that is.....
1. Enterolab Tests and my own clinical responses have over time proved I am Gluten intolerant (as well as Diary, Legume (Soy), Egg, and Nightshade)
2. I have two genes that are well known to make people susceptible to Celiac decease
3. I had clear signs of malabsorption (low vitamin and mineral levels) and osteoporosis (another sign of long term malabsorption).
As they say "if it looks like a duck and quakes like a duck, it probably is a duck".
One thing you might consider is to check your genes for Celiac susceptibility - you already have a cousin that is Celiac and you have MC.
Best wishes on your journey to remission, ant
A late welcome from Hong Kong. You will find the answers to many, many questions on this board. So keep reading....
I very much understand how frustrating it is to get family (and others) to take an MC dx and the radical things you need to do to conquer it, seriously. As Tex said, we usually look Ok. One trick that I have used is to emphasize my GI prescribed steroids. To most lay people that makes them sit up and take notice.
Of course he did not also prescribe diet. I deal with that by just stating I am Celiac as well as having MC. The reason I have no problem saying that is.....
1. Enterolab Tests and my own clinical responses have over time proved I am Gluten intolerant (as well as Diary, Legume (Soy), Egg, and Nightshade)
2. I have two genes that are well known to make people susceptible to Celiac decease
3. I had clear signs of malabsorption (low vitamin and mineral levels) and osteoporosis (another sign of long term malabsorption).
As they say "if it looks like a duck and quakes like a duck, it probably is a duck".
One thing you might consider is to check your genes for Celiac susceptibility - you already have a cousin that is Celiac and you have MC.
Best wishes on your journey to remission, ant
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"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
"Softly, softly catchee monkey".....
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Morning Khick and WELCOME!
Sorry I am late getting in on your first post but want to tell you that you have received great advice so far. Doctors just don't get that diet, for most of us, is instrumental in your healing.
Please do stick around and you will find the family here to be more than willing to answer questions and give support and that there is by far the largest depository of information on MC/CC here than anywhere else on the internet.
Maggie
Sorry I am late getting in on your first post but want to tell you that you have received great advice so far. Doctors just don't get that diet, for most of us, is instrumental in your healing.
Please do stick around and you will find the family here to be more than willing to answer questions and give support and that there is by far the largest depository of information on MC/CC here than anywhere else on the internet.
Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Welcome Khick!
I too was diagnosed at age 34, a couple years after the birth of my second child. Have you already been tested for celiac disease by your GI? I ask because you mention having itchy skin, joint pain, etc. I started the GF/DF diet after having stool and gene testing from Enterolab.com, but I'm fairly certain I have celiac too. Too bad my GI refused to test for it! Now I would have to endure a gluten challenge, eating bread for for several weeks, to get a diagnosis. Many here choose not to find out, but I wish I had, at least for the sake of my kids and family members who may be next.
I also felt like I was starving when I started the diet. I lost 8 lbs in 2 months. It took several months to get comfortable with the foods I could eat. I always carry GF/DF snack bars in my bag for when I'm out (Kind/Glenny's/BoraBora/Lara bars, Nature's Valley GF nut bars, Bakery on Main, GF versions of rice krispie treats, fruit leathers). I can also snack on rice crackers, plain potato chips, plain fritos or tortilla chips, bananas, peeled apples, and even plain pork rinds!! I also love seafood, but you have to avoid many sauces and bread crumbs they may be cooked in. I love shrimp cooked in Old Bay seasoning (my favorite GF seasoning). If you want butter, try Earth's Best Soy Free butter alternative. It's great. I also pour olive oil on much of my food for extra calories and fat. Bacon is my new best friend too (in small quantities). There are many brands of cold cuts that are also GF (i.e. Safeway's PrimoTaglio house brand). I drink So Delicious coconut milk and Almond milks instead of regular milk. What I haven't done yet is embark on much GF baking, but I hope to when I find the time.
Your kids can eat much of what you make for yourself too. My kids have slowly gotten used to brown rice pasta, GF condiments and sauces, they even love my Udi's bread and bagels. Typical meals for our family include tacos (with corn shells), chicken, lamb, fish or steak with cooked vegetables and potatoes, stir-frys with rice, homemade soups, etc.
In general there is alot more emphasis on meats and vegetables, and less reliance on grains and starches, which is how we should be eating anyway. The good thing is you may feel less hunger pangs once you get gluten and casein out of your system, so you won't feel like you're starving for long.
There is alot to read about here, and your results will be unique, as we are all different in how we feel, treat and react to this disease. Welcome aboard!
I too was diagnosed at age 34, a couple years after the birth of my second child. Have you already been tested for celiac disease by your GI? I ask because you mention having itchy skin, joint pain, etc. I started the GF/DF diet after having stool and gene testing from Enterolab.com, but I'm fairly certain I have celiac too. Too bad my GI refused to test for it! Now I would have to endure a gluten challenge, eating bread for for several weeks, to get a diagnosis. Many here choose not to find out, but I wish I had, at least for the sake of my kids and family members who may be next.
I also felt like I was starving when I started the diet. I lost 8 lbs in 2 months. It took several months to get comfortable with the foods I could eat. I always carry GF/DF snack bars in my bag for when I'm out (Kind/Glenny's/BoraBora/Lara bars, Nature's Valley GF nut bars, Bakery on Main, GF versions of rice krispie treats, fruit leathers). I can also snack on rice crackers, plain potato chips, plain fritos or tortilla chips, bananas, peeled apples, and even plain pork rinds!! I also love seafood, but you have to avoid many sauces and bread crumbs they may be cooked in. I love shrimp cooked in Old Bay seasoning (my favorite GF seasoning). If you want butter, try Earth's Best Soy Free butter alternative. It's great. I also pour olive oil on much of my food for extra calories and fat. Bacon is my new best friend too (in small quantities). There are many brands of cold cuts that are also GF (i.e. Safeway's PrimoTaglio house brand). I drink So Delicious coconut milk and Almond milks instead of regular milk. What I haven't done yet is embark on much GF baking, but I hope to when I find the time.
Your kids can eat much of what you make for yourself too. My kids have slowly gotten used to brown rice pasta, GF condiments and sauces, they even love my Udi's bread and bagels. Typical meals for our family include tacos (with corn shells), chicken, lamb, fish or steak with cooked vegetables and potatoes, stir-frys with rice, homemade soups, etc.
In general there is alot more emphasis on meats and vegetables, and less reliance on grains and starches, which is how we should be eating anyway. The good thing is you may feel less hunger pangs once you get gluten and casein out of your system, so you won't feel like you're starving for long.
There is alot to read about here, and your results will be unique, as we are all different in how we feel, treat and react to this disease. Welcome aboard!