Wow H.- that is quite some news to find out you all have celiac dz. Ihave a daughter- now 5 1/2, who has it as well. We found out when she was just under 3 years old. It took a long ruling out process of other causes but we now know it is celiac. She tested a vert hi positive after a gliadin antibody test. We were scheduled for an endoscopic biopsy test of the small intestine to confirm it as this is the gold standard to determine 100% accuracy of the diagnosis, however, she always seemed to get an ear infection prior to the test and subsequently we would have to cancel due to antibiotics and fever. Now 2 1/2 years later, we still haven't had the biopsy, but the diet, as usual, stopped all of the symptoms. It is very difficult to follow the diet, especially for me since I don't bake much. I can tell you for sure, it helps to have a dietician give you a list of the vast names that wheat gluten hides under, such as: modified food starch, PHVP 9partially hydrogenated vegetable protein), MSG, anything with malt, etc... I have found that Trader Joes has a large variety of foods that you can purchase. Alos, if you live by or shop at Raley's supermarket, they sell a bread called tapioca loaf. it is sliced bread. i have found it to be the lightest and most tolerated by my daughter, and believe me, we've tried all kinds that she hated. The breads tend to be very heavy (like a brick) made from rice flours. There are breads that have a combonation of potato flour, rice four, tapioca flour that as far as taste, she can stomach. The tapicoa bread is good for french toast, peanut butter, ham sandwiches etc... you can buy cornflakes and crush them to bread a meat- this is very good. my daughter eats honeycomb and fruity pebbles for cereal- made of corn. They have not caused a problem and are much cheaper than buying the expensive Gluten free cereals that she semi-likes. Pamela's gluten free cookies are in stores everywhere- she likes the lemon flavor or the vanilla ones- kind of expensive. They do sell cake and cookie mixes if you bake. When we go to fast food- I have them serve her the hamburger and cheese, no bun- just like a low carb burger- oh and the fries are ok. After awhile, you will get the hang of it. it does take forever to shop though. watch out for candies because many of them have modified food starch in them. 3 Musketeers are ok. hope this helps. oh, and the great news for us is my daugher love Mexican food and corn tortillas are a major food staple for her- love those enchilladas! Best wishes to all of you.
