Newly Diagnosed

First Questions

You think you might have a gluten sensitivity. Your child may have Celiac Disease. Your doctor wants to test you for certain allergens. What do you do? What questions should you ask? What specialist should you see? Is there anything you can do on your own? Where do you start?

Living Without has published numerous articles designed to help you understand what you’re feeling, what you’re hearing and what you may not have been told. Start your research here.

Recent News

Must-Do's for Newly Diagnosed Celiacs

If you’ve just been told that you or a family member has celiac disease, it’s likely your head is spinning with information overload and you’re in a daze of disbelief. A celiac diagnosis isn’t the worst thing but it can feel like the end of your world—at first. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to embark on a special-diet lifestyle. Follow these tried-and-true steps to be on your way to a happier and healthier gluten-free life. Here are ten secrets to gluten-free success. Source: Living Without

A Celiac Pill (Subscriber Only)

A university dietitian helped arrange for a selection of gluten-free cereals, yogurt, plain chicken and veggies for Simon in the main cafeteria but she still felt she was missing out. Her options were bland and limited. She knew college presented a special set of challenges—but she suspected the diet would always be socially inconvenient. Would there ever be another way to treat celiac disease? Source: Living Without

Gluten Attack: Ataxia

Gluten ataxia is a neurologic condition characterized by the loss of balance and coordination. However it can also affect fingers, hands, arms, legs, speech and even eye movements. Typical symptoms include difficulty walking or walking with a wide gait, frequent falls, difficulty judging distances or position, visual disturbances and tremor. Source: Living Without

Celiac: Diagnosis Delay (Subscriber Only)

When Jennifer Hudner was diagnosed with celiac disease, it was long overdue–more than 30 years overdue. While delayed diagnosis is not uncommon with celiac disease (the average time for diagnosis is 11 years from symptom onset), a 30-plus year delay is staggering. Hudner, a clinical social worker with elementary-aged children in West Hartford, Connecticut, suffered from gastrointestinal problems since high school. Over the years she sought help from countless doctors and was diagnosed with numerous conditions, including functional colitis and a nervous stomach. Source: Living Without

Celiac Disease, By Accident

In July 2007, Emily Eland and her two best friends, Jack and Carli, took two jet-skis out on the Columbia River to watch the sunset. As Emily, then 15, sped ahead on her jet-ski, Jack and Carli followed closely behind on theirs. When she slowed to a stop, having found a great spot to view the dipping sun, Jack failed to see her. What happened next would change Emily’s life. Source: Living Without

Celiac Triggers

Other environmental factors could be relevant to the onset of celiac disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Source: Living Without

A Good GIG: Gluten Intolerance Group (Subscriber Only)

Cynthia Kupper, executive director of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG), did not set out to become a leading force in the gluten-free community. A single mom who worked full-time as a clinical dietitian at a hospital in Tacoma, Washington, Kupper began volunteering at the nonprofit organization 15 years ago when it was a tiny group composed primarily of volunteers. Source: Living Without

Diabetes and Celiac Disease (Subscriber Only)

When I was growing up, candy never held any appeal for me. But shortly before my 16th birthday, I found myself devouring every candy bar in sight and nursing a cut that would not heal. I knew that something was wrong. My doctor told me that I had type 1 diabetes and that I would have to take three to five injections a day for the rest of my life. It was ominous news, but at 16, I was young and invincible. Within hours of diagnosis, I was learning to give myself insulin shots. Source: Living Without

A Closer Look at Gluten-Free Labeling

In late 2008, a newspaper investigation revealed that certain gluten-free products manufactured by Wellshire Farms and specifically marketed to children were mislabeled. As news spread about the faulty designation, parents of food allergic kids became furious¡ªand scared. At least two children with wheat allergies developed anaphylaxis to the mislabeled food and required hospitalization. In addition, countless children with celiac disease were sickened, including 2-year-old James Fourie. Source: Living Without

Question and Answers: Celiac Disease

Stefano Guandalini, M.D., medical director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center and one of the world’s leading experts on celiac disease, talks with editor Alicia Woodward about this often misunderstood and vastly undiagnosed genetic disorder. Source: Living Without

A Specialist on Celiac Disease

One in 133 Americans has celiac disease yet only 3 percent have been diagnosed. Why is this chronic condition still being under- diagnosed and what are some common misperceptions? Source: Living Without

The Great Pretender - Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is more common than most people think – and may show up in unexpected ways. Experts now estimate that approximately 1 in 100 Americans has the condition but only 3 percent has been diagnosed. Source: Living Without

Back to School

Tips for keeping your food-allergic child safe in school. Source: Living Without

Searching for Answers

Celiac or gluten sensitive? What you should know about genetic testing Source: Living Without

Testing Matters

Patients are usually screened for celiac disease with a blood panel. The diagnosis is then confirmed with a biopsy of the small bowel. Not every case of celiac disease is a straightforward diagnosis, in part because each test for celiac has an important limitation. Source: Living Without