Hello all! I was diagnosed late last week, and I’m feeling more than a bit overwhelmed. My diagnosis was very unexpected, and only came after an endoscopy to rule out other factors prior to gallbladder removal. During the endoscopy, some damaged villi were found, which triggered the blood tests looking at Celiac. I was, at first, excited to have an answer to so many of the symptoms that I’ve experienced throughout much of my life, but I quickly have found myself overwhelmed and unsure of how to even start eliminating my risk of exposure.
For context, I have three small children at home, so the original plan was to have a mixed kitchen. That being said, I’ve found it difficult already to feel comfortable with potential exposure, as my littles obviously don’t understand. We’ve done some of the reorganization in the kitchen to separate ingredients and have started planning for replacing and separating key kitchenware that is likely to maintain gluten, but it feels like so much.
Since going gluten free, my symptoms have gotten worse, as I was largely asymptomatic in terms of GI symptoms prior. I guess I’m looking for any and all advice about how to get started, foods to avoid completely, and changes and healing timelines to expect moving forward.
Sorry for the long post, but I guess I needed to get some things off my chest. Thanks in advance for any help!