<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Hi all, First, thanks so much for all the great letters and feedback. Just knowing others are out there going through this with us makes all the difference! Below are the comments I received to my letter (if you missed the original or need it sent, just let me know!) and a few of my comments. Thanks again! Love, Linda =================== Thank you for a very interesting and I hope for some people, a thought provoking post. I also feel the celiac diagnosis and GF diet have been blessings in disguise, though at times I would agree "mixed blessings". I know my diet is much healthier that it would be otherwise as I am very sensitive and therefore eat no processed foods. I have learned to love vegetables and certainly enjoy more fruits than I previously did. I know I would not pass up pastries, fried treats, etc. if I did not have the concern about gluten. Were it only for health reasons, I would not be so determined. I guess I am one of the "lucky" celiacs that react----it certainly keeps me honest. Everyone does not agree with this outlook and most of the celiacs I know are looking for replacements for the foods they miss. On another note, my daughter (also a celiac) breast fed her children for the first year. We also with held all gluten from the children for the first year. One was diagnosed at age 5 and the younger recently had a suspicious biopsy at age 4. We are watching him carefully and if his mild symptoms continue he will be re-biopsied in the near future. We were disappointed in these developments but from the studies it appears to be genetic and there is probably not much one can do to change the eventual outcome. I am consoled the diagnosis was made early with the oldest child. She should be spared many of the problems that affect my daughters and I from delayed diagnoses. Your attitudes are upbeat and very helpful. Thank you for sharing, =================== Thanks for your post -- it is refreshing to read a success story and a positive attitude like yours. Keep up the good work and wishing wellness for you and your family, ==================== I think that you hit on a good point here. I find that since I went Gf (5 years) I eat a lot less junk food than most people I know. I must say that I never was one for a lot of takeway food, soda's etc. - mostly because my family were immigrants to Australia and my parents could never afford this sort of food with five kids! However, I find at work and social events I'm the one munching on carrots, celery, cheese etc while everyone else is eating deep fried crumbed things and cakes/biscuits. I think that by making a lot of things from scratch you also get less preservatives. Best wishes, ====================== Love your attitude in dealing with CD. We have been GF as a family since our older daughter was diagnosed 4 plus years ago. Our younger daughter was diagnosed this past Jan. Yes, it takes getting used to, and yes it changes our lifestyle, but the changes do not have to be negative. And as far as other health issues? My kids are rarely sick, and my asthma has seemed to disappear. Too bad our health insurance doesn't cover the natural foods that make us well, but I still would rather spend my money on good food any day. Have a great day, and thanks for the day brightener. [note from me: "I find that going gf (mostly) as a family makes everything easier. I agree that the boys are rarely sick as well - perhaps in part due to their getting the nutrients that the mainstream junk foods lack! :-)" ===================== Finally someone is really doing the right way of eating EATING [ LOTS OF VEGETABLES AND NO MILK ] This is what I've been talking about for a very long time Congrat I can't live on anything by mouth just TPN When a person with celiac disease has so permanent damage and can no Longer digest foods even gf then that is the endstage and if they have a Good doctor he will save their life and put them on tpn = total Parenteral nutrition ( through a centeral line into the heart) Finally my liver is healed and my kidneys nearly died from liver and Kidney failure, because this disease is a malabsorption this can happen [...GLUTEN...IS LIKE EATING RAT POISON. LOL! ] =================== Beautiful letter! I feel the same way, so lucky to have celiac. Thanks for sharing- I am forwarding your post to my loved ones who don't understand. [note from me: "Have you read AGAINST THE GRAIN? She has a lot of great ideas (a whole chapter) on what to say to friends and family who are skeptical."] ================== congrats on a wonderful attitude! Please tell me how you go meat free on a gf diet? Lots of veggies?