<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
I am frustrated, and will appreciate any feedback/support from you folk.  I'm
the one who asked that question over a month ago regarding entric aspirin.  I
changed over to Bayer's entric aspirin (81 gm), and it is gf.  Now I am faced
with a myriad of health-related issues.  Read on.....
 
I've been eating Rise 'n Shine cereal for several months since my CD diagnosis
in February. It gave me no problem until the beginning of Sept. when I got
diahrrea -- I pinpointed the source of it to the cereal after the usual
elimination process.   I even tried another, fresh package.  Same reaction.  I
haven't had a chance to contact the manufacturer.  Have any one of you had a
similiar experience with that product lately?
 
In mid Sept. I was tentatively diagnosed with Lyme Disease, and given
Doxyclycimide (antibiotic) pending confirmation from a blood test.  After
checking with the manufacturer for its gf status (it's safe, tho it has some
lactose), I proceeded to take this prescription... at the same time that I was
recovering from the Rise 'n Shine reaction.  Even though the diahrea stopped,
I started having cramping and odd-looking stools.  I am almost certain that
this is not a gluten reaction, but due to lactose intolerance which I never
had prior to my CD diagnosis in Feb.    I decided to continue with this
medication.   My dilemna is, how do I tell whether my symptoms is due to a
gluten and lactose intolerance ?  Incidentally, I got a report yesterday from
my doctor that the Lyme Disease blood test came back negative; however, I'm to
continue with the antibiotic to its completion.
 
To add insult to injury, I've been advised by a surgeon (4th opinion) in early
Sept. that major surgery is recommended (in late Oct).   Infectious disease
specialists have indicated that  possible Lyme Disease toxins and antibiotic
therapy should not interfere with surgery plans.  AFter reading recently the
Celiac posting made a month or so ago about the perils of hospital food, I
became more anxious about the food than of the prospect of surgery itself!
The doctor's assistant informed me that I'd have to take a liquid diet for two
days post-surgery, including chicken broth, Jello, milked down cereal!!
Outrageous!, I told her.  I finally got hold today of the hospital's chief
nutrionist of my concerns.   He seemed quite knowledgeable about the celiac
diet, and informed me that the hospital provides a gf diet.  Its chicken broth
has no additives to it, the Jello is clear, they have gf breadstuff.    I feel
a bit better about it.  A friend who had similiar surgery recently told me of
losing 20 pounds on that liquid diet.  So now, I am sort of panicky, as I
really can't afford to lose any more weight this year.  Have any one of you
any experience of a weight-gain powder/liquid diet?  Is there any such product
that's gf?
 
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, and would appreciate any feedback/support from
you guys!!
 
I'm still reading back issues of the digest-- I'm currently reviewing
mid-August ones!!!  I just read a few of them this evening, and realize more
and more how valuable this group is!  And that I must make every effort to
keep my readings up-to-date!  I've promised myself that I'll complete it by
the middle of next week!  Thank you for being there and participating!
 
Mildred Oberkotter, NYC