As I said, CD is an autoimmune disease that in the most general of terms can be called a gluten allergy. Unlike most allergies CD manifests itself in intestinal upset, although those with extreme sensitivity can also develop debilitating skin rashes called Dermatitis Herpetiformis (If you would like to see pictures of this type of rash, please click the name and it will take you to a new page with photos) or neurological symptoms. Luckily Katrina has not developed the dermatitis problem or the neurologic problems.

You might ask what IS gluten?? Gluten is a protein that is found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. When people with CD ingest gluten the body attacks the villi in the intestines causing them to "flatten" thus decreasing or destroying their ability to absorb the nutrients needed. This loss of nutrients can lead to excessive weight loss and malnourishment. In children it is often referred to as a failure to thrive.

Signs and symptoms of CD vary by individual... some people will have severe gastro-intestinal upset, others might have neurological symptoms (such as numbness and tingling, dizziness, loss of coordination, headaches etc). For Katrina, as most of you know, she has had digestive issues since she was born. For her it was severe gastro-intestinal upset that brought this to our attention.

Diagnosis is getting easier day by day. Before when a person was thought to have CD they often had to go thru an endoscopy and intestinal biopsies to be diagnosed. While this way of diagnosis is still being used, there is a newer and less invasive battery of blood tests to check for CD.

Treatment for CD is simple. A gluten-free diet for life. What??? Yes, you read me right, gluten-free. SO you might ask, if you cant eat wheat, barley, rye or oats what CAN you eat?? You would be suprised. Katrina enjoys pizza, bread, pretzels, cakes and cookies, chips, meats and vegetables even ice cream. Most recipes that call for regular wheat flour can be adapted to use many of the gluten-free flours. See the foods page for links to places to purchase gluten-free foods as well as some links to other great Celiac sites.

In order to BE gluten free, you have to know HOW to be gluten-free. Things you would never have thought about can make a person with CD sick. We have gone to using a different set of pots and pans as well as cooking utensils for Katrina to avoid contamination and cross contamination from cooking glutinous foods. Wheat is everywhere it seems. We have gone to gluten free arts and craft supplies to try and avoid cross contamination as well.

Luckily with the new Food Labeling Law that was passed recently, companies will be required to clearly list the top 8 allergens if they are ingredients. This was a tremendous triumph, not only for Celiacs, but for people with any food allergies. Some companies have been listing gluten clearly for years, and it is reassuring to know that others will have to follow suit.

It has been a huge adjustment getting Kat gluten-free, but it has been so worth the effort. In the first month after going gluten-free she gained almost 6 pounds and was back on the growth scale charts. We look forward to her staying there.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and God Bless. **HUGS**