In reply to Tall Clare:
I was diagnosed as being coeliac in 2000, was really ill for a few years before that.
I am now far more sensitive to gluten than I was. I recently got violently ill after eating a large packet of crisps that I forgot to check and that contained gluten
Some random thoughts. I don't think anti-histamines will make any difference. I don't think it works that way, it not being strictly speaking an allergic reaction.
Getting bread and pasta on prescription makes a big difference to the budget. My current fave is Glutafin sliced bread. Here in the People's Republic of Scoltand prescriptions are free. Down in Enger-Land it may be worth taking an annual pre-payment prescription, if that is still available.
I found the change in going gluten free took a few weeks to kick in, but when it did, the difference was awesome. I went from struggling to find the energy to get dressed to being able to go on big expeditions. I also started putting on the pounds pretty quickly
There is no substitute for obsessively reading labels. On everything. Be very wary of other people's assurances that it will be fine. I have had a few occasions where people have said there is nothing in the casserole except meat and vegetables, then when I specifically ask if they used a stock cube they say yes. I find this really wearing, and I fear being rude, and it is awkward, but it is far better than waking up in the middle of the night with D&V.
Phil Vickery's book is good. and of course there is the good old internet.
Tell Mr TC he can e-mail me if he wants to talk over stuff. Or you can email me yourself if you want.
For me, it is a real nuisance. But that is all it is. I don't need to take nasty drugs to control the disease. no surgery. Just control my diet and I'm fine.