Newly Diagnosed

Symptomatic

Beginning self-management

• Eliminate all gluten exposure, including oats (common and gluten-free)
• Begin developing intake plan (keep lists)
  • foodsandbeverages:
    • identify tolerated foods and beverages
    • identify intolerances and allergies
  • supplementsandmedications
    • identify vitamin and mineral supplementation needs
    • identify gluten-free medication sources
• Develop gluten identification skills
  • label reading  -- include front and back of the label
    The Celiac Sprue Association Recognition Seal on a product label means compliance with the strictest interpretation of gluten-free.    
  • hidden sources of gluten
  • cross-contamination with gluten containing items
• Establish medical team partnership
  • dietitian, physician, pharmacist, dentist, physical therapist, psychologist, others to fit individual needs
• Join a support group
  • Celiac Sprue Association and the local chapters

In remission

Stable

Intermediate self-management

• Establish individual evaluation method for
  • new, questionable or controversial information
  • unresolved allergy or intolerance manifestations
  • food industry manufacturing changes
• Establish individual treatment plan
  • keepadailydiary
    • record all intake, amounts and reactions
  • identify and eliminate immune-response triggers
  • wait    1-4 weeks before reintroducing new or questionable items. Monitor with your physician the introduction of such items as pure oats. It is impossible to predict who will or will not have a positive response to oats.
• Expand knowledge about your disease or condition
• Expand medical and Celiac Sprue Association partnerships

“Old-timer”

Advanced level self-management

• Maintain self-management through
  • periodic updates/re-evaluations with medical team
  • examine and evaluate new gluten-free information and research
  • maintaining optimal immune-function
• Revisit Stages 1 or 2 as required
• Choose a variety of food products
• Include a wide range of gluten-free flours and cereals daily to avoid developing food allergies and intolerances 
• Serve as role model to newly diagnosed persons
• Maintain medical and Celiac Sprue Association partnerships
• Donate to the Celiac Sprue Association for patient support and research