20 replies to this topic

[color_me_confused]

I haven't had a melt down yet. 2 weeks gluten free. However I have a few episodes of feeling depressed, especially after trying out a gluten free recipe that didn't turn out. The other day I was with family and they stopped to get doughnuts and they smelled so good. I got a little upset because I thought it was inconsiderate, but I understood that they didn't know enough about it to know better, they still can't remember what its called.

A few weeks ago my family tried some frozen chocolate croissants that you let rise overnight then bake in the morning. I happened to be in the kitchen when they were done and cut them in half to serve to our kids. Later I told my wife that I cannot do that again...it made me downright sad to handle something that looked and smelled so delicious.

[anabananakins]

I have been gluten-free for about 1 1/2 weeks. I was making some pies for a fund raiser that a friend of mine is running. I don't have a problem with that but my hubby brought home graham cracker crusts (I'm making cherry pies so those won't work). He goes "well just make a pudding pie with them." This set me off! I was like "I CAN'T HAVE THAT!" I then proceeded to melt all the way down bawling and the whole shot! I don't know how that set me off so bad. I've been pretty good about not being upset about what I can't have but for some reason...BOOM! Anyone else get blindsided like this? How do you deal?

Aww *hugs*. I'm a year gluten free and I sometimes get blindsided by dreams. Recently I dreamed that my mother was making eggplant parmigiana (mind you, she's never made that my entire life) and I walked in as she was spooning the white sauce all over it. White sauce made with regular flour! In my dream I was devastated that I couldn't eat a dish I loved that she was preparing for me, I was devastated that I'd hurt her feelings when she was trying to do something nice for me and simply got distracted and used the wrong flour, and I was devastated that I had a condition that leads me to have dreams where I melt down over a freaking non-existent meal! Even though none of this actually happened, after dreaming that I was sobbing over the situation, I felt so sad all day.

I found it took about 8 months to deal with the feeling of "I can't eat that EVER again". It still hits me occasionally, but with much less force. I think by then I'd hit just about every possible meal, and I'd survived the holiday season and that helped. It's really hard to comprehend, if you haven't been there, what we give up. The finality of that "never, never" is hard to wrap the mind around. I force my mind to something else immediately and that helps. I was in the supermarket with a friend the other day and she noticed that when we walked past the fresh bread section I averted my eyes entirely and muttered "poison, poison" . Hee.

[kledford]

ok....gotta ask, I thougth movie theatre popcorn was okay????? uh oh! What is in it?

[organicmama]

Our local AMC was fine on popcorn for both gluten and casein avoiders. I read the package on the butter flavor and there wasn't a drop of dairy in it.

[kareng]

One of the gluten free websites talked to many major movie chains. Popcorn and most if not all toppings are gluten-free. The only concern might be a bit of cc if they handle hot dog buns & then popcorn. I have looked and also worked many years ago at a movie theater, & the kids would need to work hard to do cc the popcorn. Watch for a minute or two & see how it goes. Also, it's usually teens working & I have found that they tend to understand "allergy".

[Korwyn]

When I first found out I have celiac disease four months ago, I was in shock, not expecting it, because I do not get sick from eating gluten (so sorry for those who have heard me say this about 873,025 times already).

873,028. I was counting.

I still watch the Food Network (I cannot help myself) and now see things differently. Rather than mourn what I cannot have I just get lost in the technique or whatever and see it objectively (i.e. Iron Chef).

We don't have cable or satellite, but I still like to watch Food Network and other food shows because I love to cook. But now when I watch my thought is always...how can I make that gluten-free? Usually it works out pretty well too. Last weekend I made chicken breasts in a peach and mango sauce. *drool*

You know what? Everyone is right. It DOES get better with time. There are many proceses to go through including anger and grieving. But before you know it, this new way of eating will become a natural part of your daily life. Sure, it is still difficult at times. I won't deny that. But the acute pain fades.

Like others, I throw myself into cooking, baking, reading, gardening. Something that I am passionate about and do very well and concentrate on that. And the little things like going for a walk in the park or watching the robins pull fat worms out of the lawn after a gorgeous rain. Do not be afraid to treat yourself, either. It IS a big transition. At first I felt I was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole - now I no longer feel it is a sentence but rather a lifestyle change. It still hurts that I was forced to go on this diet because I did not get sick from gluten. Sometimes I still wonder what would happen if I had that piece of bread but I will not go there.

You are in good company on this forum. It is filled with wise, kind and compassionate people who have been precisely where you are. And we are making it!!

This is quite true. It does take time though, and there does seem to be almost a grieving process, doesn't there? I had a bigger problem emotionally when I found out I couldn't eat dairy anymore than when I had to get rid of gluten. Cheese was my comfort food.