mommyof4

Hi Laura!

 

Welcome to this forum.  No question is ever stupid, and this is a great place to get answers from experienced people.    It is overwhelming to figure this g.free thing out at first, but just like some others posted, it will become second nature with time. 

 

When I was first diagnosed with Celiac in the Fall of 2011, I remember having that fear of constant cross contamination...especially when you live in a household of gluten eaters too.(I have a hubby & 4 kids...only one child has to eat g.free).  I had to figure this out without driving myself & my family crazy.  It has actually turned out to be a great learning experience for all of us...it just takes time.

 

Make sure you have your own toaster, own butter dish(I keep my butter in a seperate cupboard), & own foods that are jar dipped(like p.butter, mayo, etc).  I use all the same dishes & utensils for eating.  I bake with the same cake pans, muffin tins, frying pans, etc...I just make sure everything is washed well.  I found, with time, that most of my baking is g.free anyways just because I don't want to make 2 different meals or treats.  I like the advice about the colander & teflon vs. stainless steel pans...I hadn't thought of that. 

 

Anyways, good luck...you will get this down, just relax & give yourself time.          

I know this journey can be frustrating & exhausting!

One other thought...have you ever tried juicing?  It's just one more idea...you can read about the benefits of juicing online.  I bought a juicer about a month and half ago...I also have had ongoing issues...I am a year post-diagnosis.  I read an article from a gentleman with Celiac that started juicing & it really helped him...so, I thought I would give it a try.  I feel like my energy has increased some, but it is really too early to tell.  I juice about 28 ounces a day of carrots, cucumber, celery, apple, spinach, beets...or whatever else I want to throw in.

Just a thought...hang in there!

This is a very interesting question...my husband & I are in the middle of figuring this out ourselves right now.  I was diagnosed Celiac 6 months ago.  I got really sick & ended up spending 2 weeks at Mayo Clinic getting testing done...I am still in recovery mode, but improving.  Because it is hereditary, we had our 4 children (ages 7-14) tested.  Two of them carry the DQ2 gene.  One of those has active Celiac...diagnosed through the Celiac Panel blood test.  My husband is not Celiac and 2 of my children are for sure not.

So, lots of changes for us.  Almost all of the cooking I do is gluten-free.  Our evening meals we eat as a family are 100% gluten-free & any cookies, bars or other treats I make are also gluten-free.  However, I do still make some favorite gluten items for the non-celiacs in our home...like homeade caramel rolls...as they are a favorite...I don't eat them, obviously.  I don't feel like everyone should have to give up everything if they don't have to, yet I know there is a risk of cross-contamination.  

With that said, as a Celiac, and a mom of both Celiacs & non-Celiacs, the reality is that our whole family needs to get used to this change & I want it to be as positive as possible.  We have years of birthday parties, graduations, weddings, etc. to look forward to & we will probably always have gluten & gluten-free cakes at all of them.  I want all 4 of my children to learn to cook g.free.  

It is such a personal decision to figure out what works best in your own home.

As far as having children, even if I had known before having children that I am Celiac, I would definately still have had them!  Being Celiac is not a horrible thing...just challenging.  I often think how thankful I am that changing my diet can increase my health...we are fortunate.  There are many people that cannot improve their health with diet.  Again, a personal decision, but children are such a blessing!  Get connected with a fabulous doctor that can be an encouragement & keep an eye on your health & your child's health...that would be my suggestion if you have children...Celiac or not.