Celiac and OCD

[Bookgirl32]

I'm waiting to have an endoscopy, but have just had blood test results come back as "super high" according to my GP. My brother was recently diagnosed, and since we share so many other genetic traits, I've been mentally preparing myself. But my biggest concern, by far, is how this is going to effect/trigger my moderate to severe OCD, which usually manifests as hypochondria and germaphobia. I have been clean eating for a few years now, with a cheat here and there, but not always avoiding gluten. However, I think as far as the actual diet goes I will be ok (not happy about it, but not unaccustomed to limiting my diet either). I also don't have major symptoms (or at least am not aware of them, I do realize some might start to become apparent as I go along). I am worried about the absolute inability to function that I know is going to come with the cross-contamination issue. I can obsess to the point where it really hurts my family, especially my son. I need to come up with a way to be legitimately concerned with cross contamination while not letting it take over our lives. I realize everyone gets worried about this issue, but the obsession coupled with cancer risk (high, low? better on gluten free diet obviously, but what if you don't do an absolutely 100% perfect job of controlling cross-contamination? Does that leave your cancer risk as high as if you just said screw it, I'm eating gluten?) I'm totally committed to this. Not looking for "outs" at all. I hope I'm making sense. I have a counselor, am medicated, and for the most part have my anxiety under control. But I guess what I'm saying is, when it's not under control, it can be as damaging to my health and family's health as any gluten. So I need to find a way to be very strict, but not a crazy person. Any words of advice?

[Ennis-TX]

My OCD is still present and is great for maintaining my safety, after a year or so the "panic" anxiety with it was gone....I still am OCD about avoiding gluten, cleaning my kitchen 2-3 times a day, and not letting gluten in the house period, even have people wash their hands when they enter, and take off their crumb covered shoes at the door.

If you do not want to go crazy with it...whole family needs to go gluten free, just remove gluten from the whole house, then you have no worries about it getting in your food, keeping separate cook ware, etc. I could not live like that anymore it was driving me mad, did not help gluten caused brain fog, confusion, and a mind swing of "Mr. Hyde". It is quite simple, focus on changing to naturally gluten free whole foods and cooking from scratch, omelettes, stir fries, baked chicken/fish, crock pot meals, sheet pan meals etc. Very simple. I use freezer paper on my counters for prep surface control, and make clean up easy and safe cooking by lining baking dishes with foil, same with pans, and crock pot liners in my crock pot. I use Nordic Ware omlette makers in my microwave and the grill plate with splatter cover for some meals and makes quick easy work without full replacement of cookware at first.

Read up on the newbie 101 thread, if your family misses meals....I have a whole list of gluten free alternatives. SO everything from pizza pockets, instant microwave pasta dishes, to sauces and desserts can be found now days with a bit of searching, Even have places to order from. https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/121148-gluten-free-food-alternative-list-2018-q2/

 

[ch88]

Celiac disease can cause anxiety disorder and ocd. There is a good chance that going gluten free will help your ocd, but I don't know for sure.

A lot of people on this forum are able to go gluten free even in a shared kitchen. I am very careful about cross contamination but It is not something I worry about. Like I put a seat belt on when I drive but I don't worry about crashing. I think getting into a routine helps with that. 

9 hours ago, Bookgirl32 said:

better on gluten free diet obviously, but what if you don't do an absolutely 100% perfect job of controlling cross-contamination? Does that leave your cancer risk as high as if you just said screw it, I'm eating gluten?

Nobody does a perfect job of avoiding wheat.  Cheating on the diet, on purpose, on other hand is risky. The idea is to avoid enough wheat to allow the intestine to heal.  If you , only eat certified gluten free foods or whole foods, and are careful about washing all dishes before using them there is a very low risk of significant cross contamination. 

  A lot of people on this forum share kitchens with other people who eat wheat. It can be difficult to avoid cross contamination in that situation but it can be done.  If you put a plate in the dishwasher, for example, and it comes out clean it is very unlikely to be still contaminated with gluten. If you follow all of the tips in the newbie 101 thread you are probably fine.

If you are still worried about it you can get another blood test later on to see how well you are doing.

[ch88]

Everyone messes up occasionally on the gluten free diet and I don't think that is a very big deal. It is good to be careful but I wouldn't worry if you mess up occasionally. 

 There are a lot of processed foods though that contain gluten in them though and that can cause problems for people with celiac  disease. Oats, for example are often heavily cross contaminated. This forum is good place to ask if you are unsure about whether or not a food has gluten in it. 

[lisas11lisa]

IF you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease..DO NOT purposely eat gluten. ..ever again..it is poison to your body even if you feel nothing!..Be as diligent as you can at home and out..You will still get glutened..drink tons of water when you do..eating naturally gluten-free is best..and you can find a way..to make anything you want..research!..GOODLUCK..I would never go back ..You can do this!