Almost One Year Since Celiac Diagnosis- Does it get easier not to get glutened

[akb15]

I was diagnosed last June with being celiac. August was the last time that I intentionally ate gluten but I have found that I still accidentally get glutened. I was doing good for awhile but the last few months I have had a couple of slipups. Today, I was just stupid and got frozen pizza in the gluten free section of the Jewel and did not check the label. I found out after I ate it with my friends (I am the only gluten free one) that it had wheat in it. I know I just have to be better at reading labels. I have also found out through trial and errors what barbecue sauce it is in, cross contamination at Chipotle and what questions to ask in restaurants. I am really worried about not recovering because I had some vitamin deficiencies and I know it can increase your long-term chances of cancer. I feel like I am learning a lot but still making mistakes. I am wondering if you all found it harder your first year and if it gets easier. What do you do on vacations? I just feel like such a failure and am hoping that I am not the only one that slipped up their first year and that those of you that had a hard first year were still able to recover and bring yourself into remission. 

[cyclinglady]

2 hours ago, akb15 said:

I was diagnosed last June with being celiac. August was the last time that I intentionally ate gluten but I have found that I still accidentally get glutened. I was doing good for awhile but the last few months I have had a couple of slipups. Today, I was just stupid and got frozen pizza in the gluten free section of the Jewel and did not check the label. I found out after I ate it with my friends (I am the only gluten free one) that it had wheat in it. I know I just have to be better at reading labels. I have also found out through trial and errors what barbecue sauce it is in, cross contamination at Chipotle and what questions to ask in restaurants. I am really worried about not recovering because I had some vitamin deficiencies and I know it can increase your long-term chances of cancer. I feel like I am learning a lot but still making mistakes. I am wondering if you all found it harder your first year and if it gets easier. What do you do on vacations? I just feel like such a failure and am hoping that I am not the only one that slipped up their first year and that those of you that had a hard first year were still able to recover and bring yourself into remission. 

Welcome!  

The gluten free diet has such a steep learning curve!  It does take time to master it.  Read our Newbie 101 thread under the Coping section of the forum for tips and advice.    Consider cutting back on processed gluten-free foods and avoid going out to eat.  I do not eat out unless it is at a 100% dedicated gluten free restaurant.  Yep, you heard that right.  I break this rule when I travel.  Usually we try to find restaurants that celiacs patronize using the “Find Me Gluten Free” app/website.  Often we eat at grocery stores or bring our own food to eat in an ice chest.  We order just a drink when we hang out with friends at restaurants.  Does this work?  Yes.  My recent repeat biopsy showed a healed small intestine.  Does this impact my social life?  A bit, but my health is worth it.  

I have been at this diet for 17 years when my husband went gluten free and strangely I was diagnosed 12 years later.  It does get easier with time.  Stick to Whole Foods for a while.  No need to read an ingredient list for a banana, piece of chicken, or a stalk of broccoli!  

[Ennis-TX]

8 hours ago, akb15 said:

I was diagnosed last June with being celiac. August was the last time that I intentionally ate gluten but I have found that I still accidentally get glutened. I was doing good for awhile but the last few months I have had a couple of slipups. Today, I was just stupid and got frozen pizza in the gluten free section of the Jewel and did not check the label. I found out after I ate it with my friends (I am the only gluten free one) that it had wheat in it. I know I just have to be better at reading labels. I have also found out through trial and errors what barbecue sauce it is in, cross contamination at Chipotle and what questions to ask in restaurants. I am really worried about not recovering because I had some vitamin deficiencies and I know it can increase your long-term chances of cancer. I feel like I am learning a lot but still making mistakes. I am wondering if you all found it harder your first year and if it gets easier. What do you do on vacations? I just feel like such a failure and am hoping that I am not the only one that slipped up their first year and that those of you that had a hard first year were still able to recover and bring yourself into remission. 

Cyclinglady had some good thoughts on eating out, do not do it unless it is 100% gluten free, or you order something simple, know how it is fixed, and be one of the first customers in the door when they are not busy. (My local chilis knows me, I go there right when they open for lunch meet some people/family sometimes, and I only order roasted veggies and a roasted unseasoned fish. They use a conveyor oven [check with yours] and put my food on foil sheets and run it through then dump to plate).
Avoid processed foods for while, along with dairy and oats. Read the newbie 101 section to check everything your doing.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/
Few tips.
Freezer Paper/Butcher Paper line your prep area for safe prep area and easy clean up.
Crock Pot liners same thing, and foil sheets in baking dishes/baking sheets.
Try easy whole food crock pot meals, sheet pan meals, omelettes, stews, soups etc. Super easy to do with whole foods.
Nordic ware makes some microwave cookware, prefect when starting off before replacing pots/pans...and later perfect for taking on trips. Get a hotel with a microwave/fridge, lay down some paper towels in them to set your food. Use the omelette makers, grill plates with splatter covers, steamers etc. You can make yourself quick omelettes, steamed veggies, etc when traveling and buy stuff from local stores like eggs, veggies, fruit, canned spinach etc.

I also post a list quarterly with new product alternatives.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/121802-gluten-free-food-alternative-list-2018-q3/