Cross contamination

[Susan K]

This is my first post, and am looking for advice, please.

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease last Dec. via endo and blood tests.

I immediately went gluten-free, and tried to rid the house of as many gluten containing items as possible.  My husband still insists on eating his favorite foods in the basement, and it’s filled with crumbs on the carpet and coffee table.  He also buys gluten treats for my two grandsons, who touch EVERYTHING in the house.

I end up sounding like a harpy or a broken record, to no avail.  And I have been getting sick.  The person who only vomited 4 times in her entire life (TMI, sorry!) has vomited more in the last few months. I do NOT eat anything with gluten.  All hair/nails/body/cleaning products are gluten-free. 

I think I’m getting gluten-ed from hubby and the kids tracking it upstairs on shoes, socks and clothing.  He says I’m wrong and the crumbs won't hurt me.

My numbers have come down, but still need work. I have a telehealth appointment next week to discuss the test results. I don’t know what else to do, so looking for suggestions.  Maybe moving out is an option…

Has anyone else experienced this?  Thanks in advance!

[RMJ]

A crumb CAN hurt someone with celiac disease.  Perhaps this will help (I hope you can see it, parts of the website require a paid subscription but I think this page is public).

https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/news/what-does-10-mg-of-gluten-look-like/

[cyclinglady]

Even a kiss after consuming gluten can cause a celiac disease flare up.  
 

This little girl was the sickest celiac patient at Denver’s children’s hospital.  She lived in Kansas, where she was surround by wheat fields and storage and distribution facilities.  She was so sick!  
 

 https://www.9news.com/article/features/girl-pens-book-about-her-battle-with-celiac-disease/73-576605565

Then check out “The Patient Celiac” (formerly old celiac.com member, Jebby).  She is a preemie doctor who kept getting sick from her slobbery, but adorable babies and toddlers.  Jebby’s  symptoms improved once she banned gluten from her home and her kids are fine now — healthy and thriving.  
 

Before my diagnosis, my husband was gluten free for 12 years.  I did not consume gluten in front of him — well really good stuff he could not resist.  I also made my daughter eat her breakfast and lunch in the kitchen.  As a toddler,  she ate at a little tiny picnic table just like I did when I was a kid.  This allowed my mother to keep the mess to one location.  No one ran around the house eating and drinking.  It was this way for generations!  Probably had to keep the rats and insects out of the farmhouse.  

Before COVID, my daughter, actually everyone had to wash their hands upon entering our home.  It was a celiac thing.  It made me feel better and sometimes piece of mind is priceless!  

But I think you have more than a gluten problem (I am married 30+ years).  Even if it were not possible to get gluten exposures from sloppy people (does he kiss you after consuming beer?), he should know that celiac disease can and does cause anxiety.  You have a serious illness!    Until you are well, he should be more compassionate (or always).  I would have him sit in on that teleconference call or the next one, where your doctor can lecture him.  Teamwork.  

Edited August 28, 2020 by cyclinglady

[Svelte]

If your household isn't gluten free all sorts of problems can occur.  For example, if your husband makes a sandwich or something bread crumbs can go everywhere and you might not even think to check for them.  For example one time I made something and I noticed a few crumbs in the bottom of the measuring cup I was using and without thinking I ignored it.  I ended up tossing everything I made that day just to be safe because I thought about it after.  I'm currently not in a gluten free household and I'm always on the watch for crumbs on the table, counters and cutting board.  Crumb on the counter, you wash an apple and put it on the counter and a crumb sticks to the wet apple kind of stuff can happen.