How Far Do I Need To Go?

[amandasMom]

Hello all,

My Beautiful 9yr old daughter was diagnosed this past February and has been gluten free since 2/13. (Or so I thought.) For two glorious weeks things were going so well. We tried all kinds of gluten-free foods. All of the foods are prepared here, she brings her lunch and snacks to school. She started having issues again 2 weeks into it and it is driving me crazy. I have thrown every gluten containing food out of my house and I have triple washed every surface. Yet it continues.....The doc says I should toss my old pots and pans as they are non-stick (an issue in it's own right, I know) and they may be harboring gluten from our past. Do I do the plates and cups too? only the plastic ones that the kids eat off of? Do I gut my kitchen and build new? (I am tempted at this point...) Any sage advice from the pros out there?

Tracey

[mommida]

Please check all personal hygeine products. It does really matter how much you scrub everything if you turn around and put a gluten hand lotion on. llipgloss? Cook on fresh aluminun foil till some of that gluten works it way out of the pans.

Go back over the list of forbidden ingredients. Keep a food journal. You are new to the diet and it takes time to heal all that damage. She may need to be casein free at this stage of healing. Watch for hidden gluten. i.e. the rice dream non dairy drink that states in a different spot on the label - not in the ingredint list "processed with barley enzymes"

Check out the controversial list of foods, keep note of them and only introduce them slowly- one at a time. From what we have learned most of the controversial ingredients don't have gluten, but Celiacs with damaged guts do not handle them well. ( i.e. annatto, distilled vinegar)

Laura

[Guest nini]

it is a good idea to replace non stick pans IF they are old and really scratched up. I switched to stainless steel. I wouldn't worry about plates or silverware... cutting boards are a tricky one. You may want to buy a new plastic cutting board and designate it just for her. A new toaster that is specifically gluten-free is important for her gluten-free breads. Look at her vitamins (Flintstones are not gluten-free), Shampoos, Conditioners

I agree too that she may need to avoid dairy/lactose for a while until she is healed. On average it takes 6 months to 2 years before you really start to notice healing...

[Ursa Major]

Make sure the soap and shampoo she uses doesn't have wheat germ (or barley) in it, same goes for every other hair and beauty product.

A new toaster is a must, as it is simply impossible to clean a toaster properly. You really want to get stainless steel pots and pans. Your dishes are fine. Wooden cutting boards are a problem, so are strainers. If you have drained gluteny noodles in your strainer, don't use it for non-gluten ones. You really can't get them clean enough. If you use a toaster oven, use aluminum foil for everything your daughter will eat that is prepared in it. Don't kiss her on the lips (I don't kiss kids on the lips, but many people do) after eating something that contains gluten. I agree with the rice dream (milk substitute), it contains gluten. Check everything she eats for hidden ingredients.

I agree with the dairy. Most people with Celiac disease can't handle it initially, and often it will cause pretty much the same symptoms as gluten. Some people can reintroduce dairy after about a year, many can't ever have it again.

Some people can't tolerate gluten free foods from Bob's Red Mill (in case you use those). His facility produces many products with gluten as well, and I guess cross contamination is a possibility. The same goes for Amy's frozen dinners. Most celiacs are fine with those, and some are not.

Okay, that's all I can think of for now, I am sure others will think of the rest!

[ravenwoodglass]

Hello all,

My Beautiful 9yr old daughter was diagnosed this past February and has been gluten free since 2/13. (Or so I thought.) For two glorious weeks things were going so well. We tried all kinds of gluten-free foods. All of the foods are prepared here, she brings her lunch and snacks to school. She started having issues again 2 weeks into it and it is driving me crazy. I have thrown every gluten containing food out of my house and I have triple washed every surface. Yet it continues.....The doc says I should toss my old pots and pans as they are non-stick (an issue in it's own right, I know) and they may be harboring gluten from our past. Do I do the plates and cups too? only the plastic ones that the kids eat off of? Do I gut my kitchen and build new? (I am tempted at this point...) Any sage advice from the pros out there?

Tracey

Also make sure that if she is taking an art class that she either wears gloves, non-powdered, or is extremely careful about washing throughly and not touching her mouth or nose until she does. Many glues, paints, clays and even chalkboard chalk can be a source of contamination at school. Do replace the pots and pans and your toaster, I would not worry about the dishes just wash them well but if you have any wooden utensils or cutting boards they should go. If you have pets use a seperate can opener for their food and wash throughly after feeding them. It can take a while to heal so be patient, and be very glad they found this before she had stopped growing. They didn't in my kids. My 5 ft tall son said a while ago it will be interesting to see how tall his children grow to be. He will never allow gluten foods in his home.

[amandasMom]

I had never even thought of ART CLASS!!!! She always has her hands in something. Chalk?? Really? It never even occurred to me. I'll be talking to the school again tomorrow.

Thank you all so much for the enlightening replies. She seems to be doing a little better this week, but she is getting upset stomachs after some dairy foods (Not all, just some.Hmmm.) So, we are attempting dairy free for a bit to see if it helps.

Tracey