Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Omg - The Envelopes At The Atm!


DingoGirl

Recommended Posts

DingoGirl Enthusiast

A surprise discovery, every couple of weeks as I deposit checks into the ATM, I just lick that envelope without thinking. :blink: I am so careful at work and home, use a sponge every time, and have now realized that I am glutening myself with that!! So....I took the bottle of DOG WATER and swished my mouth right then and spit....I think some of it hit the ATM :ph34r:

The proof will be in the poop tomorrow, I guess, but I am glad to have identified a fairly regular source! Anyone else do this?

Susan


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



flagbabyds Collaborator

I've never done it, but that is probably a big mistake of other people. Just make sure to bring a sponge w/ you to the bank from now on, or just leave one in the car.

jerseyangel Proficient
:lol::lol: Next time, use the dog water on your finger to seal the envelope! So far, I've stopped myself just in the nick of time. Hope you don't get sick ;)
Becky6 Enthusiast

I almost did that myself and stopped right before my tounge touched! Hope you don't get sick!

Lollie Enthusiast

Well, I was paying bills today....worrying far more about the finances then the mechanical method of actually paying the bills. I licked 2 envelopes before I relized what I was ding! I'm hoping that they won't make me sick! I'm already drinking water just in case!!!!

So your not at all alone!!!!!

Lollie

DingoGirl Enthusiast
Well, I was paying bills today....worrying far more about the finances then the mechanical method of actually paying the bills. I licked 2 envelopes before I relized what I was ding! I'm hoping that they won't make me sick! I'm already drinking water just in case!!!!

So your not at all alone!!!!!

Lollie

Aaaaaaagh!! Sorry it happened to you too, Lollie...I guess we can file this under "reasons why we can't figure out we've been glutened" - - - :huh: because I haven't even THOUGHT of it all this time that I've been DOING IT!!!

nettiebeads Apprentice

I thought that the idea of the glue on the envelopes being bad for us was an outdated rumor. So it's really true? we shouldn't lick envelopes?

Annette


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Ursa Major Collaborator
I thought that the idea of the glue on the envelopes being bad for us was an outdated rumor. So it's really true? we shouldn't lick envelopes?

Annette

They may or may not have gluten, you never know. I only buy the self-sticking ones, but unfortunately, because they cost more, envelopes from any kind of business are still the kind you have to lick. Maybe we should let banks, book clubs and all the other ones with those envelopes know that it would help us, if they use self-sticking ones.

lovegrov Collaborator

Odds are very, very high that the envelope glue had no wheat. No U.S. manufacturer uses wheat.

richard

Ursa Major Collaborator

Richard, do you know what they DO use? If it has corn starch, for instance, it would still make me sick.

elonwy Enthusiast

I don't lick envelopes because I got a paper cut on my tongue once and that cured me. I carry a glue stick in my purse, and if I don't have that I put spit on my finger and use that, and change fingers if I have to use more.

Elonwy

DingoGirl Enthusiast
Odds are very, very high that the envelope glue had no wheat. No U.S. manufacturer uses wheat.

richard

Wow! I hadn't heard this so that's good news....

Guest nini

sure no US manufacturer uses wheat BUT many companies buy in bulk from the least expensive company which very well can be from another country... the problem is that you can never tell... our local support group recently got an e-mail reminder that this is still a very real concern. It is not a myth and YES I have gotten glutened from licking envelopes. So now for ATM envelopes I keep one of those sponge bottles in my car. It is filled with water and has a sponge tip.

2Boys4Me Enthusiast

The drive-thru ATM and ATM at the bank I use have self sticking envelopes. It's the Royal Bank of Canada. If our ATMs can find and use them, I don't know why American ones can't. Don't know the manufacturer or supplier, though.

psawyer Proficient
The drive-thru ATM and ATM at the bank I use have self sticking envelopes. It's the Royal Bank of Canada. If our ATMs can find and use them, I don't know why American ones can't. Don't know the manufacturer or supplier, though.

At TD Canada Trust where I bank, they also use the self-sealing envelopes.

ehrin Explorer

I am in the Print industry and let me say you wouldn't lick an envelope if you knew the process at most printing vendors. It is NOT sanitary!!! For the most part envelopes are stored in an open, dirty and dusty environment and then, unless the envelopes are blank, they run through a machine press to be printed. Envelopes run through a press with the flap OPEN so they are touching machine parts and can come in contact with inks. Trust me, you don't want to lick an envelope...period. I've found that you don't even have to seal the ATM envelopes. I just tuck the flap inside and deposit. I have yet to have a problem!

kabowman Explorer

I carry a small roll of tape with me for just that reason - I used to lick a finger, lick another finger, etc. until it sealed then run home and wash my hands. Either way, I now use tape.

nettiebeads Apprentice
I am in the Print industry and let me say you wouldn't lick an envelope if you knew the process at most printing vendors. It is NOT sanitary!!! For the most part envelopes are stored in an open, dirty and dusty environment and then, unless the envelopes are blank, they run through a machine press to be printed. Envelopes run through a press with the flap OPEN so they are touching machine parts and can come in contact with inks. Trust me, you don't want to lick an envelope...period. I've found that you don't even have to seal the ATM envelopes. I just tuck the flap inside and deposit. I have yet to have a problem!

You are so right about the sanitary conditions (NOT) of paper makers and printer shops. My second ex used to work in a calendar/printer plant in upstate New York. I've seen it first hand also how much dust and dirt and grime was everywhere. I'll remember that next time I have to mail off something.

Annette

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - tiffanygosci posted a topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      0

      New Celiac Mama in My 30s

    2. - knitty kitty replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Yaya replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

    4. - larc replied to Jhona's topic in Introduce Yourself / Share Stuff
      29

      Does anyone here also have Afib

    5. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      8

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,919
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    SB Willow
    Newest Member
    SB Willow
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • tiffanygosci
      Hello all! My life in the last five years has been crazy. I got married in 2020 at the age of 27, pregnant with our first child almost two months later, gave birth in 2021. We had another baby in April of 2023 and our last baby this March of 2025. I had some issues after my second but nothing ever made me think, "I should see a doctor about this." After having my last baby this year, my body has finally started to find its new rhythm and balance...but things started to feel out of sorts. A lot of symptoms were convoluted with postpartum symptoms, and, to top it all off, my cycle came back about 4m postpartum. I was having reoccurring migraines, nausea, joint pain, numbness in my right arm, hand and fingers, tummy problems, hives. I finally went to my PCP in August just for a wellness check and I brought up my ailments. I'm so thankful for a doctor that listens and is thorough. He ended up running a food allergy panel, an environmental respiratory panel, and a celiac panel. I found out I was allergic to wheat, allergic to about every plant and dust mites, and I did have celiac. I had an endoscopy done on October 3 and my results confirmed celiac in the early stages! I am truly blessed to have an answer to my issues. When I eat gluten, my brain feels like it's on fire and like someone is squeezing it. I can't think straight and I zone out easily. My eyes can't focus. I get a super bad migraine and nausea. I get so tired and irritable and anxious. My body hurts sometimes and my gut gets bloated, gassy, constipated, and ends with bowel movements. All this time I thought I was just having mom brain or feeling the effects of postpartum, sleep deprivation, and the like (which I probably was having and the celiac disease just ramped it up!) I have yet to see a dietician but I've already been eating and shopping gluten-free. My husband and I have been working on turning our kitchen 100% gluten-free (we didn't think this would be so expensive but he assured me that my health is worth all the money in the world). There are still a few things to replace and clean. I'm already getting tired of reading labels. I even replaced some of my personal hygiene care for myself and the kids because they were either made with oats or not labeled gluten-free. I have already started feeling better but have made some mistakes along the way or have gotten contamination thrown into the mix. It's been hard! Today I joked that I got diagnosed at the worst time of the year with all the holidays coming up. I will just need to bring my own food to have and to share. It will be okay but different after years of eating "normally". Today I ordered in person at Chipotle and was trying not to feel self-conscious as the line got long because they were following food-allergy protocols. It's all worth it to be the healthiest version of myself for me and my family. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little overwhelmed and a little overloaded!  I am thankful for this community and I look forward to learning more from you all. I need the help, that's for sure!
    • knitty kitty
      On the AIP diet, all processed foods are eliminated.  This includes gluten-free bread.  You'll be eating meats and vegetables, mostly.  Meats that are processed, like sausages, sandwich meats, bacons, chicken nuggets, etc., are eliminated as well.  Veggies should be fresh, or frozen without other ingredients like sauces or seasonings.  Nightshade vegetables (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers) are excluded.  They contain alkaloids that promote a leaky gut and inflammation.  Dairy and eggs are also eliminated.   I know it sounds really stark, but eating this way really improved my health.  The AIP diet can be low in nutrients, and, with malabsorption, it's important to supplement vitamins and minerals.  
    • Yaya
      Thank you for responding and for prayers.  So sorry for your struggles, I will keep you in mine.  You are so young to have so many struggles, mine are mild by comparison.  I didn't have Celiac Disease (celiac disease) until I had my gallbladder removed 13 years ago; at least nothing I was aware of.  Following surgery: multiple symptoms/oddities appeared including ridges on fingernails, eczema, hair falling out in patches, dry eyes, upset stomach constantly and other weird symptoms that I don't really remember.  Gastro did tests and endoscopy and verified celiac disease. Re heart: I was born with Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) and an irregular heartbeat, yet heart was extremely strong.  It was difficult to pick up the irregular heartbeat on the EKG per cardiologist.  I had Covid at 77, recovered in 10 days and 2 weeks later developed long Covid. What the doctors and nurses called the "kickoff to long Covid, was A-fib.  I didn't know what was going on with my heart and had ignored early symptoms as some kind of passing aftereffect stemming from Covid.  I was right about where it came from, but wrong on it being "passing".  I have A-fib as my permanent reminder of Covid and take Flecainide every morning and night and will for the rest of my life to stabilize my heartbeat.   
    • larc
      When I accidentally consume gluten it compromises the well-being of my heart and arteries. Last time I had a significant exposure, about six months ago, I had AFib for about ten days. It came on every day around dinner time. After the ten days or so it went away and hasn't come back.  My cardiologist offered me a collection of pharmaceuticals at the time.  But I passed on them. 
    • klmgarland
      So I should not eat my gluten free bread?  I will try the vitamins.  Thank you all so very much for your ideas and understanding.  I'm feeling better today and have gathered back my composure! Thank you kitty kitty   I am going to look this diet up right away.  And read the paleo diet and really see if I can make this a better situation then it currently is.  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.