People Seem To Think I Just Get Tummy Aches!

[superjoe]

Hello,

My first post

I have recently come to the conclusion after years of pain and discomfort and lots of Dr. bills that I am celiac.

Gluten free for 3 weeks and feeling a lot better. Problems I am an amateur weight lifter in excellent outward shape so people do not take my illness serious even my wife is occasionally skeptical of my claims of pain and she keeps preparing me things that have hidden gluten argh! I am feeling a little bit alone right now I am okay food wise I am extremely disciplined so sticking to a gluten free diet isnt to challenging but socially I am at a loss for how nochallant people are about my condition. Just venting thanks for reading.

[ianm]

I have found that people get it completely and are really great about it or they are complete dumb@$$e$ about it. Celiac does require tough skin sometimes.

[Lisa]

Good golly ianm, you're givin me a headache

Welcome Superjoe:

First of all, welcome to the site and we are glad that you found us.

Eating out and at friends homes are always a challenge unless they really know what you are dealing with. I have a problem with that as well. I have the restuarant stuff down, although boaring and blah food that you have to pay for and others are chomping down on sauces and spieces. It's not much fun.

I live in a small town and the gossip spreads pretty quickly. Everyone thought that I was anorexic, so now the word is out that I have an eating disorder (far from the fact), but some are understanding that it is an allergy (also, far from the fact)....intollerance is the word

Give it some time to learn about the diet, check your shampoos, deoderant, toothpaste....anything that can get into your mouth. Celica is not just about food.

Post her as often as you need and I would encourage you to read the many posts. You will gain a great amount of knowledge....and our motto is, there are no dumb questions.

Lisa

[CarlaB]

I lift weights, too (too old to even consider competing!), and am in good shape. It does make it a surprise to people that you have a chronic disease when you outwardly look so good, but I consider this a positive! I like people thinking I'm healthy, and truthfully, I am healthy as long as I'm gluten-free.

As far as your wife is concerned, it could be stressful for her that you cannot eat as you used to and she might be going through a process of denial. Be very supportive of her and the changes she's having to make with the cooking and in the kitchen. Even though you are the one feeling crummy, you'll probably get her more on your side this way rather than getting irritated. Shower her with the sympathy you'd like from her and maybe she'll give you some back, funny how we women work Try to be understanding, we women need it! As she sees you feeling better and your "tummy aches" going away, she'll probably be more careful. Shower her with appreciation whenever she does manage to cook gluten free ... most everyone responds to positive reinforcement.

I know my husband, who totally pampers me, really appreciates my appreciation of him. I thank him frequently for being so understanding and putting up with all these changes for me!

Enjoy the fact that no one thinks you're sick. It's really a good thing.

[superjoe]

Thanks for the words of encouragement folks and the advice, also not to to worry CarlaB luckily my mom taught me at very young age to always be thankful and appreciative that someone is willing to cook for you

so even though I get a little frustrayed I don't let it show. She is trying to find gluten free pie recipes (defineatly have to love her for the effort). Thanks again for the advice and support.

Joe