Need Your Support In Remaining Stress Free About Getting Gluttened

[steveindenver]

Hi folks - still somewhat a newbie (diagnosed in April) and need some help/support. One thing I keep forgetting is that I'm still new at this, and put so much pressure on myself at times at remaining gluten-free. I get so paranoid sometimes about getting gluttened, that I feel I am hindering myself on things. I think it just stems back to me being sick with the big d for a few weeks before diagnosis and not knowing what was going on. (I was fortunate that I was diagnosed within weeks of becoming sick for the first time!)

My partner sometimes frustrates me, as I tell him constantly that just because we bought "x" before, doesn't mean it's gluten-free now and we need to check again.

So does it get easier? How can I relax? For me, baking is a good stress reliever and I made YUMMY gluten-free brownies last night (that were super easy).

How can I relax with this and not stress out so much about getting sick at times? ANY relaxation tips/suggestions overall is appreciated. Folks not dealing with gluten-free issues just don't fully understand I don't think.

Do good, be good.

[Canadian Karen]

Hi!

The best way for you to deal with this is just take one day at a time. The more worrying you do about it, the more stress you are putting on your body and that can only delay healing. We ALL make mistakes, slip up, have gluten accidents. Even being the ultimate careful celiac will not 100% protect you from all the little hidden places it can get us.

My new philosophy is that as long as you know in your heart that you are being true to the diet, the odd time a mistake happens, just learn from it and move on. The constant stress you put yourself through will do more damage than the rare gluten episode will do. Trust me, I learned the hard way.

Karen

[steveindenver]

Thanks, Karen. That's the one thing I try to tell myself - that if I DO get gluttened, it's not the end of life. I'll be sick for a bit, but it'll remind me to be more careful.

[FaithInScienceToo]

Hi, Steve. It's great that you asked for support!

What can I tell you, from my experience? Well....It's important to not allow one's partner (if partnered) to make oneself feel like a burden, in any way -

IF your partner ever acts like you are being a hypochondriac, or being too concerned with doing this 'medical treamtent' correctly, or anything like that, it's time to 'have a talk' about your not only expecting to be taken very seriously, but also about how you NEED for him to be a second set of eyes for you.... and that he should expect similar treatment from you, if he were to have a health problem such as celiac disease.

Continued, and lovingly explained, assertiveness on your part SHOULD bring you both closer, in time, if there is true love there....this is one of the benefits of having an auto-immune disease ...it'll definitely test the strength of your relationships...ALL of them. Unfortunately, it also highlights those in your life/family who don't care as much as you would have thought...and, that's just the way of the world...many people just don't want to hear about it, many I think because they don't want to think that they, too, might need testing (I have 5 brothers and sisters, and only one has gotten tested...the others are too addicted to gluten and dairy).

BEST WISHES,

Gina

[miles2go]

Hi Steve,

You've already got some excellent advice, but I'll add my $.02. The way I see it, you've more than a few things working in your favor. You've got a positive dx, you have a partner who can help you, you love to cook and you've found the excellent resource that is this forum. That's a lot right there. I do yoga for stress-busting and I wore a "Make tracks for celiacs" bracelet for about a year to remind myself of my goal with an inconclusive dx. But I also love to cook and that has made a huge difference. I also enjoyed Jax Peters Lowell's book "Against the Grain" early on for some orientation and attitude even though her facts aren't completely up to snuff. It takes patience and forgiveness with one's body, mind, family, friends and everybody else. You may feel better now, but feel crappy later on down the road - what took x amount of years to manifest itself isn't going to heal in a short while. And it gets easier. If you're anything like me, you'll be seeing peeps eating that gluteny goodness and thinking about how awful a diet they're consuming and then the Pizza Hut commercials on tv will drive you batty.

Think outside the box and welcome from another newbie to the board.

Margaret

[steveindenver]

Thanks, everyone. This board has been a huge lifesaver in terms of support and resources. I really can't imagine going through this without having the Internet. I have some good folks in my life that are great for the support I need. I need to expirement with baking and cooking more - that'll help guide me and my relaxation. I got a bit sad tonight when again, I realized how expensive the Gluten Culinary Summit in Copper Mountain (not far from Denver) is and how I'd love to attend, but we just can't afford it right now.

If anyone goes, please let me know how it was.

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[jesscarmel]

Hi Steve

I also have had lots of anxiety about getting glutened. i have preexisting anxiety issues and it has gotten worse now. when i do eat which is very rare, i am so nervous of contamination that i usually end up ruining the meal for my fiancee who is frustrated becasue we n ever eat out anymore. for me too, i think it goes back to my fear when i was so sick in january in the hospital and im terrified to feel like that again. i even have nightmeares about eating gluten! i dont really have any good advice because i need some myself

Jess