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

What To Say?

Heater

By Heater
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Heater Rookie
Heater
Posted

What's a good way of saying what happens when you eat gluten?

I have to eat out with people quite a bit for work, and I never know what to say past 'it makes me sick' if they keep asking. Generally I just go out for one or two meals with the same people, then never see them again- they're here for business, so I don't feel the need to explain it in a lot of detail. And I don't even really like talking about it all- in detail or not.

Any ideas on what I can say? Or how to change the topic?

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


chrissy Collaborator
chrissy
Posted

it damages your small intestine.

TriticusToxicum Explorer
TriticusToxicum
Posted
it damages your small intestine.

I say "intestinal distress" if I think I'll ever see them again. They usually look at me quizically for a moment and then you see the light bulb go on...

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted

I just say it''s not fitting conversation for a dinner table!

If they press I just say my body tries to get rid of it any and which way it can.... now can we move on!

Corkdarrr Enthusiast
Corkdarrr
Posted

I tell them that it's similar to having the stomach flu.

I've never had to carry the conversation any further than that.

-Courtney

StrongerToday Enthusiast
StrongerToday
Posted

If we're at the table, I'll say something like "oh, you're eating... best not to talk about it right now".... that usually shuts them right up :rolleyes:

mookie03 Contributor
mookie03
Posted

I have to deal w/ that at work too, but i just say something like "it's an auto-immune reaction, so the symptoms vary and a lot of the effects are long-term so they are more difficult to pinpoint"

It is vague enough that they wont ask too many questions and u dont have to get into the details

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

If people keep asking and I really don't want to talk about it I just say, "my immune system attacks and destroys my internal organs." It's never failed to totally shut people up LOL.

Nantzie Collaborator
Nantzie
Posted

I call it "bathroom issues", but I feel like even that is saying too much. I like Courtney's description of saying it's like having the stomach flu. I think I'm going to start using that.

Nancy

tiffjake Enthusiast
tiffjake
Posted
What's a good way of saying what happens when you eat gluten?

I have to eat out with people quite a bit for work, and I never know what to say past 'it makes me sick' if they keep asking. Generally I just go out for one or two meals with the same people, then never see them again- they're here for business, so I don't feel the need to explain it in a lot of detail. And I don't even really like talking about it all- in detail or not.

Any ideas on what I can say? Or how to change the topic?

I always say "its like food poisoning" because they get the idea, and I don't have to share the details.

Green12 Enthusiast
Green12
Posted
If people keep asking and I really don't want to talk about it I just say, "my immune system attacks and destroys my internal organs." It's never failed to totally shut people up LOL.

Excellent response Mango :lol::lol:

carriecraig Enthusiast
carriecraig
Posted

Reading your post reminded me of a topic that I started in January: Open Original Shared Link

Most annoying comments/questions asked.

Some of the answers are hysterical - this is my favorite: Yea, I've gotten the "Can't you just eat a LITTLE??" Yea, I answered... if I want MOLTEN ACID shooting out my butt.

chrissy Collaborator
chrissy
Posted

one of my kids has no symptoms, and of the other two, only one gets intestinal distress----so the bathroom stories don't necessarily work for us.

eleep Enthusiast
eleep
Posted

molten acid!

hahahahahahahahahahaha! snort! hahahahahahahahahah!

eleep

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

I tell people it causes an auto-immune reaction that in turn damages my intestines and causes numerous long-term health problems, as well as "making me sick." I quickly move on and say, if I don't eat it, then I'm fine!

And move on!

Now my poor friends know the REAL story (those poor poor people)

2Boys4Me Enthusiast
2Boys4Me
Posted

Ty doesn't get symptoms, so I tell people it's like smoking - Nothing's happening on the outside, but damage is happening inside.

Lymetoo Contributor
Lymetoo
Posted

Thanks for the good answers!!

Turtle Enthusiast
Turtle
Posted
If people keep asking and I really don't want to talk about it I just say, "my immune system attacks and destroys my internal organs." It's never failed to totally shut people up LOL.

:lol: GOOD ONE!!!

I like the molten acid coming out my butt comment too! TOO FUNNY!

teebs in WV Apprentice
teebs in WV
Posted

I don't typically have intestinal symptoms, but I do have DH. I typically show my arm and when people see the visible scars they get it. But even then, I get the feeling that they just think "big deal, she gets a rash". After a year I am still not sure of myself when asked the question........

Guest ~jules~
Guest ~jules~
Posted

I usually say imagine how you would feel if you drank drano, or if its someone I'm close to I just use the stomach flu as an example. Oh god, my husband told a waiter I may go into seizures, thats never even happened to me, I guess he felt like the guy wasn't listening :blink:

Mtndog Collaborator
Mtndog
Posted

I usually say that it's like a combination of stomach flu and a REALLY bad hangover that lasts for 3days- weeks. The look on their faces says it all. :P

taz sharratt Enthusiast
taz sharratt
Posted
I just say it''s not fitting conversation for a dinner table!

If they press I just say my body tries to get rid of it any and which way it can.... now can we move on!

very polite gfp.

luvs2eat Collaborator
luvs2eat
Posted

Ha ha... molten acid shooting out of my butt is my response... if they persist beyond my more polite answer of, "I have serious intestinal distress."

ianm Apprentice
ianm
Posted

I say "Okay I'll eat it but you're the one who's cleaning up the mess not me." Usually gets the point across.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    2. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result. I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned? Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Aretaeus Cappadocia's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especia...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      nothing has changed

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can t...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,190
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Atl222
    Newest Member
    Atl222
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
    • Scott Adams
      nothing has changed

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can take 12–24 months (sometimes longer) for antibodies and the intestinal lining to fully heal, particularly in teens and young adults. Eating gluten again to “test” things isn’t recommended and won’t give you clear answers—it’s far more likely to cause harm than clarity. Weight not changing is also very common in celiac and doesn’t rule anything out. Please know that your frustration and sadness matter; this adjustment is hard, and feeling stuck can really affect mental health. You deserve support, and if you can, reaching out to a GI dietitian or mental health professional familiar with chronic illness could really help you through this phase. This study indicates that a majority of celiacs don't recover until 5 years after diagnosis and starting a gluten-free diet: Mucosal recovery and mortality in adults with celiac disease after treatment with a gluten-free diet However, it's also possible that what the study really shows is the difficulty in maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet. I suspect that if you looked closely at the diets of those who did not recover within 2 years might be that their diets were not 100% gluten-free. Perhaps they ate out more often, or didn't understand all of the hidden ingredients where gluten can hide. Either way, it shows how difficult recovery from celiac disease can be for most people. According to this study: This article explores other causes of flattened villi:    
×
×
  • 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.