Great Vacation / Bad Return

[Nantzie]

We had a great time last week in Vegas. Didn't get glutened once. My in-laws stayed with our kids. They came over a couple days beforehand to make sure they understood everything. We have a gluten-free house, so it makes it easier. I gave them procedures to follow just in case they wanted to bring something gluten into the house, (designated area, clean thoroughly...) but they said that they weren't going to bring anything gluten in. It was awesome. They were more wonderful about it than I could have hoped. I had already stocked the fridge, freezer and pantry with all the kids' gluten-free favorites. I wanted to make sure it was as easy as possible for them and they wouldn't have to question and analyze everything.

When we got back from Vegas everything seemed like it went great. The kids were irritable, but no more than what I would expect since we were gone for four days. Later that day, my son had a total meltdown, out-of control fit and ended up so exhausted. At that point I suspected that somehow some gluten might have gotten in. That night, and the next couple days it became obvious based on my reaction that there was some major contamination. My in-laws were very careful and very serious about doing everything right. But when I ate something that my MIL would have had to specifically touch with her hands, like grabbing out some gluten-free meatballs, chicken nuggets, carrots or celery for my kids, I got sick.

I didn't ask them about it because they tried so hard and I don't want them to get discouraged. But I think that the contamination must have come from my MIL's personal care products, like hand lotion (Bath and Bodyworks) or hair products which I completely forgot about mentioning to them. My MIL is like me. She's always putting her hands in her hair, and I know her shampoo has gluten in it. I've glutened myself really badly before by not wanting to give up my haircare products.

We only do out of town trips about twice a year for conferences. The next one won't be until April or May next year. I'm definitely going to be more thorough with them, and stock the house with products from Gluten-Free Savonnerie (sp?). I'll tell my MIL about me getting sick at that point. But right now, I'm just still so grateful to them for taking all of this seriously and don't want them to feel like they failed or did anything wrong.

Today I feel much, much better. It was just a messed up weekend. It makes me so grateful to have found out about celiac. Because a little over a year ago that was how I felt every single day.

Blech.

Nancy

[Ursa Major]

I am glad you had a great vacation. Too bad you now probably have to throw out all your opened gluten-free food and buy new stuff. I hope you and your kids will feel fine soon.

[AndreaB]

Nancy,

Glad you enjoyed your vacation.

You inlaws tried to hard. It's too bad that their personal care products cc'd everthing.