My Mom Still Has Traces Of Gluten In Her Blood!

[cornflakegirl-1980]

Where to begin? I am writing on behalf of my mother who was diagnosed a few years ago with Ciliacs diseas. At that time there was little known about the diet. Her directions for her diet was basically "Stay a way from bread" and that was all that she was told. She never took into consideration that wheat gluten was found in soups, marinades, (not to mention)even found on the back of a postage stamp! So she did the diet for a while and got better and then she went back to her regular diet of eating bread. She continued to eat a normal diet for more than 4 or 5 years with little to no problems during that time. Well, all of the sudden she started getting sick with her stomach a lot. Having cramping and gass and she decided to go back and have another colonoscopy (upper and lower) and after the procedure the doctor asked her if she had ever been diagnosed with celiacs disease (different Doc than the original doc that told her she had it in the first place) and she said that she had been however, got to feeling better and resumed her normal diet. The doctor said she should have never came off of that diet, and he told her that if she contined to ingest wheat gluten that she would probably develop cancer. So, he handed her a paper with the "no no's" (like one paper of no no's will cover it) and sent her to a specialist who really dosn't know much about it either.

So, I have been really proud of her! She has stuck to her diet religously. And has even went to a conference in Nashville, TN where the doctor herself has this disease. And has done extensive reasearch on the internet and finding information through people she meets at the healthfood stores who have the same thing. But, here is where our problem lies. This is her second blood test where her doctor checks to see if she is still getting traces of gluten in her system and today she called me today very discouraged and said that there still finding high traces in her blood. My mom has been living off of gluten free bread (sandwich), Lays potato chips, sandwich meat and cheese from the deli, and when she feels good enough she grills steak in which we marinade in Lawery's "Jamakin Jerk" and steak rub that we assume is ok. Her salad dressing is Wishbone "low fat Ranch" (which is ok) and did I mention choclate (also Gluten-Free). The only problem is that she didn't realize how important it was to use separate toasters when toasting her food. Could that cause it to show up in her blood tests? Where is it comming from? Glad to report that she did purchase her own toaster today. But, she just feels so helpless because she is starving herself and very board with what she can have and she never has any strength anymore. I am worried about her and I need someone to help me to help her. Some days she dosn't even feel like getting out of bed. Sorry this is so long but, I feel I need to fully explain what her eating habits are so that maybe someone will see something that she could be doing wrong. Another confusing thing is that she likes to drink an occational wiskey and coke (lol were from Kentucky, of corse we like wisky) but, sometimes we get conflicting reports about weather wisky is safe or not. So, please someone tell me if were overlooking something.

Sincerly

Jessica

[Guhlia]

It could absolutely be from sharing a toaster, especially since she lives off of bread. It could also be from the deli meat/cheese slicer. Some deli meats and cheeses contain gluten and the slicer doesn't get washed in between runs. Has she eliminated all gluten from her personal care products? ie: shampoo, body lotion, hair mousse, hairspray, eye cream, nail polish, etc. That's another very possible way that she could be getting gluten in her system.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

Jess,

It sounds like you guys are doing better, but still need some help.

First, if you guys have the money, please buy "Gluten Free for Dummies" on amazon .com. It is a book that is incredibly insightful and will answer most of your questions.

Secondly, it would be easier to help if we knew what your mom was eating, if she was eating out a lot, what she orders when she eats out, etc.

Having said all that, here are some tips I can impart.

1. No more french fries at restaurants. Many celiacs assume these are ok because they are potato based. The problem is not the potato, its the cross contamination in the fryer (other wheat products get dropped into the frier before your fries go in --- extremely common and this will raise your blood levels).

2. Change any cast iron pan or old cooking pans with new ones that only she uses - cast iron and steel pans are infamous for never getting truly clean. this includes pizza pans and baking pans especially!

3. Get rid of her wooden utensils - again, hard to clean!

4. DO NOT EAT ANYTHING FROM THE GROCERY WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER! This includes salad dressings and especially marinades.

5. Lays potato chips (actually frito lay, the parent company) is notorious for cross contamination issues. The only Lays product that is made on dedicated gluten free lines are Lays Staxx (their version of Pringles - note Pringles are not gluten free). Quit eating lays chips.

6. The latest reports on bourbon is that it is gluten free. I think the issue becomes as to whether the mash if thrown back into the mix before it is sold and thus adding the gluten that was originally eliminated via distillation. Fornthe immediate future, take a break from the sauce (until her levels are ok)

7. Don't eat at "Mom N Pop" joints, they will kill a Celiac with Cross Contamination

8. No Burger King - realistically, she needs to stop eating fast food for awhile and get her health under control.

9. Check all lotions, shampoos, soaps for wheat, wheat germ, barley and other gluten sources - this is more common than you think. Also, what type of toothpaste is she using? Lip Gloss? Chapstick?

10. Order salads with no croutons and dressing on the side. Don't just pick off the croutons - crumbs will raise your blood levels too! Ordering salads with dressing on the side ensures that your salad is not mixed in a bowl that may have had croutons in it (the order before yours).

Hope this helps

BB

[gfp]

Jess,

It sounds like you guys are doing better, but still need some help.

First, if you guys have the money, please buy "Gluten Free for Dummies" on amazon .com. It is a book that is incredibly insightful and will answer most of your questions.

Secondly, it would be easier to help if we knew what your mom was eating, if she was eating out a lot, what she orders when she eats out, etc.

Having said all that, here are some tips I can impart.

1. No more french fries at restaurants. Many celiacs assume these are ok because they are potato based. The problem is not the potato, its the cross contamination in the fryer (other wheat products get dropped into the frier before your fries go in --- extremely common and this will raise your blood levels).

2. Change any cast iron pan or old cooking pans with new ones that only she uses - cast iron and steel pans are infamous for never getting truly clean. this includes pizza pans and baking pans especially!

3. Get rid of her wooden utensils - again, hard to clean!

4. DO NOT EAT ANYTHING FROM THE GROCERY WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER! This includes salad dressings and especially marinades.

5. Lays potato chips (actually frito lay, the parent company) is notorious for cross contamination issues. The only Lays product that is made on dedicated gluten free lines are Lays Staxx (their version of Pringles - note Pringles are not gluten free). Quit eating lays chips.

6. The latest reports on bourbon is that it is gluten free. I think the issue becomes as to whether the mash if thrown back into the mix before it is sold and thus adding the gluten that was originally eliminated via distillation. Fornthe immediate future, take a break from the sauce (until her levels are ok)

7. Don't eat at "Mom N Pop" joints, they will kill a Celiac with Cross Contamination

8. No Burger King - realistically, she needs to stop eating fast food for awhile and get her health under control.

9. Check all lotions, shampoos, soaps for wheat, wheat germ, barley and other gluten sources - this is more common than you think. Also, what type of toothpaste is she using? Lip Gloss? Chapstick?

10. Order salads with no croutons and dressing on the side. Don't just pick off the croutons - crumbs will raise your blood levels too! Ordering salads with dressing on the side ensures that your salad is not mixed in a bowl that may have had croutons in it (the order before yours).

Hope this helps

BB

This might sound tough but its unfortunately what most of us have discovered.....

It could equally be called "what they don't tell you when your diagnosed".

Having gluten in the kitchen at all is a serious risk... having flour is practically guaranteed, as is sharing a toaster ...

when she feels good enough she grills steak

The problem is with her current "cheating" she's never going to feel good enough....

Whisky and whiskey ... I react to both sometimes...

I can give you a long tech explanation (which will have everyone yawning) or I can just say its best avoided... like the lays and other stuff that might xometimes be OK and might not...

[happygirl]

does she have butters, peanut butters, mayos, (condiments) that are safe from cross contamination? i.e., are bread eating people using it, double dipping, etc?

if she is grilling, if gluten-filled foods have been used on her grill before, she could get contaminated from the grates.

[cornflakegirl-1980]

It could absolutely be from sharing a toaster, especially since she lives off of bread. It could also be from the deli meat/cheese slicer. Some deli meats and cheeses contain gluten and the slicer doesn't get washed in between runs. Has she eliminated all gluten from her personal care products? ie: shampoo, body lotion, hair mousse, hairspray, eye cream, nail polish, etc. That's another very possible way that she could be getting gluten in her system.

Yeah, I have woried about the meat/cheese slicer. And the meat itself. Now as far as the personal care products we have already found that she is sensitive to lotions and shampoos. Heck I am even sensitve with my skin but I have been tested for ciliacs disease and I was fine. But it certainly is a daunting task trying to keep up with every product and then trying to contact manufacturers and they don't help you

[happygirl]

Jessica:

Dove will clearly list any gluten ingredient in their personal care products. Makes it easier for us.

I have the meat counter thoroughly clean their cutter...it usually takes a good 5 minutes for them to REALLY clean it, but they now know me, and are great about it.

(Just an FYI --- its Celiac Disease, with no "s". A group of people with Celiac can be called Celiacs. But the disease itself if Celiac, non-plural or possessive. As you can see, you'll learn more than you ever thought on this board!)

Is your mom going to join us on here...we would love to have her!

Laura

[cornflakegirl-1980]

Jess,

It sounds like you guys are doing better, but still need some help.

First, if you guys have the money, please buy "Gluten Free for Dummies" on amazon .com. It is a book that is incredibly insightful and will answer most of your questions.

Secondly, it would be easier to help if we knew what your mom was eating, if she was eating out a lot, what she orders when she eats out, etc.

Having said all that, here are some tips I can impart.

1. No more french fries at restaurants. Many celiacs assume these are ok because they are potato based. The problem is not the potato, its the cross contamination in the fryer (other wheat products get dropped into the frier before your fries go in --- extremely common and this will raise your blood levels).

2. Change any cast iron pan or old cooking pans with new ones that only she uses - cast iron and steel pans are infamous for never getting truly clean. this includes pizza pans and baking pans especially!

3. Get rid of her wooden utensils - again, hard to clean!

4. DO NOT EAT ANYTHING FROM THE GROCERY WITHOUT CHECKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER! This includes salad dressings and especially marinades.

5. Lays potato chips (actually frito lay, the parent company) is notorious for cross contamination issues. The only Lays product that is made on dedicated gluten free lines are Lays Staxx (their version of Pringles - note Pringles are not gluten free). Quit eating lays chips.

6. The latest reports on bourbon is that it is gluten free. I think the issue becomes as to whether the mash if thrown back into the mix before it is sold and thus adding the gluten that was originally eliminated via distillation. Fornthe immediate future, take a break from the sauce (until her levels are ok)

7. Don't eat at "Mom N Pop" joints, they will kill a Celiac with Cross Contamination

8. No Burger King - realistically, she needs to stop eating fast food for awhile and get her health under control.

9. Check all lotions, shampoos, soaps for wheat, wheat germ, barley and other gluten sources - this is more common than you think. Also, what type of toothpaste is she using? Lip Gloss? Chapstick?

10. Order salads with no croutons and dressing on the side. Don't just pick off the croutons - crumbs will raise your blood levels too! Ordering salads with dressing on the side ensures that your salad is not mixed in a bowl that may have had croutons in it (the order before yours).

Hope this helps

BB

Thank you so much for this helpful information! My mom hardly ever eats out! At work she eats her gluten-free bread with sandwich meat and cheese (cheese is land o' lakes yellow deli cheese) howver, she toasts in the company toaster! But, today she called me and said she has gotten her self a new toaster just for her that she will keep with her. The only thing she really eats out daily is Ice cream from McDonalds (no cone) and a diet coke. Other than that she eats those sandwiches for lunch and dinner unless we have steak! I can't remember what her toothpast is but I'll ask is there any particular one that she should stay away from what about the chap stick?

Jess

[cornflakegirl-1980]

Jessica:

Dove will clearly list any gluten ingredient in their personal care products. Makes it easier for us.

I have the meat counter thoroughly clean their cutter...it usually takes a good 5 minutes for them to REALLY clean it, but they now know me, and are great about it.

(Just an FYI --- its Celiac Disease, with no "s". A group of people with Celiac can be called Celiacs. But the disease itself if Celiac, non-plural or possessive. As you can see, you'll learn more than you ever thought on this board!)

Is your mom going to join us on here...we would love to have her!

Laura

Wow, your grocery store must be really nice if they will clean before they cut your meat! My mom will join she is just at work right now and she wanted me to find out what I could for her. And I have recomended her to join.

Thanks so much

Jessica

[happygirl]

Jessica,

I explain to them that I have food allergies, and I ask to see the label of the meat I am interested in. I then tell them that because of my food allergies, that I need the cutter wiped down thoroughly. I do NOT buy any products if they do not wipe it down AND I have checked the ingredients. End of story.

Happy this thread is helping, and hope to see you and your mom on here. She's lucky to have a caring daughter like you!

Laura

[Phyllis28]

If your mom is able to she should keep her gluten free toaster out of sight (possibly in her desk drawer) if she is not using it at work. I work in an office and I can just picture a co-worker saying "The company toaster is broken, "your moms name" has a toaster, she won't mind if we borrow it.

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

getting your luncheon meat from the deli is an unecessary risk. Half the time, they use dirty towels and I am never convinced they clean it completely (i.e. free of gluten).

Just buy regular deli meats (Carl Buddig, Oscar Meyer, Hebrew National are all usually safe- but make sure to read labels!!!).

[VegasCeliacBuckeye]

does she have butters, peanut butters, mayos, (condiments) that are safe from cross contamination? i.e., are bread eating people using it, double dipping, etc?

if she is grilling, if gluten-filled foods have been used on her grill before, she could get contaminated from the grates.

Great point happy girl!

Celiacs should only be using "squeezable" mustards, ketchup and mayo. Anything else that has a jar opening can be contaminated by non-celiacs and their idiotic knives - LOL

[SomaDee]

This weekend, my spouse started feeling sick again and had a rash on his arms. He hadn't cheated on his diet so we were looking all around for the culprit. Late last night I was reading the article about the pet food with the bad wheat gluten. This weekend my spouse has been taking care of a friends dogs while his friend took his family on a trip this weekend. I told him to check the ingredients on the dog bag and sure enough, loaded with wheat flour and gluten. Glad his friend gets back today.

Not sure if your mom has any pets but thought I would throw that possibility out there.

Our dog eats a corn based dog food. She's been on a wheat free diet longer than we've been on a gluten free diet.

[cornflakegirl-1980]

If your mom is able to she should keep her gluten free toaster out of sight (possibly in her desk drawer) if she is not using it at work. I work in an office and I can just picture a co-worker saying "The company toaster is broken, "your moms name" has a toaster, she won't mind if we borrow it.

Yeah I think that she is going to keep it in her desk. Because she works in a very busy environment with people comming in and out at all times. And she really couldn't keep tabs on it. I am glad to report that she bought her own personal cookware and her own spatulas for at home. Bec we read that it was dangerous for her to cook her food in pots and pans that I have had noodles and other wheat by products. For easter I bought her the book Gluten Free for Dummies, and that has had a lot of helpful info.

Jess

[cornflakegirl-1980]

This weekend, my spouse started feeling sick again and had a rash on his arms. He hadn't cheated on his diet so we were looking all around for the culprit. Late last night I was reading the article about the pet food with the bad wheat gluten. This weekend my spouse has been taking care of a friends dogs while his friend took his family on a trip this weekend. I told him to check the ingredients on the dog bag and sure enough, loaded with wheat flour and gluten. Glad his friend gets back today.

Not sure if your mom has any pets but thought I would throw that possibility out there.

Our dog eats a corn based dog food. She's been on a wheat free diet longer than we've been on a gluten free diet.

Yeah, I have a dog and I usually feed her. But you know what I wonder about, I worry about my mom giving my daughter cheerios. Or cutting her pizza for her (if I am not there). I guess if you husband had a reaction just from feeding a dog then that should answer my question...lol were new to this. As a matter of fact I am taking my daughter to the doctor today bec she stays sick (her immune system stinks), and some days her belly looks bloated and she has a lot of skin issues ( I also have skin issues and assumed she just inheareted it from me). But I have been tested and came back negetive but I am still gonna have her checked. She is only 1, I would hate for her to have this already.

Jess

[Survector]

Someone posted something about being sure your shampoo doesn't contain gluten/gliadin.

I'm curious though about that. I haven't been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but I am 99% sure I am gluten-intolerant as I get horrific GERD (acid reflux) if I eat anything containing gluten, so I've been on a gluten-free/casein-free diet since December 2006.

Is it really necessary to check the shampoo? How can that affect me? Can it absorb through the hair or skin? Perhaps the residue left over in the hair can somehow get into the food later on?

Sorry for the dumb question. (I thought checking my medications was paranoia until I learned that it only takes 100mg of gluten to cause a reaction. I'm so sensitive and just one bowl of oatmeal will give me severe GERD for 2 days, so I try to avoid gluten/CC as much as possible. I only eat from the produce department now. Potatoes, broccoli, rice, extra virgin olive oil and sometimes beef.)

[kbtoyssni]

Someone posted something about being sure your shampoo doesn't contain gluten/gliadin.

I'm curious though about that. I haven't been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but I am 99% sure I am gluten-intolerant as I get horrific GERD (acid reflux) if I eat anything containing gluten, so I've been on a gluten-free/casein-free diet since December 2006.

Is it really necessary to check the shampoo? How can that affect me? Can it absorb through the hair or skin? Perhaps the residue left over in the hair can somehow get into the food later on?

Sorry for the dumb question. (I thought checking my medications was paranoia until I learned that it only takes 100mg of gluten to cause a reaction. I'm so sensitive and just one bowl of oatmeal will give me severe GERD for 2 days, so I try to avoid gluten/CC as much as possible. I only eat from the produce department now. Potatoes, broccoli, rice, extra virgin olive oil and sometimes beef.)

I'd use gluten-free shampoo. Most celiacs don't have a skin reaction to gluten (although there are definitely some who do, especially those with DH). The bigger issue is you wash your hair, you touch your hair, you touch your food. I'm always pushing my hair back from my face or pulling it into a ponytail or wrapping it around my fingers... Life is risky enough for us celiacs - this is a risk that's easy to eliminate!

[Karwei5]

Thank you for mentioning the Lays contamination problem.

I was having problems with my son again and he has been eating Lays potato chips.

I was also buying him ham and cheese at the deli but stopped that because I thought that was the problem.

I will still not buy form the deli again. I am going to stick to pre -packed meat and cheese.

We are still in the beginning stages I guess even after 3 month.

It does take awhile to figure out ALL the sources of contamination.

Anyway you helped us out.

Thanks

Karol mom to Billy 19~Down syndrome, Celiac disease, hypothyroidism and a leaking mitral valve

[mftnchn]

Hi Jess,

Hope your mother is doing better now. I think it is great that you are helping her find some answers. Keep us posted on what happens with your daugther too.

[Kayaking Mom]

Where to begin? I am writing on behalf of my mother who was diagnosed a few years ago with Ciliacs diseas. At that time there was little known about the diet. Her directions for her diet was basically "Stay a way from bread" and that was all that she was told. She never took into consideration that wheat gluten was found in soups, marinades, (not to mention)even found on the back of a postage stamp! So she did the diet for a while and got better and then she went back to her regular diet of eating bread. She continued to eat a normal diet for more than 4 or 5 years with little to no problems during that time. Well, all of the sudden she started getting sick with her stomach a lot. Having cramping and gass and she decided to go back and have another colonoscopy (upper and lower) and after the procedure the doctor asked her if she had ever been diagnosed with celiacs disease (different Doc than the original doc that told her she had it in the first place) and she said that she had been however, got to feeling better and resumed her normal diet. The doctor said she should have never came off of that diet, and he told her that if she contined to ingest wheat gluten that she would probably develop cancer. So, he handed her a paper with the "no no's" (like one paper of no no's will cover it) and sent her to a specialist who really dosn't know much about it either.

So, I have been really proud of her! She has stuck to her diet religously. And has even went to a conference in Nashville, TN where the doctor herself has this disease. And has done extensive reasearch on the internet and finding information through people she meets at the healthfood stores who have the same thing. But, here is where our problem lies. This is her second blood test where her doctor checks to see if she is still getting traces of gluten in her system and today she called me today very discouraged and said that there still finding high traces in her blood. My mom has been living off of gluten free bread (sandwich), Lays potato chips, sandwich meat and cheese from the deli, and when she feels good enough she grills steak in which we marinade in Lawery's "Jamakin Jerk" and steak rub that we assume is ok. Her salad dressing is Wishbone "low fat Ranch" (which is ok) and did I mention choclate (also Gluten-Free). The only problem is that she didn't realize how important it was to use separate toasters when toasting her food. Could that cause it to show up in her blood tests? Where is it comming from? Glad to report that she did purchase her own toaster today. But, she just feels so helpless because she is starving herself and very board with what she can have and she never has any strength anymore. I am worried about her and I need someone to help me to help her. Some days she dosn't even feel like getting out of bed. Sorry this is so long but, I feel I need to fully explain what her eating habits are so that maybe someone will see something that she could be doing wrong. Another confusing thing is that she likes to drink an occational wiskey and coke (lol were from Kentucky, of corse we like wisky) but, sometimes we get conflicting reports about weather wisky is safe or not. So, please someone tell me if were overlooking something.

Sincerly

Jessica

I realize that you posted this quite awhile ago, and I do hope that your Mother is doing better by now. If she is still eating the processed deli meats, I would say to give them up. They could contain goodness knows what. Also the sliced cheeses could be contaminated from the slicers, or she could have a lactose or casein intolerance. Stick with Lay's Stax potato chips only, or try the taro chips or corn chips. They are great. Instead of sandwich bread, try making a lettuce wrap or use a corn tortilla. The bread is not necessary. Try adding as many fresh foods as you can. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially prepared in an almost natural state, is filling, refreshing, and healthier than anything that has been processed. When going out, order entree type salads, and get the dressing on the side or carry your own. Always verify that croutons are not on the salad. If it comes with them, send it back -- do not just pick them off. As for the whiskey, try the new Redbridge beer instead. It is GREAT! or try rum drinks - they are yummy, and of course Tequila is gluten-free too! She also might try taking a probiotic to balance the good and bad bacteria in her system. She is lucky to have a concerned daughter like yourself to help her through the ruff spots.

[mazinoz]

I don't want to be rude, but your mother is still eating gluten. Icecream contains wheat products unless you make it yourself. [1 part sugar, 1 part milk, 2 parts cream, blend in your own icecream maker and freeze. Be careful of adding flavours as some could contain wheat products]. Add fresh strawberries or bananas that have been covered in lemon juice, could also add rum and raisins, nuts, coffee, etc.

She should not be eating ANY PROCESSED MEATS unless labelled glutenfree. In Australia, we can buy gluten free sausages that are 70% meat and less fat than usual ones.

Whisky that has been distilled should be ok, bourbon whiskey may be dicey, stouts and beers are not, wines are ok, gin, vermouth, rum, PIMS, etc. Anything not made from grains is usually ok.

As a side note it does not appear that your mum is eating much in the way of fruit and veges, or milk. She could try making her own smoothies, with her own icecream. Strangely enough low fat milk froths better.

Cheers

[shayesmom]

Yeah, I have a dog and I usually feed her. But you know what I wonder about, I worry about my mom giving my daughter cheerios. Or cutting her pizza for her (if I am not there). I guess if you husband had a reaction just from feeding a dog then that should answer my question...lol were new to this. As a matter of fact I am taking my daughter to the doctor today bec she stays sick (her immune system stinks), and some days her belly looks bloated and she has a lot of skin issues ( I also have skin issues and assumed she just inheareted it from me). But I have been tested and came back negetive but I am still gonna have her checked. She is only 1, I would hate for her to have this already.

Jess

Jess,

Just so you know, you will need to be tested every 3 years or so unless you've had the genetic tests done which show you don't have the genes pre-disposing Celiac. The simple fact is, this disease can be triggered at any point in life. And the tests aren't 100% definitive. They can rule Celiac in, but they can't rule it out. This goes double for tests done on young children. Many of them come back with false negative results. My daughter was one of those. We took her off gluten anyway and she has thrived since.

If it's possible, try to pack gluten-free snacks and meals for the times your daughter is at your mom's. Young children are built to explore their world by putting everything in their mouth. And this is especially difficult in regards to cross-contaminating a Celiac. My own daughter has gotten sick at both my sister's and my sister-in-laws home because of sharing toys with their kids. It's a very difficult thing to control unless everyone makes it a habit to wash their hands after each meal and snack.

I agree with all of the posts so far on cross-contamination issues. It may seem over the top, but the fact is, all these minor things can delay a Celiac from improving. Also, I don't know if your mom has a computer at her desk, but if she shares any office equipment, that also may be a source of cross-contamination. She may want to keep some wet wipes at her desk to save some trips on hand washing. I've been cross-contaminated twice by sharing a touch screen register at work. People are always eating and playing on the computer!

Cosmetics and hairspray are two other culprits which should be looked into. Dish soap and laundry detergent, spray starch (if your mom irons her work clothes) as well.

It takes a while, but eventually you cover all the bases and things normalize. Hopefully she'll recovery fully soon.

[Ahorsesoul]

Heck I am even sensitve with my skin but I have been tested for ciliacs disease and I was fine.

Just because you tests came back negative does not mean you are not a celiac. You might want to try a gluten free diet to see if you see any difference.

[orchid1]

I don't want to be rude, but your mother is still eating gluten. Icecream contains wheat products unless you make it yourself. [1 part sugar, 1 part milk, 2 parts cream, blend in your own icecream maker and freeze. Be careful of adding flavours as some could contain wheat products]. Add fresh strawberries or bananas that have been covered in lemon juice, could also add rum and raisins, nuts, coffee, etc.

She should not be eating ANY PROCESSED MEATS unless labelled glutenfree. In Australia, we can buy gluten free sausages that are 70% meat and less fat than usual ones.

Whisky that has been distilled should be ok, bourbon whiskey may be dicey, stouts and beers are not, wines are ok, gin, vermouth, rum, PIMS, etc. Anything not made from grains is usually ok.

As a side note it does not appear that your mum is eating much in the way of fruit and veges, or milk. She could try making her own smoothies, with her own icecream. Strangely enough low fat milk froths better.

Cheers

i am not too sure that all rums, all whiskeys or wines are gluten free. some whiskeys have caramel color added to deepen its color. some caramel color is made from wheat. dark rum can have caramel added to give enhance color. some yeasts used in making wines are grown on wheat blocks so the wine can be contaminated with gluten. a wine yeast called champagne yeast is gluten free.