Need Expert Advice

[Rya]

Here's the story:

I am completing an internship and signed up to live with my roomie back in December, we moved in the middle of January. My roommate is studying to be a dietitian also, so I figured even if she didn't know very much, she would be a fast learner about helpful habits.

About two months into us living together, I hadn't had a true reaction (at least not in the house - I did get sick when we had to do a rotation through the bakery in the hospital kitchen...grr), but I felt nauseous all the time, my stomach looked bigger but that could've been weight gain, and I was dizzy. Deep down I suspected I was getting gluten in constant low levels, but wanted to ignore it.

My boyfriend finally got a place here in H-town that I could stay at, and I stayed there for a week. Low and behold, my stomach flattened, my dizziness and nausea went away. I started having energy to exercise again. Yay.

Unfortunately his place is too far outside the big city and made my morning and afternoon commutes 2 hours each. So I try to stay at my place some during the week. I've been back three times and get glutened every time, within a day.

Today I narrowed it down to a glass I drank out of. I've not had any new foods whatsoever. My fruits are bagged and sealed in the fridge.

I need some advice on things to look for and do to keep this from happening.

Please help.

[Simona]

I live with family members who dont believe anything is wrong with me. SO...I knew I couldnt rely on them to be careful. I went out and purchased my own fridge, my own cupboard, dishes, glasses, cutlery and I keep all of it locked away. I know it sounds extreme, but I went through 30 years of being sick and I dont want to keep it up for another 30.

That was the only solution I could think of. It may not work for everyone.

Good luck to you.

[Phyllis28]

I live with family members who dont believe anything is wrong with me. SO...I knew I couldnt rely on them to be careful. I went out and purchased my own fridge, my own cupboard, dishes, glasses, cutlery and I keep all of it locked away. I know it sounds extreme, but I went through 30 years of being sick and I dont want to keep it up for another 30.

That was the only solution I could think of. It may not work for everyone.

Good luck to you.

If you are going to go this route I would add a separate small microwave, dish towels, dish washcloths and sponges.

Another option is to explain the problem to your roommate and ask if she would consider having a gluten free household. In suggesting this, you might point out that she will be able to help any of her future celiac patients much better. If not, discuss what needs to be done to keep you healthy, including Simona's suggestion.

The last, and I expect the most expensive option, is to move into your own apartment.

Hope all works out.