Feeling So Sick After Going gluten-free

[climbmtwhitney]

Hello all.

O.K., so I'm completely new at this. My 10-year old daughter and I were diagnosed celiac last month -- which explains SO VERY MUCH!

Anyway, my daughter and I both felt great for about a week after going gluten-free. Then she went through withdrawl for about a week. Now she's feeling better each day. But I am NOT! I feel achy all over, headaches, terrible night sweats, really tired & cold, irritated throat, on and off grumpy, etc. It's been nearly 4 weeks since I went gluten-free. When will this end? My husband (gotta love him anyway) is really losing patience. I know I need to stick with this. I realize everyone is different, but on average, am I in for a few more weeks of this or months? Please help.

Thanks!

Sonya

[ShayFL]

It took me a SOLID 6 weeks to get through all that crap.....then I started feeling MUCH better!!

Hang in their sweetie....there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Just be mindful to avoid CC. Dont eat out and muck it up. Stay focused. Tell your husband that once you get through the poop, he will have a new and improved wife. Might even make you more frisky. This might help him be more patient.

[Lisa]

Hi Sonya,

I would revisit your diet. Check you meds, vitamins, shampoos, makeup and lipsticks. In other words, anything that can get near or in your mouth.

Do you have a dedicated toaster just you for you and your daughter. Wooded spoons, scratched pots and pans, wooded cutting boards and colanders can be a good source for hidden gluten.

It is near impossible to begin this diet and be knowledgeable of every sneaky source. It took me many months to master the diet, and mistakes were frequent.

If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to ask.

And welcome to the Club!

[climbmtwhitney]

Thanks much for the advice and hints! 6 weeks is a LONG time. Crap.

Here's another question.....If I handle, cook, prepare foods that have gluten for my other 2 children and my husband, is that cross contamination? Would that be different than using a gluten-containing hand creme for example? I did get a gluten-free toaster, cutting board, pots/pans, etc., but I'm still handling the gluten food for others. I do wash my hands a lot when I'm cooking, but should I not be handling the regular food at all? Thanks!

[ShayFL]

I wouldnt use ANY gluten containing "flours" in your house EVER. That stuff gets everywhere. Personally, I didnt want to have to always worry and feel sick, so I took my whole family gluten-free (including the dogs). There needs to be one place in the world where I can feel safe. It is my home.

Check your fingernails. Dont use teflon that has had ANY gluten foods in it. Same for cutting boards.

[Amyleigh0007]

It is much easier to have a completely gluten free home. That's what we did after my son was dx.

[Lisa]

I can handle gluten, but I am always careful to wash my hands well and wipe down any counter top that is used.

I don't impose my restrictions on my husband and he is always courteous of mine.

[Puddy]

I, too, handle gluten items with no problem. But like Momma Goose, I am very careful to wash my hands and wipe up crumbs.