Aaah Just Want To Complain

[raisin]

Dairy and gluten-free, I loved it. Latex-fruit free was a breeze. Adding soy-free, was slightly annoying. Adding all legumes, rice, and potatoes/yams was irritating. Adding coffee-free recently, downright depressing.

Coffee seemed like the only normal thing about me!! I could drink coffee with people and be a person!

I'm a punker, "clairvoyant," into Lolita fashion and comic books, artist by profession, "not in college at college-going age", Native American, with specific phobias, and despite that- flawlessly healthy blood-work and a very thin figure, and don't even loose muscle after periods of illness. It's like.. on top of every weird thing about me, I just had to be the only person in my entire family that is allergic to virtually everything.. but only food-allergies. Even my "good traits" make me a freak! Even the foods that make most girls fat make me loose the little weight I've gained, so they tend to get catty.

I would never claim wanting to be "moderately adequate in every way," never really achieve anything, etc; but is it too much to ask not to stick out THAT much? Even freaks look at me like I'm a freak. I just hate being stared at, and hate the annoyed looks people give me, acting like I must be making up my allergies!!

[Lisa]

Feel better? Hope so.

[raisin]

I thought I would, but not really.

I was perfectly okay giving up every food until coffee, but that pushed me over the edge. It was my favorite flavor and smell, it was a normal store brand, and the one consumable substance I had consistently sense before gluten-free and long after. I am not okay with giving up my piece of solid ground. Before, because of how sick I was no foods matters, but this time I'm actually considering just taking the hit for my own sanity - and I don't know which thought is worse!

And by coffee, I mean decaff, too. I actually find myself hoping I'm reacting to some other essential food (like eggs) over the admittedly useless drink.

[Lisa16]

Sweetie, perhaps you are in caffeine withdrawl. How about a switch to tea? That way you still get something nice and hot to drink that gives you a bit of a buzz and you won't be so far outside of normal. The queen of England and James Bond both drink tea.

I have never been able to drink coffee. I don't like it at all, plus it makes me nervous. So there are lots of freaks just like you. And if there are lots of them, well.... how can you be a freak?

[Jestgar]

Do you have to give up coffee?

I still eat things that I have small reactions to. For me, it's quality-of-life. I choose what makes me happier (less unhappy?), and sometimes that means eating something knowing it'll have some affect on my life for the next day or two.

[samcarter]

Sweetie, perhaps you are in caffeine withdrawl. How about a switch to tea? That way you still get something nice and hot to drink that gives you a bit of a buzz and you won't be so far outside of normal. The queen of England and James Bond both drink tea.

I have never been able to drink coffee. I don't like it at all, plus it makes me nervous. So there are lots of freaks just like you. And if there are lots of them, well.... how can you be a freak?

I second this. I was drinking coffee, but i couldn't drink it without cream, and it turns out I'm sensitive to dairy. I found a wonderful black tea--Morning Thunder, by Celestial Seasonings--that has mate. Yerba mate can give you the same energy lift as coffee, but without the crash later. It's got a smoky, earthy flavor to it as well, so it is a little different than regular tea.

[raisin]

Well, I am no longer in caffeine withdrawal, it's been two weeks sense I had caffeine and I no longer feel groggy during the day (at first I even fell asleep sitting up) - But, I definitely like the idea of drinking tea.

As for giving it up; I seem to react extremely to every allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity that shows it's ugly head, to the point of not being able to live a functional life if I eat even just one. My only hope is if I am mistaking a reaction to something else I eat just as regularly.

[Jenny (AZ via TX)]

Raisin,

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. I had to give up coffee for the first 4 or 6 months, decaf and regular. I have been drinking coffee all of my life, even as a small child (was mostly milk and sugar back then with some coffee) - I know, sounds weird, but many people in New Orleans did that. Anyway, I started drinking decaf again a few months ago and find that I can tolerate it now. I love having coffee in the morning. Don't know what it is about it.

I think it's good to vent and talk to people that understand what you are going through. I really feel for you. I'm not going through nearly as much as you so I can only imagine had difficult it would be with all of the intolerances you have.

[YoloGx]

Hi Raisin,

You know everybody has their issues. Being sensitive isn't all bad. It helps no doubt to do your art. Many people would give their eye teeth to be more distinctive since their secret fear is that they are boring. No doubt you will live longer and look better than many if you keep to your diet.

I am the same way--sensitive to everything, plus an artist and poet. I am now even on a "cave man diet" and thus am avoiding all grains and sugars. Even my ears are finally losing this annoying eczema I have had in them these last 4 years. It is making a huge positive difference, so I figure who cares if I am unusual? You will find people who will admire you for who you are, sticking with what you need. Its called developing character. It also no doubt is making you look great. Use it!

I had to give up coffee years ago, and then black tea finally. Used to love it but it gives me the jitters. My nervous system can't handle it. Makes sense in that with celiac we already have a speeded up immune system. Try instead calming teas like peppermint and chamomile or even licorice or perhaps ginger.

Meanwhile just be yourself. You don't have to explain your condition to everyone if you don't want to. Just say you are on a special diet and most will respect that. I admit dating gets a little more iffy given the whole kissing deal. What I suggest is take your time getting to know someone first and gradually let them know you have celiac and have special requirements... It helps winnow out the chaffe so to speak; if someone can't handle that you need them to brush their teeth first they likely are someone you don't want to really trust since they aren't actually there for you.

Bea

[raisin]

Thank you both. It's great to hear both from someone who gave up coffee and was able to have it again, and a fellow artist. Very encouraging. And from someone on the caveman diet - I've been there. But I have to say, being sensitive does not help my art. In fact, rice gives me horrible hand dermatitis that makes it burn when I move my hands..! The rest just make me too sick to think, and stomach pain doesn't really inspire. I've actually had to quit multiple projects (including a couple of great gigs), and got rusty, due to my allergies. I really hate them when it comes to art.

To keep people from touching me, or offering me food/gum/etc, or bringing such things into my home.. I have to tell people about my allergies. Usually the cleanest method : "I am allergic to practically everything" - Which gets a nice smile and laugh, rather than gawking (love it) I also find waiters are less offended if you say that before asking them to be careful not to touch the rim of your cup, and not as suprised if you asked to be served in to-go boxes and cups while dining in. (No worrying about tableware CC!)

When going out, it's also very useful (sense I get skin reactions) is to cover most of your skin at any given time - at least carrying a light long-sleeved item and wearing socks that can be pulled up, for if a surface is questionable. That's part of why I like Lolita fashion (known for it's extreme modesty).

Only brands of ginger tea I like are from an asian import store (thus cannot confirm gluten-free) so I'm afraid to try them.. but I'd love to find out how to make my own! I do like chamomile, rosehip, and peppermint. I'd really like to take green tea back up, even if black is a bad idea. Also removing eggs from my diet, and never consumed sugar/substitutes (don't like it) - down to fruits, meats, veggies, and maybe buckwheat, fish, and shellfish.

Really, it could be worse. At least I'm not shy - I've read about some shy celiac's getting into serious trouble, just because they were afraid to tell people, some even eating gluten to appease someone! That just sounds horrifying.

[Salax]

Who is to say what normal is? Or better yet what is a freak? I think looking at the issue of being a freak

[YoloGx]

Just looked up Lolita fashion. Looks very Victorian/Gothic--and cute.

We are so much alike though I usually wear work pants since my job as a property manager entails overseeing and working on houses.

I too am allergic to almost everything. I even have to be careful of a number of building materials.

Buckwheat seems a no no for me. Glad its working for you.

I always wash my hands now before eating. It really helps.

Of late I am just avoiding eating out. I do other things and/or I bring my own food and my own thermos. I too have to be careful in case someone touches the rim of my cup etc.

The sensitivity part I think also extends to being psychologically sensitive, and thus in this way it helps with creative work. Otherwise I agree. I too have lost incalculable time due to being ill--which sucks. Now however that seems to be in the past. I no longer get every bug on the block and have it last forever. It seems now I only get ill if glutened. This for me is a huge and beneficial change. But that's also where dating has been the worst due to the whole kissing thing. Am swearing off it for a while. Am now back living with my best buddy who also has celiac--but there is no erotic energy between us. Too bad! I figure later on I will get back to eros. My art is changing meanwhile however. More mythic... Poetry though seems to have stopped for a while. I may choose to finally write stories instead...Maybe even some about this celiac since in general I believe in making a virtue out of a difficulty whenever possible.

Bea

[ang1e0251]

In a restaurant I usually just say I have some serious food allergies... That usually does the trick and nobody needs to know details at that level. People won't think you are a freak. They will think you're excentric, which is gold for an artist! Glad you are doing better. (I had to give up coffee too.)

[YoloGx]

hi RAisin,

Forgot to mention its very easy to make ginger tea. Just get some fresh ginger root. I slice it and dice it up a bit. A friend of mine uses a cheese grater. You can also get dried ginger, either bits or powdered. For tea I prefer the bits... If you want to get more exotic you could make a Chai by adding cinnamon and maybe some stevia for sweetner. Although you could boil the ginger, generally its adequate to just pour hot water over it and let it steep. Its nice too with licorice root or even the peppermint etc. etc. Anise or Fennel are other nice tasting alternatives too..

Alternatively, you can make a so called coffee subsitute using dandelion root. Get the pieces and roast them. Add some chicory (also roasted) or Oregon grape root. The cool thing here is that these last herbs are very detoxing too so it helps against some of the negative effects of your allergies and sensitivities. They are dark and bitter and thus even kind of look like coffee. I call it my kickapoo joy juice and carry it around in a smallish sleek thermos. People look at it and think its cool. With these root teas you should boil them at least 15 minutes up to half an hour.

I often make a simple detox tea using cleavers and licorice root and/or the peppermint for taste. Add uva ursi if you have any problems with bladder or kidney infections. Again just pour hot water over the contents.

Generally a teaspoon of whatever herb per cup of boiling water. Let steep at least 15 minutes, less if you are in a hurry!

Bea

[krystal]

I hear ya on the freak part. That is the worst part of this, to me. I am older than you, but in some ways I think it's worse (not patronizing) because I've always prided myself on being "low maintenance", and here I am now and I can't even eat food that's offered to me.

As for the coffee, after years upon years of being sick and eliminating it because I felt better without it, I find that I was able to drink "CERTAIN" brands of decaf. I don't know why it is, but the Cape Cod brand of coffee didn't make me feel sick. So I stuck to that.

And then one day, I threw half a scoop of my husband's "regular" into my pot and lo and behold I had a little caffeine kick, and it didn't make me sick at all. If I go over that half a scoop (with 2.5 other scoops) it's too much.

You just have to find your own way.

One thing my cousin said to me that has helped me INFINITELY in the "freak" department is when offered food, you say "No Thanks, I DON'T eat that." It's received completely differently than "I CAN'T eat that."

I too have begun many meals with people (who are looking at my plate) by saying self-deprecatingly "Sorry, I'm allergic to everything". You're right - if they sense you have a bit of humor about you, they let you be.

[cmom]

I think the "I DON'T eat that" as opposed to the "I CAN'T eat that" depends on your situation and the people around you. In my case, around my DH's family, "I DON'T" would be perceived as me thinking I'm too "good" to eat their food. The "I CAN'T" helps remind them that I have a medically-required diet.

[raisin]

Actually, I find people to assume I am stuck-up and difficult when I reject food offered. They take much less offense if they know I just can't.

Like, today I went over to someone's house for an Easter lunch, and she was nice enough to make a separate salad and main coarse just for me. I ate the meal but skipped the salad, saying I couldn't eat tomatoes. She tried to just pull the tomatoes off but, luckily, her daughter-in-law has a friend with gluten allergy, is aware of how sensitive allergies can be, and came to my rescue..!

So, first, thanks for telling me about making tea. I will apply that to other leaves in the future.

Now, the reason I say tomatoes and "other tea".. I couldn't be happier. Sort of. I was right about the allergy not being to coffee! It was to a different food I ate regularly. Apples - Birch pollen. I actually react to every birch related food it seems, which is a huge list, including legumes, nightshades, many major fruits, some vegetables and spices (including ginger & cinnamon).

When I found out rice was causing my hand dermatitis about two weeks ago, I assumed I had been wrong about my previous "find' of birch allergen and continued eating 5 apples a day, unwittingly making myself sick. I always had an apple with coffee..!

So my list of allergens just grew ridiculously larger.. and now I'm happy I can have coffee, but also freaked out over how to get nutrients.