Cross Contamination Question

[SLB5757]

Hello

I have only been gluten-free since last Tuesday, 5/19/09. I am still trying to figure out what to eat/not to eat and cross contamination. I have went about 8 days with virtually no pain until last night after dinner when my sharp left side pain returned briefly. It wasn't to the extent that I had previously - but it was definitely the same.

My question is how much do I have to worry about CC?? My dinner - albeit odd (Im always eating odd combinations now), seemed to be gluten-free. I had Idahoan instant potatoes (original), broccolli steamed, and ham cold cuts that were heated in a frying pan. I also had a "corn pancake" that my mother made for me while trying to help me with my gluten-free baking.

The only thing I can think of is "the ham wasn't gluten-free", or the cornmeal or some other ingredient in her "corn pancake" wasn't gluten-free, orrrrr that maybe I am super sensitive and really did have a reaction to crumbs in the butter container. I have not gotten my own butter and pans yet because I doubted people could really react to such small amounts. I read the label carefully on the ham and it really looked gluten-free. I also verified ingredients with my mom and she only used egg, cornmeal, butter, and I think oil for the corn pancake. Could trace amounts in butter containers really cause a reaction in some people??? Again, the reaction wasn't "That" bad in comparison - just felt that pain that I had pre-gluten free. It was short lived, and I wonder if maybe it wasn't even gas from the broccoli/diet coke combination. I don't want to read too much into this and be ultra-picky about butter or over analyze the situation.

Stacy

[OptimisticMom42]

Hello Stacy,

Your signature says that you are allergic to corn. Why are you eating it? Sorry to give you my Mom voice but.......stop that!

Eating things that you are allergic to will cause inflammation in your intestines making it painful to pass anything. Corn is hard to digest even if you are not allergic to it. I'm not allergic to corn but it does slow down my digestive system and gives me pokey pains in my left side. Except for the occational taco night with the kids (corn chips) I avoid corn meal.

Hope this helps,

OptimisticMom42

PS Even my dog's food is corn free!

[SLB5757]

Unfortunately I am allergic to MANY things and can't eliminate all of them without starving or eating an ultra bland diet (I think). I haven't updated that signature yet I tested positive (4's or 4++) to Wheat, Rye, Barley, Corn, Soy, Peanuts, Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Cinnamon, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Lemons, Grapefruit, Green Pepper, Potato, Tomato, Beans, Lettuce, Carrot, Celery, Peas...ummmm and pollens, trees, grasses, molds, dusts, weeds, all animals - etc. I had a post somewhere in the pre-diagnosis and testing forum that listed them all specifically. I just don't think I can eliminate all of those foods and stay healthy. Right now I am 5 feet and 105 lbs so I am at a good weight - I don't want to get back to 92 lbs. because Im only eating rice and ensure

What I am trying to do first is eliminate just the gluten grains in hopes that I am still able to eat the things like the veggies and potatoes and even corn. If I am still having issues I was going to eliminate the corn, potato, tomato and lastly the important veggies I don't want to have to get rid of

Maybe I will have to take out Corn no matter what - but I can tell you I definitely feel 90 percent better taking out the gluten

[SLB5757]

Hello Stacy,

Your signature says that you are allergic to corn. Why are you eating it? Sorry to give you my Mom voice but.......stop that!

Eating things that you are allergic to will cause inflammation in your intestines making it painful to pass anything. Corn is hard to digest even if you are not allergic to it. I'm not allergic to corn but it does slow down my digestive system and gives me pokey pains in my left side. Except for the occational taco night with the kids (corn chips) I avoid corn meal.

Hope this helps,

OptimisticMom42

PS Even my dog's food is corn free!

Sorry - I saw this AFTER I typed my novel of a response. I didn't realize corn was so harsh on my digestive system. i will try cutting out Gluten and corn and see how that goes for me - maybe at least corn light and no corn pancakes like I have eaten for two days. They were just so darned yummy!!! I thought I had found a great bread substitute

[OptimisticMom42]

Wow!

You've got it tough. I'm still hoping that some of my allergies will subside as my intestine heals. This morning I'm trying hard not to itch my eye's. I tried ketchup a couple days ago and found it had enough celery to make my eyelids swell and itch. I can't imagine trying to avoid all the things you've listed.

Are you able to use an antihistamine? So far the meds scare me as much as the foods do. My co-worker (celiac with OCD) uses dapsone. My son is using zyprexia (celiac with bi-polar). I don't have any of the brain/mental symptoms and I had a reaction to sudafed so I'm not taking anything. Just using topical allergy cream on the itchy spots, tart cherry juice for inflammation and magnesium to keep my digestive system moving.

You are the only person I've seen on here that shares my allergy to the celery family. Nice to meet you! How do you deal with it?

Most Humble Apologies for using my Mom voice on you

OptimisticMom42

[SLB5757]

Wow!

You've got it tough. I'm still hoping that some of my allergies will subside as my intestine heals. This morning I'm trying hard not to itch my eye's. I tried ketchup a couple days ago and found it had enough celery to make my eyelids swell and itch. I can't imagine trying to avoid all the things you've listed.

Are you able to use an antihistamine? So far the meds scare me as much as the foods do. My co-worker (celiac with OCD) uses dapsone. My son is using zyprexia (celiac with bi-polar). I don't have any of the brain/mental symptoms and I had a reaction to sudafed so I'm not taking anything. Just using topical allergy cream on the itchy spots, tart cherry juice for inflammation and magnesium to keep my digestive system moving.

You are the only person I've seen on here that shares my allergy to the celery family. Nice to meet you! How do you deal with it?

Most Humble Apologies for using my Mom voice on you

OptimisticMom42

Hello - and ha ha about the mom voice. I know it all to well as I use it frequently with my 10 and 4 year old!!

I like you seem to be constantly itchy or sneezy. My eyes have always been sensitive - esp. Last night for some reason. Maybe it was all of the corn. I don't think I had celery in anything - but I honestly never check for that. I still eat most everything I have allergies to except the gluten grains. I can't imagine eliminating everything.

As far as an antihistamine I just picked up Claritin ready tabs to try. They are gluten and lactose free also. The Claritin pills are not lactose free. The doctor prescribed me an inhaler and Singulair tabs and some shot called XOLAIR for the allergies too - but I am only trying the Claritin for now. I started taking Nexium 3 mos. ago and that helps with some tummy troubles. I would probably benefit from something like your co-worker or son takes but Im kind of anti-medicine and more natural. I really only take Tylenol. Nexium was my first daily medicine and Claritin - if I can handle it - will be my second.

Glad to see someone else shares some of my allergen issues!! Nice to meet ya

[ang1e0251]

Your original question went unanswered. Yes, you can react to tiny crumbs of gluten in the butter. The longer you are gluten-free, the more sensiitve you may become. I know I did. I was getting sick and couldn't figure out why. My husband was sharing the peanut butter and jelly! I didn't even think he liked them! The saying goes "a crumb is as bad as a loaf". Your body only recognizes the enemy and attacks it with antibodies. It doesn't really care if it's a tiny little bit or a bigger chunk, then you are going to feel bad.

You may find it hard to believe but your body believes and is giving you pain as a result.