Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Cross Contamination Question

SLB5757

By SLB5757
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


OptimisticMom42 Apprentice
OptimisticMom42
Posted

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 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author

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 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author
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 Apprentice
OptimisticMom42
Posted

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 :unsure:

OptimisticMom42

SLB5757 Enthusiast
SLB5757
Posted
  • Author
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 :unsure:

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 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

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.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      The Dark Side of Gluten-Free: Counterfeit Labels and Global Food Safety Failures

      I understand why that feels frustrating, because the labeling can definitely seem confusing. In the case of products like King Arthur’s gluten-free bread flour that contain gluten-free wheat starch, the wheat starch has been specially processed to remove the gluten proteins that trigger celiac disease. Because it originates from wheat, U.S. labeling laws s...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Doctors
      7

      Second chance

      I'm not sure why "colonoscopy" keeps coming up for you, again it would be an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, but it seems that Kaiser should still have your records. If you were diagnosed by them in the 1990's using a blood test and endoscopy, then you definitely have celiac disease, and hopefully you've been gluten-free since that time. You should...
    3. Russ H
      - Russ H replied to EssexMum's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      3

      Concerning GP advice

      This sounds like a GP who is ignorant regarding coeliac disease. The risk with consuming gluten for several days is that it triggers the coeliac immune response, leading to raised auto-antibodies and active disease for several months. People may not even be aware of symptoms during this process, but it is causing damage to the body. As trents has said, the...
    4. DebD5
      - DebD5 commented on Scott Adams's article in Spring 2026 Issue
      2

      The Dark Side of Gluten-Free: Counterfeit Labels and Global Food Safety Failures

      Exactly. What about King Arthur gluten free flour selling a gluten free bread flour containing “gluten free wheat starch” and says in allergens “contains wheat.” I don’t care if it contains a trace amount of wheat ok’ed by the food industry. For a celiac…100% gluten free and that’s all is acceptable. Hard alcohols and ciders and hard seltzers say gluten free...
    5. Jmartes71
      - Jmartes71 replied to Jmartes71's topic in Doctors
      7

      Second chance

      Thats the thing, diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated celiac by biopsy colonoscopy at Kaiser in Santa Clara now condo's but it has to be somewhere in medical land.1999 got married, moved, changed doctor's was with former for 25 years told him I waz celiac and that.Fast forward to last year.i googled celiac specialist and what popped up was a former...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,647
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Rosannerosannadanna
    Newest Member
    Rosannerosannadanna
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Second chance

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I'm not sure why "colonoscopy" keeps coming up for you, again it would be an endoscopy to diagnose celiac disease, but it seems that Kaiser should still have your records. If you were diagnosed by them in the 1990's using a blood test and endoscopy, then you definitely have celiac disease, and hopefully you've been gluten-free since that time. You should be able to contact Kaiser for those records.
    • Russ H
      Concerning GP advice

      By Russ H · Posted

      This sounds like a GP who is ignorant regarding coeliac disease. The risk with consuming gluten for several days is that it triggers the coeliac immune response, leading to raised auto-antibodies and active disease for several months. People may not even be aware of symptoms during this process, but it is causing damage to the body. As trents has said, the gut lining normally recovers on a strict gluten-free diet, and this happens much faster in children than in adults.
    • Jmartes71
      Second chance

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Thats the thing, diagnosed in 1994 before foods eliminated celiac by biopsy colonoscopy at Kaiser in Santa Clara  now condo's but it has to be somewhere in medical land.1999 got married, moved, changed doctor's was with former for 25 years told him I waz celiac and that.Fast forward to last year.i googled celiac specialist and what popped up was a former well known heard of hospital. I thought I would get answers to be put through unnecessary colonoscopy KNOWING im glutenfree and she wasn't listening to me for help rather than screening me for celiac! Im already diagnosed seeking medical help.I did all the appointments ask from her and when I wanted my records se t to my pcp, thats when the with holding my records when I repeatedly messaged, it was down played the seriousness and I was labeled unruly when I asked why am I going through all this when its the celiac name that IS what my issue and All my ailments surrounding it related. I am dea6eoth the autoimmune part though my blood work is supposedly fabulous. Im sibo positive,HLA-DQ2 positive, dealing with skin, eye and now ms.I was employed as a bus driver making good money, I loved it for the few years my body let me do until I was yet again fired.i went to seek medical help because my body isn't well just to be made a disability chaser. Im exhausted,glutenfree, no lawyer will help and disability is in limbo thanks to the lax on my health from the fabulous none celiac Google bay area dr snd team. Its not right.
    • trents
      Concerning GP advice

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community @EssexMum! First, let me correct some misinformation you have been given. Except in the case of what is known as "refractory" celiac disease, which is very rare, it is not true that the "fingers" will not grow back once a consistently gluten free diet is adopted. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition whereby the ingestion of gluten triggers an inflammatory process that damages the millions of tiny finger-like projections that make up the lining of the small bowel. We call this the "villous lining". Over time, continued ingestion of gluten on a regular basis results in the wearing down of these fingers which greatly reduces the surface area of this very important membrane. It is where essentially all the nutrition from what we eat is absorbed. So, losing this surface area results in inefficiency in nutrient absorption and often to medical problems related to nutrient deficiencies. Again, if a gluten-free diet is consistently observed, the villous lining of the small bowel should rebound. "We was informed that her body absorbs the gluten rather then rejecting it and that is why she doesn't react to the gluten straight away, it will be a build up and then the pains start. " That sounds like unscientific BS to me. But it does sound like your stepdaughter may have a type of celiac disease we know as "silent" celiac disease, meaning, she is asymptomatic or at least the symptoms are not intense enough to usually notice. She is not completely asymptomatic, however, because you stated was experiencing tummy aches off and on. Cristiana gives some good suggestions about ordering "safe" food for your stepdaughter from restaurant menus in Europe. You must realize that as the step parent who only has her part of the time you have no real control over how cooperative her other set of parents are with regard to your stepdaughter's needs to eat gluten free. It sounds like they don't really understand the seriousness of the matter. This is very common in family settings where other members are ignorant about celiac disease and the damage it can do to body systems. So, they don't take it seriously. The best you can do is make suggestions. Perhaps print out some info about celiac disease from the Internet to send them. Being inconsistent with the gluten free diet keeps the inflammation smoldering and delays or inhibits healing of the villous lining. 
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten-Mimicking Proteins that can affect some Celiac individuals.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some articles on cross-reactivity and celiac disease:      
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.