I've Been Glutened....

[amandabear20]

Last night, my boyfriend Kevin and I were at a friend Ryan's house. Ryan's son was eating pretzels. Kevin had a few of those pretzels. Later that night when we were saying goodnight, I kissed him...forgetting that he had eaten pretzels. Not too long after that when I got home, My head started hurting pretty bad, and I felt nauseas and dizzy, and weak. This morning, I didn't feel any better. Im assuming this is going to last for a while, because I have felt fatigued, weak, tired, dizzy, sick all day. I even had to leave work early because it was bothering me that bad.

I was very careful today with what I ate....I'm still feeling icky. At work my moods starting changing. I got very irritable and depressed at the same time. This is the first time I've been seriously glutened since I started eating gluten free.

This is getting hard to deal with, because people at work don't understand what's going on. Even Kevin's mom is ignorant about it. It's really annoying and frustrating =(

[YoloGx]

This has happened to me so many times. It really is a learning curve. It helps determine who you can really trust and who not. Mainly though you have to train your boyfriend etc. Let him know how awful you feel when cross contaminated (CC) with gluten this way and its probable cause. Not to make him feel guilty but to get him to be extra careful. If he cares he will improve and also be there to remind you. If he doesn't care--well, do you really need him?

Try to make it a habit to wash your hands before putting anything to your mouth when around gluteny others etc. especially after say they have shaken your hand. From my experience I have found it is wise make a habit to bring my own food and drink. I have even gotten glutened by a boyfriend who "graciously" "helped me" by opening my bottled water. Now if someone hands me bottled water (esp. by the top) I excuse myself and go wash the bottle off (I politely I don't tell them of course unless its an already established boyfriend etc.)--or just don't drink it. Its just easier however to bring my own in the first place however...

Its necessary to learn since not only can these CC situations make you temporarily really out of it but it puts one at much greater risk of getting some stray bug. It may be hard socially (and hey it really is!) but its worse to get sick unnecessarily...

[jststric]

yes, it's a learning thing, but you'll get it and life does get some easier. I've been dealing with mine for about 3 yrs and really have only gotten a decent handle on it in the past 6-8 months. CC is SO individual. You and the pp sound VERY sensitive. But I did have to start asking my husband to brush his teeth before we got intimate because it was the only possible thing left to some of my lingering symptoms. And it helped! I admire ANY boyfriend/girlfriend that tries to live and deal with someone like us!! It's alot to ask of people that aren't already part of the family!! My own mother doesn't get it and gets irritated by my "high-maintenance" anymore. Just let people like that roll off your back. Some people are just not capable of understanding. Oh! There's is a GREAT gluten-free pretzel made by Glutino! : ) Best wishes!

[leadmeastray88]

This has happened to me so many times

Even just last night my boyfriend and I went out for supper and he had a chicken club sandwich...and I made him use mouthwash before I'd kiss him goodnight

It's just a habit that you have to get into! And if he's worth it he won't mind

[amandabear20]

Thanks everyone for the support! It was kind of like....I really wanted to kiss him and I totally forgot about the pretzels for that moment. It's hard when all I wanna do is kiss him! He has been brushing his teeth after meals for me, but if he forgets he wont let me kiss his mouth, just cheek kisses and forehead kisses. We've been together for almost 2 years so he had no problem adjusting to the way I have to eat. He just wants to help me.

So mouthwash will work if he doesn't want to brush his teeth yet? I never thought of that.

I have the same thing with my mom not understanding completely....she doesn't fully get it. And people at work are just ignorant about it. I try to explain it to them, but they just deny that its true and they think im making it up. Im just starting to ignore them.

I'm starting to feel better, I still feel a little wiped out and tired. I've been sleeping till late morning ever since that night. I'm hoping work isn't too bad tonight. My mood seems better....just a little brain fog-ish.

I really appreciate everyone's support. It really helps.