Gluten Free Poll

[twe0708]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

[Shess0816]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

I have been gluten free since March 2009, so it hasn't even been a full year for me yet!

I have not been diagnosed with any cancer, kidney or liver problems yet (fingers crossed!).

Since March 2009, I have not ever intentionally said "what the hell" and decided to eat something I knew I was not supposed to eat. I will admit though, I have come very close several times! It's really hard sometimes -- especially at our favorite sports bar -- when you can just smell everyone else's food coming out and remember how much you loved those chicken nachos or southwest turkey sandwich! )

I am 27.

[mushroom]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

Two years.

Glutened three times, each time by meds (you'd think I'd learn by now!)

Have kidney problems; believe they were caused by meds too

Never cheated.

60's.

[beanpot]

I have been trying to be gluten-free since March 2009.

I've been glutened several times accidentally that I am sure about (got symptoms), there may have been other times that I didn't detect any symptoms.

No serious problems.

I have said "what the hell" to foods I thought might be contaminated, out of pure hunger and little option, but not to obvious gluten-containing foods like bread.

I am in my late 40's

[homemaker]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Two Months

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Once...

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

NO

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

NO

What is your age?

55

[jerseyangel]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life? Almost 4 1/2.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat? At the beginning, when I was getting used to it, many times. Now, I just get very occasional cross contamination, usually when trying something new. As a result, I eat very little processed food.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems? My liver enzymes go up when I get a gluten reaction--I had a complete workup (lots of bloodwork, ultrasound) and my GI could find no other reason for it and deemed it "sprue related".

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to? No, never.

What is your age? 53

[CGally81]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Almost 3 months so far. Except I was still eating Fudgsicles, which I didn't realize contained gluten (malt powder in this case). I removed those 2 weeks ago. So I actually HAD been going gluten-free for 2 weeks.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

A few glutenings (besides the Fugsicles). Crackers on fish, frosting on an otherwise gluten-free cupcake, and possibly a rotisserie chicken 2 weeks ago.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

I haven't.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

I absolutely refuse to. The glutenings I had weren't pleasant, and I am never repeating that.

What is your age?

28. First started having overt symptoms at 27. But I may have had silent symptoms a year or two before that (i.e. problems with other foods, that have cleared up or begun to clear up since).

[still tiredofdoctors]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

I've lived a gluten-free life for four and a half years.

My antibodies are checked fairly frequently, so I'd say it's less than five.

The only liver problem I have had was just recently - I'm being treated for a variety of diseases and developed Mononucleosis on top of it -- it makes your liver enzymes skyrocket.

No. Won't do it. The damage it does to my cerebellum is not worth ANY cheating. There is a woman who lives in our city who has neurogenic celiac. It was before they discovered there is such a thing. She is bedridden and on a ventilator because her cerebellum can't coordinate her breathing. I want to live too badly to EVER cheat.

I'm 47

[ravenwoodglass]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

On November 20th it will be 7 years

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

It happened every couple months or so for the first year. Now maybe at the most twice a year.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

My kidneys bleed and throw protein if glutened or soyed and my liver enzymes go up. As well as lots of other nasty stuff

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

NEVER not even once, I was too sick at diagnosis and my reaction to CC is so strong I am not in the least tempted.

What is your age?

53

[GFinDC]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Coming up on 2 years

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Lots of gluten, although I don't mean just wheat. Some vitamin pills got me with oat grass in them for a while. Various other CC issues usually when trying something new and quickly wishing I hadn't.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Nope

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

Sort of. a Few times I have eaten things that I thought might have a little cc in them. I not do that anymore though. No. Unh Uh. Never did anything wholly glutentous on purpose though.

What is your age?

Half a century.

[tarnalberry]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Six years gluten free, five and a half dairy free.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

I would say that I average twice a year. At first, it was probably closer to four or five times a year.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Nope, everything looks good so far.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

No. I also have never said "what the hell" and hit my thumb with a hammer. I have also never said "what the hell" and skiied down a black diamond that looked too challenging to be safe. I have also never tried base jumping or free climbing. Sure, sure, I would love to have some sourdough bread, but the risk of the discomfort and symptoms (and I'm not *that* severe) and the risk of long term VERY serious consequences is not worth sourdough bread.

What is your age?

30

[Juliebove]

I'm okay with gluten myself but my daughter was diagnosed with allergies to wheat, gluten and other foods about 5 years ago. She has since outgrown the gluten allergy but with the wheat allergy she still mainly eats a gluten-free diet. It does open up a few foods for her like barley. Which is one thing that got her in the past. Rice Dream that is processed with barley. I gave it to her before I knew this and soon learned why her stomach hurt.

She is 11 now. We have been really careful with her diet for the most part. She did eat Mentos because we didn't realize that the glucose syrup they contain does have wheat in it. There may have been a couple of other isolated incidents. But she would never knowingly eat it. In fact she freaked when I gave her some Ener-G Flax bread because it smelled and tasted like wheat bread.

[amberlynn]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Just started... I had been gluten-free about 3 1/2 years ago when I was BFing my oldest son who had an apparent gluten problem then. Just recently realized the difference between how I felt then and how I felt recently. I feel SO much better now! It's been about 4 or 5 weeks is all.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

I've been hit twice now, and it wasn't pleasant.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

No, no cancer or anything. I had so really serious back, joint and muscle issues which have nearly resolved themselves. I can actually pick my kids up again and carry them!

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

Absolutely not. I haven't even had that 'mourning' period (maybe because I've been down the road before? I know I did back then!).

What is your age?

I'm 29 (and I've been complaining about my stomach problems, exhaustion, and back problems since I was at least 10).

[Swimmr]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

3 years...haven't made it a full year completely dedicated

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

OMG in the last year several times...due to cross contamination or poor judgement.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

I have not but recently have had two UTI's back to back with some slight lower back pain. Cleared up with drinking 8 oz of cranberry juice 3 times a day and taking a cranberry extract pill in the AM with my multivitamin.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

I have done this...and paid dearly. In the past 3 to 4 months I have not and have been as careful as possible.

What is your age?

27

[Hummingbird4]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

About 15 months.

Maybe a couple of times, but had no noticeable reaction.

No.

No, but I have to admit it crosses my mind every now and then.

43.

[CaraLouise]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

5 years

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Too many to count

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

no

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

no, i don't want to suffer the consequences

What is your age?

early 20's

[lcarter]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life? 4 yrs gluten-free, but 35 yrs Dairy Free. Had gastro issues since baby.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat? Since going gluten-free 3-5 times a year.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems? No, but I have had surgery on both hands 3 times for peripheral neuropathy, have brain ossifications in MRI, visual aura without migraine, osteoporosis, joint and bone aching, mild macrocytic anemia off and on, and vitamine deficiencies at times.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to? No, I just get so sick that it is not worth it.

What is your age? 66 years young

[summerteeth]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

-It will be one year tomorrow (!!!!!)

-In the beginning, it seemed like it was every couple of weeks. I have gotten better at reading labels and being more forward when eating food I have not prepared. I have probably been glutened six to eight times in the last year.

-diabetes on both sides, intestinal/colon/skin cancer on both sides

-NEVER. Being glutened is the absolute pits for me, so I wouldn't intentionally do that to myself.

-I am 22.

[tmbarke]

Gluten free since Oct 13, 2009

1 accidental glutening (they were only trying to help)

2 Cancers in my family (Aunt fighting, Uncle died) - 2-3 Diabetics (cousin, Aunt (same with cancer) and uncle losing the fight...everything affected) - 3 heart attacks (dad died in 50's, brother in his 20's and sister in her 40's 'both survived') and 1 stroke.

I sure wanted to just say 'What the Hell' when I would drive past Burger King and smell those flame broiled whoppers! And when I pass the Subway in the entrance of Walmart and smell the bread!

It's almost like a subliminal aromatherapy 'Scheme' put on by restaurants to get you to BUY there.

But I don't...just like at Christmas time.....I go home and read the recipes to make my own bread and have a HUGE salad with chicken breast and ranch dressing accompanied by a glass of Ingelnook Sunset Blush wine!. (I can drink with my meal at home!) It's still not worth going thru the pain and agony......I quit gluten to take me away from that and that's a decision I'll stick with.

I'm 44........and this is my new life........I had no life before going gluten free from misery......I have Life now.....and will keep it.

Are you getting what you wanted out of this questionairre? You've really got people talking! lol

Tena

[BethJ]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Almost 16 months . . . since July, 2008.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Quite a few times at first, mainly from CC in restaurants. I still get hit once in a while but I'm learning to be very careful.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

No, thankfully.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

Yes, when I first realized I had a problem but wasn't quite sure what it was, I ate Stove-Top Stuffing. Oh it was so good . . . but I paid dearly the next day and the day after that and the day after that! One other time I was very depressed and ate some frozen vegetables I knew had soy sauce in them. I paid dearly for that, too. I certainly won't knowingly eat gluten ever again. It's not worth it.

What is your age?

60

[OptimisticMom42]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

me - 8 months

DD - 2 months

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

me - A lot. At first I didn't realize how sensitive I was so I was glutened by breathing dog food dust, a reused grocery bag et.

DD - gluten doesn't give me symptoms

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

me - Still to scared to have a scope so "not that I know of". My Aunt Susan died of intestinal cancer at age 39 after years of digestive issues.

DD - no

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to? me - I've chanced cc by eating chips that I know are not processed on a dedicated line but never intentionally eaten something I knew possitively contained gluten. Giving up bread was easy because just smelling yeasty breads use to give me a sinus headache.

DD - yes, school pizza, it doesn't make me sick I just get less headaches and gas if I don't have gluten

What is your age?

me - 43

DD - 15

[twe0708]

Gluten free since Oct 13, 2009

1 accidental glutening (they were only trying to help)

2 Cancers in my family (Aunt fighting, Uncle died) - 2-3 Diabetics (cousin, Aunt (same with cancer) and uncle losing the fight...everything affected) - 3 heart attacks (dad died in 50's, brother in his 20's and sister in her 40's 'both survived') and 1 stroke.

I sure wanted to just say 'What the Hell' when I would drive past Burger King and smell those flame broiled whoppers! And when I pass the Subway in the entrance of Walmart and smell the bread!

It's almost like a subliminal aromatherapy 'Scheme' put on by restaurants to get you to BUY there.

But I don't...just like at Christmas time.....I go home and read the recipes to make my own bread and have a HUGE salad with chicken breast and ranch dressing accompanied by a glass of Ingelnook Sunset Blush wine!. (I can drink with my meal at home!) It's still not worth going thru the pain and agony......I quit gluten to take me away from that and that's a decision I'll stick with.

I'm 44........and this is my new life........I had no life before going gluten free from misery......I have Life now.....and will keep it.

Are you getting what you wanted out of this questionairre? You've really got people talking! lol

Tena

Thanks! I am getting some great answer, but I am surprised that I am not getting any feedback from people who have had it at least 10 years or more! I also have family with a history like yours. Diabetes (dad died at 56), grandfather lost his dad to cancer, sister to cancer and another sister currently dying of cancer too! I had a thyroid problem at age 12 to 15 but it corrected itself and now my daughters have a thyroid problem. Thanks for responding.

[LuvMoosic4life]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

1 1/2

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

since then a handful of times. a couple times were severe others were just mild CC

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

nope

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

no, although I admit to say "what the hell" sometimes to foods that MAY possibly be contaminated- usually only when I'm really hungry to the point where I feel naucious. but I'm usually under the influence of alcohol when this happens I also wwas never officially diagnosed.

What is your age?

23

[haleym]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

What is your age?

GLuten free for 2 months

I think Ive been hit 2 or 3 times

none of the above problems with kidneys or liver

The only times I have a no-no is a sip of my dad's homebrewed beer. Otherwise I am vigilant... feeling good is better than cheating!

[nb-canada]

How many years have you been trying to live a gluten-free life?

Gluten Free for 19 months. Had Celiac symptoms since early childhood but just heard of celiac disease 2 years ago.

How often or many times do you think you've been hit with wheat?

A few times at first before getting the hang of reading labels; 2 intentional times 1 year ago when I was testing if I was really Celiac - bad idea; and an occasional cc since then.

Anyone been diagnosed with cancer, kidney or liver problems?

Had very elevated liver enzymes for 15 years before being diagnosed - they dropped almost to normal after being gluten free for 1-1/2 months. Also had enlarged liver and kidney cyst.

Have you ever said "what the hell" and just ate something you aren't supposed to?

Not since the 2 times 1 year ago - not worth it. I never get tempted - nothing is worth the misery that getting glutened causes.

What is your age?

57