New To This

[K8ling]

Hey guys, I am totally new to this (didn't even know what Gluten was until last month). I for sure have a Gluten allergy and since cutting it out last week I feel totally better. 99% of my gastro issues are gone already and I have much more energy. My husband was a sweetheart and helped me empty the pantry and scrub out my bread machine (living on a military budget...gotta make what I have work ). Now I am so afraid of having withdrawals (none yet), getting glutenated, and having a much worse reaction because I haven't been exposed to it on a daily basis. When my husband deploys I can't run the risk of having a bad reaction in public with my 18 month old. I am only 22 and sometimes I feel like an old lady at the spouse functions because I can't eat at all. I'm wondering if there are any other young moms out there (or military wives?) that have had to deal with this?

Luckily I've never had "public pooping" issues (like not making it after being glutenated) but I live in constant fear of it. Any advice to help me overcome this fear? Or at least make me more apt to go out on play dates with my toddler?

[tarnalberry]

Not everyone finds that they go through withdrawals, or that they get so uber-sensitive to any little tiny contamination that they're holed up for a week.

And though playdates with a toddler are going to be a little nerve wracking, bring along plenty of wipes to keep your hands clean (and eventually your kids) and even a change of clothes if you'll be around a lot of cookie/cracker eating kids. You'll make it work out just fine, you just have to practice what works for YOU.

[mamaw]

Hello & Welcome.First off I understand your money issues but I'm not so sure one can clean a bread maker or a toaster or hand mixer with the tiny cracks & cervices... you may not be a sensitive person & may not have issues..Outings with or without kids: I would be up front & let the other parents know & understand your health issues because probably sometime along the way you will be eating out with your hubby & their company. If they understand from the start they maybe more willing to make restaurant dates at places that you too can enjoy....plus I would carry snacks with me at all times.Share some gluten-free pretzels & let them see how good you are eating.

There really can be a great life without gluten....Be open & talk about celiac --- it just may help another person along the way. I have people question me all the time & go to the doc & get dx'd never knowing anything before... My husbands high up boss attended a party & happen to be placed at our table. I was able to order a gluten-free version of the food offered to everyone else . He noticed that my food looked just a bit different (no stuffin, no gravy) & nicely asked why! I explained as briefly as I could but he keep questioning me .. At the end of the evening he thanked me & even gave me a hug. Of course it looked like suck-up for my husband!!! Several days later he called my hubby to thank him for bringing me to the event. His sick grandchild was dx'd after three years of hell for this child. No doctor ever suggested this may be the child's health issues.

enjoy your outings & like Tarnalberry said--- take stock in paper towels & wipes!!!!!!! I feel like the paper towel queen.....

blessings

mamaw

[ciavyn]

It does get better! I swear it does. Frustrating? Absolutely. But over time, it does improve. I've been gluten free for 6 months, and outside of when I get glutened, like I did this weekend, I feel great.

You'll just have to be careful, wash your hands regularly, and focus on what life is like off gluten. Believe me -- this is one of the easier diseases to have, even though it seems awfully tough in the beginning. You'll get the hang of it, and soon you'll be cooking and baking foods that others will wonder: "Is that REALLY gluten free?"

most people would have no idea if I didn't tell them. And that's the way I like it! Hang in there.

[K8ling]

Thanks guys! I got glutoned right after I posted this, and we think it was butter we used on my toast (it was from before I got dx'd) OR the Amy's Pizza that's processed in a wheat facility despite being gluten free. I wish I had known that BEFORE I ate it lol. Sooooo I am on the couch with my gatorade and rice crackers. I AM getting a new toaster, the bread machine is going to have to wait until anniversary money gets here but I can make it work until then. I used my sons old bottle cleaners to scrub out the nooks and crannies as best I could. It's just a lot of CC worries I have. I think that my husband doing this with me is great and it does help make it easier. Thanks for all the support.