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

Staying With Friends For A Week, But


book-worm

Recommended Posts

book-worm Apprentice

Hi all.

I


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Bobbijo6681 Apprentice

If your friends are understanding about the diet, you most certainly could cook for yourself and they would be OK with it. I am sure they do not want to ruin your vacation with you being sick, so they will work with you to make sure that you will be fine. You can also use it as an opportunity to teach them some things, and show them some recipes that you have that even they could eat. How much of a treat would it be for them to not have to cook for a week while you are there? They can get a mini vaca while you are there, and you will know that what you are eating is safe and you can stay healthy to enjoy everything else you will be doing while you are there.

Don't miss an opportunity to do something like that just because of the diet....you have to keep living your life. It's just a much healthier life now!!

jackay Enthusiast

I also neeed suggestions as I'll be flying to spend 10 days with my daughter in August. She does have a dishwasher but I don't know if her pots and pans are safe. I will be doing my own cooking so hope she doesn't mind. Right now I'm on a very limited diet so hope I can eat more by then.

I'll be taking gluten free grains with me plus lots of nuts.

skigirlchar Newbie

I would suggest to both of you that you ask your hosts for the names of the local grocery stores where you are going now. MANY now have online lists of the gluten-free foods they carry. You may be putting a lot more stress on yourself than needed!

I have NEVER bothered to take anything with me and my friends have always been very accommodating. Yes, there is a lot of teasing about my "food issues" but even when i eat w/ their kids (no one wants to be a picky eater in front of kids,) we have always made it work.

jackay - If you're flying, you may not be allowed to take the food w/ you. Besides, there are probably a variety of available foods wherever you go. If you take your daughter w/ you to the store, she will also know what to get when you visit next. Maybe she will even keep a selection for you.

I know that at first my parents were overwhelmed and when they tried accommodating me it got very confusing because they kept going the route of "what can't you eat" (on top of my already existing list of allergies.) Now - just like when I was little, we shop together when I visit, and though I don't visit them often, he has a shelf that is delegated "gluten-free/CF/SF" that he keeps stocked for when I come home. He uses those foods himself, but when he shops he keeps those items there.

As for gluten-free free cooking utensils and the like - worst case scenario, go to the local store to the baking isle and get some single use foil pans and an inexpensive pot. ANYWHERE you go you can find rice & beans. They both work as a base for a wide variety of meals.

Many cities also now have restaurant guides online that even list gluten-free restaurants (or if they have gluten-free menu choices.)

And remember, in the US, it's farmers market time - fresh veggies and fruits are readily available almost everywhere.

Good luck to both of you & enjoy your trips!

jackay Enthusiast

jackay - If you're flying, you may not be allowed to take the food w/ you. Besides, there are probably a variety of available foods wherever you go. If you take your daughter w/ you to the store, she will also know what to get when you visit next. Maybe she will even keep a selection for you.

My daughter lives in a small town in Alaska so there is limited availability in shopping and food is very expensive. I'll take plenty of nuts with as don't know if the ones I can buy there are packaged in a gluten free facility. There are no farmer's markets and fresh fruit and veggies at the grocery store aren't the best. My DD says the only fruits they can count on being edible are bananas. I did find other summers that whatever fruits or veggies were in their weekly grocery ad were the freshest.

We could stop at Anchorage and do some shopping before we head out of town but by the time we get there, we are already exhausted and just want to head to DD's and get that 2 1/2 hour drive over with. It takes about 12 hours for the complete trip so is a very full day. I really don't want the expense of spending a night in Anchorage and am very anxious to see my grandsons.

I am still trying out foods for other intolerances. Am also currently fighting candida so am avoiding all sugars and limiting fruits grains and high carbohydrate veggies. Hopefully by August, I will no longer have to worry about that. Beans give me way too much gas at this point. I'm hoping I'll also be able to eat eggs by that time.

eva-girl Newbie

jackay -

maybe you could buy some non-perishable food in your town, box it up and ship it to your daughter's house before you go? i did that when i was visiting my parents (they live in a very tiny town in maine - no gluten-free food anywhere) and the food was waiting for me when i got there. good luck!

YoloGx Rookie

I would suggest to both of you that you ask your hosts for the names of the local grocery stores where you are going now. MANY now have online lists of the gluten-free foods they carry. You may be putting a lot more stress on yourself than needed!

I have NEVER bothered to take anything with me and my friends have always been very accommodating. Yes, there is a lot of teasing about my "food issues" but even when i eat w/ their kids (no one wants to be a picky eater in front of kids,) we have always made it work.

jackay - If you're flying, you may not be allowed to take the food w/ you. Besides, there are probably a variety of available foods wherever you go. If you take your daughter w/ you to the store, she will also know what to get when you visit next. Maybe she will even keep a selection for you.

I know that at first my parents were overwhelmed and when they tried accommodating me it got very confusing because they kept going the route of "what can't you eat" (on top of my already existing list of allergies.) Now - just like when I was little, we shop together when I visit, and though I don't visit them often, he has a shelf that is delegated "gluten-free/CF/SF" that he keeps stocked for when I come home. He uses those foods himself, but when he shops he keeps those items there.

As for gluten-free free cooking utensils and the like - worst case scenario, go to the local store to the baking isle and get some single use foil pans and an inexpensive pot. ANYWHERE you go you can find rice & beans. They both work as a base for a wide variety of meals.

Many cities also now have restaurant guides online that even list gluten-free restaurants (or if they have gluten-free menu choices.)

And remember, in the US, it's farmers market time - fresh veggies and fruits are readily available almost everywhere.

Good luck to both of you & enjoy your trips!

excellent advice!

by the way for the above poster I too have candida overgrowth so it does limit my diet quite a lot too esp. fruit!! I am finding olive leaf as well as my usual oregano oil, garlic and caprylic acid and enterically coated acidophilus really helps--plus avoid as much carbs as I can handle (sometimes I just can't!). If you can take nystatin from a doc that too would be helpful...

Bea


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



skigirlchar Newbie

alaska does put a damper on shopping - but you also didn't put that in your original message :/

i understand the candida issue - IT DOES GET BETTER!!! i had already been on a limited diet because of allergies when this started for me, too. adding beans & rices - when i already disliked them - was tough.

the pots - if they have a "non-stick" coating, you could have a gluten transfer issue as they cannot be scrubbed as well as the non-coated ones.

and if she uses wooden cooking utensils you will want a new one or a plastic or metal one as the wood totally absorbs. you will also want your own cutting board (wax paper on top of an existing can help but it's not 100%.)

you have 3 months to prepare. i am sure she is as excited for you to be there those 10 days as you are!

AKcollegestudent Apprentice

My daughter lives in a small town in Alaska so there is limited availability in shopping and food is very expensive. I'll take plenty of nuts with as don't know if the ones I can buy there are packaged in a gluten free facility. There are no farmer's markets and fresh fruit and veggies at the grocery store aren't the best. My DD says the only fruits they can count on being edible are bananas. I did find other summers that whatever fruits or veggies were in their weekly grocery ad were the freshest.

We could stop at Anchorage and do some shopping before we head out of town but by the time we get there, we are already exhausted and just want to head to DD's and get that 2 1/2 hour drive over with. It takes about 12 hours for the complete trip so is a very full day. I really don't want the expense of spending a night in Anchorage and am very anxious to see my grandsons.

I am still trying out foods for other intolerances. Am also currently fighting candida so am avoiding all sugars and limiting fruits grains and high carbohydrate veggies. Hopefully by August, I will no longer have to worry about that. Beans give me way too much gas at this point. I'm hoping I'll also be able to eat eggs by that time.

Which small town? And honestly? I've done the 12 to 15 hour trip to and from Anchorage every four months for the past 3 years. It sucks balls, but realistically, it's might be really good to stop in Anchorage overnight. If you're heading the way I think you might be...honestly? That highway is treacherous. The past couple years, the fatality rates are so high that I caution you against driving it tired. (Actually, in either direction, the fatality rates have been increasing.)

And if your daughter lives any of the places I'm thinking, she might love you forever for bringing groceries. When I was a kid, anyone who brought groceries was damned near a god. (I can give you grocery store suggestions and probably a list of cheap hotels. Also, bus routes if you're not picking up a car or being met.)

jackay Enthusiast

Which small town? And honestly? I've done the 12 to 15 hour trip to and from Anchorage every four months for the past 3 years. It sucks balls, but realistically, it's might be really good to stop in Anchorage overnight. If you're heading the way I think you might be...honestly? That highway is treacherous. The past couple years, the fatality rates are so high that I caution you against driving it tired. (Actually, in either direction, the fatality rates have been increasing.)

And if your daughter lives any of the places I'm thinking, she might love you forever for bringing groceries. When I was a kid, anyone who brought groceries was damned near a god. (I can give you grocery store suggestions and probably a list of cheap hotels. Also, bus routes if you're not picking up a car or being met.)

We are headed to Seward. Their new grocery store is much improved over the old one and does have more variety. Last year when I was there I was shopping gluten free but not aware of cc issues. I was also very sick so have no memory of gluten free items available.

We are always very cautious of the driving because of DD's warnings. This time we may be lucky enough to have her pick us up. Her boys are now old enough 3 and 1 1/2 so old either have a sitter or possibly even drive along with her. Also, if she does the driving, we may be able to stop off for some fresh fruit and veggies.

We do take a cooler with to bring home fish if DH catches any, so will be able to bring some food with us. I think that can weigh up to 50 pounds but I'll have to check before we go. Normally, we bring them a variety of sausages which take up quite a bit of the weight. This year we may cut back on that so we can bring more food for me.

I am so looking forward to going this year since I am so much healthier. The past four summer trips were pretty miserable. If I can stay healthy while I am there, it will be the greatest!

jackay Enthusiast

excellent advice!

by the way for the above poster I too have candida overgrowth so it does limit my diet quite a lot too esp. fruit!! I am finding olive leaf as well as my usual oregano oil, garlic and caprylic acid and enterically coated acidophilus really helps--plus avoid as much carbs as I can handle (sometimes I just can't!). If you can take nystatin from a doc that too would be helpful...

Bea

Bea,

I've been taking Candex for about six weeks now for candida. I have also added oregano oil. I plan on trying the antifungals one at a time since I've read that our systems can adapt to them. I plan on starting caprylic acid after three weeks of oregano oil. After that, I'll probably go back to garlic. If I don't feel I still don't have it under control, I'll see if my doctor will prescribe Nystatin. At my last appointment, he wanted me to stick with the Candex for the second month since it seemed to be helping quite a bit. I am going to cut my dose of that in half for a week and then cut it into a fourth and see what happens. Hopefully, with continuing antifungals, it won't get worse. It is suggested with Candex to stay on a maintenance dose of 1 capsule a day (full dose is 4 per day).

jenngolightly Contributor

We are headed to Seward. Their new grocery store is much improved over the old one and does have more variety. Last year when I was there I was shopping gluten free but not aware of cc issues. I was also very sick so have no memory of gluten free items available.

Ahhh, you bring back memories from my childhood. I grew up in Anchorage, but we spent summers in Seward on our boat. Thanks for giving me a moment to smile. :-) Now back to the realities of life as a Celiac.

drloots Newbie

@book-worm the biggest supermarket down under is Coles they have a gluten-free section on their website Open Original Shared Link Use This To Link To Spam/c1IqB6 you can check out. You and your friend should go there and shop together for the stuff you need while there. Communication is key in a situation like this. Anyways, enjoy your time in Melbourne, its a really fun city!

Mack the Knife Explorer

Hi Bookworm. I'm not sure if you're from Australia or not but check out these websites if you need to find places to eat out.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Some of my favourite gluten-free friendly food places in Melbourne are:

Grill'd - a gourmet burger place

Open Original Shared Link

Sushi Sushi - chain store sushi place (they have 3 city stores and are in all the shopping mall). Ask staff for the list of gluten-free items.

Open Original Shared Link

The Organic Food and Wine Deli - they aren't a dedicated gluten-free place but I've never had a problem.

Open Original Shared Link

Mrs Parmas - this place does gluten-free chicken parmas, chips and gluten-free beer. Ask for the gluten-free menu.

Open Original Shared Link

Cicalata - ask for the gluten free menu

Open Original Shared Link

Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar - chain pizza place

Open Original Shared Link

SACS Gluten Free Cafe

Open Original Shared Link

Pizza Farro

Open Original Shared Link

Muffin Break - chain store in all the shopping malls.

Open Original Shared Link

Archived

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

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

    2. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • 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.