Need Emotional Support/help!

[Ladycates]

Hi! Both my husband and son were diagnosed with Celiac disease almost 3 years ago. Since then, our house has been gluten-free. I haven't personally touched gluten since the dx either.

I feel like I'm having such a HUGE struggle with the emotional issues from the disease. I feel sorry for us and I know that's not healthy. I get angry and frustrated with it.

For example, our entire family is going on vacation to a beach house with my inlaws. There will be 3 other kiddos there that are celiac free. It hurts me deeply when they all go out to dinner and we have to stay behind and cook and clean up. I know that I can't expect them to stay and eat with us ... heck, then I have to cook for 7 more people ... but it's just such a separation and I'm just SOOO sensitive to this. It depresses me. It makes me mad that they can go enjoy themselves and we're stuck cooking and cleaning. They get to take their kids out to the local ice cream shop for cones and we have to stay behind. It just SUCKS and I WANT to be able to let it go and have fun but I'm struggling. Advice? Will this feeling ever go away???

[ravenwoodglass]

Before you go on the vacation find out what restaurants there are close by then call and see if they have gluten free menus. Many places do now. Do the same for the ice cream shops. If you can't check before you go then maybe on the first afternoon there you could take a side trip into town and scope out what is available.

[conniebky]

Before you go on the vacation find out what restaurants there are close by then call and see if they have gluten free menus. Many places do now. Do the same for the ice cream shops. If you can't check before you go then maybe on the first afternoon there you could take a side trip into town and scope out what is available.

Yes, I agree with Raven. I've been shocked by how accommodating places have been, even just explain the situation, and believe me, it's NOT the first time they've heard it, and they will work with you. I've not had anyone look at me like I'm crazy except that girl at McDonald's when I asked about their ice cream.

Even just go and get a salad and stick of bottle of Wish Bone gluten-free in your purse, at least you get to go out and enjoy friends and summer, right? I do that and I don't give a rip who thinks I'm crazy, I'd rather be laughed at than sick.

Go out and enjoy, ask questions, enjoy.

[Ladycates]

Yes, I agree with Raven. I've been shocked by how accommodating places have been, even just explain the situation, and believe me, it's NOT the first time they've heard it, and they will work with you. I've not had anyone look at me like I'm crazy except that girl at McDonald's when I asked about their ice cream.

Even just go and get a salad and stick of bottle of Wish Bone gluten-free in your purse, at least you get to go out and enjoy friends and summer, right? I do that and I don't give a rip who thinks I'm crazy, I'd rather be laughed at than sick.

Go out and enjoy, ask questions, enjoy.

Thanks guys! If it were just me and the hubby, that'd be easy! But I have a 6 and 2 year old, both, who will need to be fed more than a salad after a long day of playing at the beach. Eating at places that are gluten-free are much pricier than the usual places ... so that's a factor, too.

I'd just like to be able to deal with it emotionally and just move on. I'm just so sensitive about it all.

[mzprettypia]

Hi all,

I am new to this and just started my gluten-free journey recently & what a difference in the way I feel. My mother ,sister & I have had symptoms after eating certain foods That we could not understand. Well, after hearing and reading Elizabeth Hasselback's book and her experience...I was hooked. I truly believe my family has struggled from celiac disease and just thought it was the way we were.."sensitive tummies".

I AM SOOO HAPPY SKY VODKA AND WINES ARE Gluten-Free!!!!

I am so happy to find this site. Let's keep each other informed & motivated. My skin even feels better!

From, So Cal at the beach,

Pia

[Jestgar]

I never eat salad when I go out. There are usually multiple options, if you find the right place.

[jackay]

If your kiddos can tolerate dairy, there are a lot of ice creams that are gluten free. A lot of places can tell you the ingredients in their ice cream. Sure they'll have to have it in a dish, but they can still have it as a treat. If they can't go out for a meal, hopefully they can enjoy ice cream with the others.

If it has been three years since you have all gone gluten free, may I suggest you talk to someone professionally about how this is depressing you. Three years is a long time to feel to suffer the emotional side of this.

Good luck!

[sandsurfgirl]

There are so many places that will accomodate you, why are you staying home cooking and cleaning? Do the calling ahead of time and plan places you can eat out. Call managers ahead of time.

Recently I was so stressed because a big group of friends were in town and they made reservations at Bucca Di Beppo, Italian! How could I eat at an Italian restaurant with celiac? But I called the place anyway and lo and behold, they have a gluten free menu there, on paper, where I can read it and choose like normal people. I did call the manager to oversee my order and told her I'm extra sensitive. Everything was great and I've eaten there twice now without any problems.

There are options are ice cream stores too. We eat ice cream out. I check ingredients and have them get a clean scooper if I feel I need to.

Make the effort and eat out with your family. You are not a prisoner to this disease!

[sandsurfgirl]

If your kiddos can tolerate dairy, there are a lot of ice creams that are gluten free. A lot of places can tell you the ingredients in their ice cream. Sure they'll have to have it in a dish, but they can still have it as a treat. If they can't go out for a meal, hopefully they can enjoy ice cream with the others.

If it has been three years since you have all gone gluten free, may I suggest you talk to someone professionally about how this is depressing you. Three years is a long time to feel to suffer the emotional side of this.

Good luck!

I agree about getting counseling if you are still depressed about it. Also is your information correct about what does and does not contain gluten? There is some big misinformation out there that makes people think they can't eat things that are safe. Caramel coloring is safe but people think it's not. Maltodextrin is safe. Go to the safe and forbidden foods lists on this site and make sure you aren't avoiding things you don't have to avoid.

[Tina B]

Hi all,

I am new to this and just started my gluten-free journey recently & what a difference in the way I feel. My mother ,sister & I have had symptoms after eating certain foods That we could not understand. Well, after hearing and reading Elizabeth Hasselback's book and her experience...I was hooked. I truly believe my family has struggled from celiac disease and just thought it was the way we were.."sensitive tummies".

I AM SOOO HAPPY SKY VODKA AND WINES ARE Gluten-Free!!!!

I am so happy to find this site. Let's keep each other informed & motivated. My skin even feels better!

From, So Cal at the beach,

Pia

Also Lukasowa, Chopin and Ciroc vodka, not to mention rum and tequila!!

[cassP]

Outback has gluten free options- and it's delish!

Connie- i THINK McD's ice cream is gluten-free... ive been on there site a few times this month- to triple check on the fries -has wheat ... and to see if the new frappes were safe- they are. i think the ice cream is good as long as u dont add in some kind of cookie piece to the mcflurry

[sb2178]

If the ice cream place tells you they don't have the ingredient list, make them pull the canister out and look at it. Hershey's definitely has it printed right there. Sorbets are also an option if dairy is an issue.

And, can you get hubby to cook? or at least clean up? Sounds like you usually do the cooking at home too, so maybe YOU need the vacation from housework. If not, check out prepared food options. Fries, frozen veg, and hamburgers? Soup and crackers?

Good luck. It can also be frustrating in the opposite way and have relatives over react and buy everything labeled gluten free (without finding out what's edible) for a two day visit! When, seriously, you would have been just fine with some boiled potatoes and plain, unseasoned veg, cheese, etc.