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

Could My Library Books Be Causing Cc Issues?

jackay

By jackay
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted

I'm still trying to figure out CC issues here and don't know if this has been addressed.

It seems highly likely that used books could very easily cause cc. I like to lie down when I read and hold books pretty close to my face. It just dawned on me that flour or crumbs could be falling out onto my face. Could this be the source of my mystery CC issues? I have been doing this since going gluten free and it hasn't been a problem before (that I know of). I've had minor cc issues but nothing like the spell I'm going through now.

I know I use to sit and eat cookies while reading and have already dropped crumbs in books. Also, I store my library books on my back kitchen cupboard. If others do that they could very easily get covered with a dusting of flour.

I am going to have to break my habit of this which is going to be very difficult. I have severe insomnia and anxiety and read at night when I can't sleep. It is the only thing that keeps me from going completely insane. If I slept decent, it wouldn't be so hard to break this habit. With the winter months coming up, it is going to be hard to get out of nice warm bed on a cold winter night to read.

I can't afford to buy new books and reading is a big part of my life.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


T.H. Community Regular
T.H.
Posted

I honestly don't know, but I have wondered the same thing. We get a lot of used books as well, and my daughter was getting some CC periodically from unknown sources, so we started looking at the book possibility too.

What I do know is that the gluten can definitely exist on the book if someone was eating while reading and a crumb spilled, etc... I was talking to an allergist about allergens and what could get gluten on it that could get passed on. It will eventually run OUT of gluten to pass on, since it doesn't multiple like a germ or anything, but since we don't know how much was on there....yeah, problem.

I know what you mean about adjusting. I always liked to read in a certain way, often at the kitchen table while cooking on the stove, and I've had to change that to keep the books away from the food. I can't really offer any real information, I know, just a lot of sympathy from someone going through the same thing. :(

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I have thought about this issue also. What I do is to shake the book over my trash can incase there are crumbs inside and run a damp paper towel over the cover. I also make sure that I wash my hands after reading before I touch my face, rub my eyes or eat anything. I also take a good look at the pages before I purchase a used book and if I see what looks like pizza smudges etc I pass on it.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I have thought about that too. I am very sensitive. I have such things lying around too, and I used to read at the table all the time. So far I haven't seemed to get glutened by that source. I don't read such things every day so I can keep track better than someone who does it every day. I have gotten glutened by cleaning our kitchen cupboards and the garage. A lot of dirty stuff built up while I was sick. I do try to read suspicious items at a spot where I don't eat, and to wash carefully after. I also don't hold it over my head. I hope you get things figured out. I'm guessing that it's cc in something that you are eating. How about kissing a gluten eater?

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

I have thought about that too. I am very sensitive. I have such things lying around too, and I used to read at the table all the time. So far I haven't seemed to get glutened by that source. I don't read such things every day so I can keep track better than someone who does it every day. I have gotten glutened by cleaning our kitchen cupboards and the garage. A lot of dirty stuff built up while I was sick. I do try to read suspicious items at a spot where I don't eat, and to wash carefully after. I also don't hold it over my head. I hope you get things figured out. I'm guessing that it's cc in something that you are eating. How about kissing a gluten eater?

I guess I don't really hold a book over my head but close to it. I wear bifocals but can read better by holding a book close and not wearing glasses. I know lots of other people that do that, too. My eye doctor thinks this is ridiculous but one of his employees told me she does the same thing.

However, gluten could be getting on my sheets, blankets and comforter. I trained myself not to touch my face but I pull up the blankets and often sleep with my head covered with just a small opening to breath. This is something that I have been doing for a couple of years. I actually can't get to sleep without doing it. I doubt I can break that habit as I actually sleep better in a cooler room. I think I need a separate small blanket for covering my head. I can keep that out of the way while I read. And...I definitely need to watch for CC in reading materials.

Kissing a gluten eater only gets done after flossing, brushing and using a gluten free mouth wash. DH is O.K. with that because he knows how sick I get and his life isn't normal either when I am sick.

K8ling Enthusiast
K8ling
Posted

You know, I didn't think about this but all week I have had an upset stomach- feels like gluten not hormones- and I couldn't figure out where it was coming from. The only new things I had all week were some Mi-Del Ginger snaps, a few pieces of Cadbury Dark Chocolate, and lots of library research. I thought it might be the dark chocolate or CC from the snaps but the massive quantity of college kids eating while studying definitely ups my chances of cc.

BenVenit Newbie
BenVenit
Posted

I wonder! I think it is very possible.

I could go nuts on this..... I am a reader, too.

Francis Bacon: "When I get paid I buy books. If there is anything left over I buy food, and if necessary, clothes."

That is my motto.

I do buy from used book stores and sometimes rub them down with rubbing alcohol. Library books? Eeeck.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


K8ling Enthusiast
K8ling
Posted

Yeah I got a bleach wipe and wiped down everything when I got off my laptop LOL

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

I wonder! I think it is very possible.

I could go nuts on this..... I am a reader, too.

Francis Bacon: "When I get paid I buy books. If there is anything left over I buy food, and if necessary, clothes."

That is my motto.

I do buy from used book stores and sometimes rub them down with rubbing alcohol. Library books? Eeeck.

Maybe I need to stick to the newer library books as they haven't been handled as much. Some used books could be just as bad.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Yeah I got a bleach wipe and wiped down everything when I got off my laptop LOL

B)

Bleach won't kill the gluten, maybe germs, but not gluten. :)

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

B)

Bleach won't kill the gluten, maybe germs, but not gluten. :)

However, just wiping them off may help no matter what you use.

K8ling Enthusiast
K8ling
Posted

However, just wiping them off may help no matter what you use.

It was just a wipe I had handy lol I know Gluten isn't a germ. Well, unless it's wheat germ lol

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

It was just a wipe I had handy lol I know Gluten isn't a germ. Well, unless it's wheat germ lol

Very funny! I love it!!!

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted
;):lol:
kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

It was just a wipe I had handy lol I know Gluten isn't a germ. Well, unless it's wheat germ lol

:P:P:P

lovegrov Collaborator
lovegrov
Posted

I get books and videos from the library and buy them at yard sales and I can honestly say this is not something I've ever given a second thought. And I won't start now.

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I get books and videos from the library and buy them at yard sales and I can honestly say this is not something I've ever given a second thought. And I won't start now.

Uh-Oh, videos! Good catch! I know some of those out-doorsey videos have wheat fields in them! Geez just can't get a way. :D

Just kidding. I hadn't thought of the possible book cc issue myself. Reminds me of the old joke about kicking her out for eatin' crackers in bed. :)

It does seem possible though, if you think about used cook books for instance that have probably been sitting around in gluten kitchens. And a used bread baking book would be very suspicious.

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

I get books and videos from the library and buy them at yard sales and I can honestly say this is not something I've ever given a second thought. And I won't start now.

I never thought too much of it either until I couldn't figure out where I was getting cc.

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted

This crossed my mind once over the summer when I was unemployed and going through a stack of library books each week. I found a lot of stains on a couple books and finally started to wonder where those books have been. I broke the habit of eating while reading (unless the book looked clean, but I would wash my hands and eat with one hand, holding the book with the other, not letting them come into contact).

One of my aunts is a nurse practitioner and refuses to borrow from the library or buy used because she knows what kind of germs can be transmitted. She has succeeded in making the rest of the family think about what we may be holding each time we borrow a book, but we haven't stopped. We have hand soap and Purell for a reason. I don't plan on letting the possibility of gluten CC stop me from reading library books.

  • 2 months later...
Fire Fairy Enthusiast
Fire Fairy
Posted

This may be really silly but the majority of the time when I go to any big bookstore I suddenly have to race to the bathroom. I used to think it was all in my head but since discovering I have a gluten problem I've started wondering if there is some sort of gluten in the air in these places. I thought maybe the glue in the older books but after reading this post maybe it was sticky fingers holding the books before I touched them. Any ideas?

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted

This may be really silly but the majority of the time when I go to any big bookstore I suddenly have to race to the bathroom. I used to think it was all in my head but since discovering I have a gluten problem I've started wondering if there is some sort of gluten in the air in these places. I thought maybe the glue in the older books but after reading this post maybe it was sticky fingers holding the books before I touched them. Any ideas?

What bookstores? A lot of the bigger book stores have cafes inside (Barnes & Noble is partnered with Starbucks, Borders sells Seattle's Best). Usually they'll do most or all of their baking off-site but there's always something floating in the air and then there are the people who don't want to buy will read in the cafe and put the book back.

Just something to think about.

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

What bookstores? A lot of the bigger book stores have cafes inside (Barnes & Noble is partnered with Starbucks, Borders sells Seattle's Best). Usually they'll do most or all of their baking off-site but there's always something floating in the air and then there are the people who don't want to buy will read in the cafe and put the book back.

Just something to think about.

As far as going anywhere in public places, wash you hands, for all sorts of reasons. There is no great - gluten - flour - dust flying around with a bull-eye on you, with intent to make you sick. Take precautions, use common sense and wash your hands.....nothing unusual here. Live your life. :)

gabby Enthusiast
gabby
Posted

I'm guessing that if there's any way to get glutened by a a book that's been handled by someone eating gluten... it is when you lick your finger to turn the page! Used books often have pages that are stuck together...and it is such a natural reaction to just lick your finger or thumb to get those pages apart. No licking=no glutening!

Hope that helps!

TPT Explorer
TPT
Posted

I have to admit, before this gluten issue came into my life, I would eat while reading my library books. :unsure: The thought about people with peanut allergies did cross my mind. (I used to eat lots of granola bars.)

I guess as far as gluten, it depends on whether or not you think it's a problem outside of eating it. Now I will try to be mindful of it, if only for the peanut people, whom really can get sick just from skin contact. Not saying that we can't get sick that way, just that we know for sure plenty of people that get sick from airborn and skin contact with peanuts.

My be time for you to get a kindle!

Fire Fairy Enthusiast
Fire Fairy
Posted

What bookstores? A lot of the bigger book stores have cafes inside (Barnes & Noble is partnered with Starbucks, Borders sells Seattle's Best). Usually they'll do most or all of their baking off-site but there's always something floating in the air and then there are the people who don't want to buy will read in the cafe and put the book back.

Just something to think about.

Barnes and Noble and the local used bookstore.

Thank you for your response. :)

Archived

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

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,861
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Priscilla Buxton
    Newest Member
    Priscilla Buxton
    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

    • Rogol72
      Ibuprofen

      By Rogol72 · Posted

      Some interesting articles regarding the use of Zinc Carnosine to help heal gastric ulcers, gastritis and intestinal permeability. I would consult a medical professional about it's use. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncpgasthep0778 https://www.rupahealth.com/post/clinical-applications-of-zinc-carnosine---evidence-review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7146259/ https://www.fallbrookmedicalcenter.com/zinc-l-carnosine-benefits-dosage-and-safety/
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      He is. Which makes everything even more difficult. I’m not a believer in “staying for the kids” but I have nowhere to go and it’s not just me, it’s me plus my babies. We live in a beautiful place, lots of land in the country and me and the kids love the place we’ve called home for their entire lives. But Im seeing that he’ll never change, that my kids deserve a happy healthy Momma, and that staying in this as is will be the early death of me. Then I look at the scars covering my entire body…this disease and the chronic stress I’ve been enduring for years that tell me I’m no longer beautiful and no one will ever look at me with interest again. I try self care, try to give myself grace so I can just start loving myself enough to gain strength but the slightest sparkle in my eye and skip in my step attracts his wrath and it all comes crashing ten fold. Life is just absolutely railing me from every single direction leaving me wanting to wave that white flag bc I don’t feel like there’s much hope no matter what happens. 
    • trents
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By trents · Posted

      Is this man the father of your children?
    • Jillian83
      Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis has taken Me from Me

      By Jillian83 · Posted

      Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Celiac and dermatitis herpetiformis after years of suffering without answers. I lost my mind. I lost my job. I lost so much time. I lost Me. Conventional doctors are opulent come near me and the one who did sat across the room, misdiagnosed me, pumped me full of steroids which collapsed my entire hip for 6 months. So without answers I began my holistic journey. Fast forward a couple of years and still struggling with a mysterious whole body itchy, crawling “skin hell”, perfect teeth now deteriorating, thick hair now thinning rapidly and no more than a day or 2 at most relief….An acquaintance opened up a functional medicine practice. Cash only, I found a way. Within a month tests clearly showing my off the charts gluten allergy/sensitivity as well as the depletion of vital nutrients due to leaky gut and intestinal damage. dermatitis herpetiformis was more than likely what I was experiencing with my skin. I was happy. I thought this is easy, eat healthy Whole Foods, follow the diet restrictions and I finally get to heal and feel confident and like myself again very soon! 😔 Supplements are very pricey but I got them and began my healing. Which leads to the other major issue: not working, stay at home Mom of young kids, entirely financially dependent on my man of 7 plus years. He’s never been supportive of anything I’ve ever done or been thru. He controls everything. I’m not given much money ever at a time and when he does leave money it’s only enough to possibly get gas. His excuse is that I’ll spend it on other things. So my “allowance” is inconsistent and has conditions. He withholds money from me as punishment for anything he wants. Since being diagnosed, he’s gained a new control tactic to use as punishment. He now is in control of when I get to eat. He asked for proof of my diagnosis and diet bc he said I made it up just to be able to eat expensive organic foods. Then after I sent him my file from my doctor he then said she wasn’t a real doctor. 😡. I go days upon days starving, sometimes breaking down and eating things I shouldn’t bc I’m so sick then I pay horribly while he gets annoyed and angry bc I’m not keeping up with all the duties I’m supposed to be doing. His abuse turns full on when I’m down and it’s in these desperate times when I need his support and care the most that I’m punished with silence, being starved, ignored, belittled. He will create more of a mess just bc I’m unable to get up and clean so that when I am better, I’m so overwhelmed with chores to catch up that the stress causes me to go right back into a flare from hell and the cycle repeats. I’m punished for being sick. I’m belittled for starving and asking for healthy clean water. I’m purposely left out of his life. He won’t even tell me he’s going to the grocery or to get dinner bc he doesn’t want me to ask him for anything. I have no one. I have nothing. Im not better. My supplements ran out and I desperately need Vitamin D3 and a methylated B complex at the very minimal just to function….he stares at me blankly…no, a slight smirk, no words. He’s happiest when im miserable and I am miserable.  this is so long and im condensing as much as I can but this situation is so complicated and disgusting. And it’s currently my life. The “IT” girl, the healthy, beautiful, perfect skin, perfect teeth, thick and curly locks for days, creative and talented IT girl….now I won’t even leave this house bc Im ashamed of what this has dont to my body, my skin. Im disgusted. The stress is keeping me from healing and I think he knows that and that’s why he continues to keep me in that state. He doesn’t want me confident or successful. He doesn’t want me healed and healthy bc then how would he put the blame of all his problems on me? This journey has been hell and I’ve been in Hell before. I’ve been killed by an ex, I’ve been raped, robbed, held hostage, abused beyond nightmares but the cruelty I’ve experienced from him bc of this disease is the coldest I’ve ever experienced. I’ve wanted to give up. Starving and in tears, desperate…I found a local food pantry in our small town so I reached out just saying I had Celiac and was on hard times. This woman is blessing me daily with prepared gluten free meals, donations, educational info, people who know this disease and how they manage life and the blessings just keep coming. But it’s overwhelming and I feel like I don’t deserve it at all. He just glared and I know he’s going to sabotage it somehow. I don’t even know what to do anymore. I’m so broken and just want peace and healing. 
    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
×
×
  • 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.