Got Glutened For The First Time

[Emilushka]

I've only been diagnosed for a couple weeks, but I was really doing a lot better. Then all of a sudden last night I had the familiar feeling of bloating and nausea - I got glutened. I have no idea what got me because I checked all ingredients. I'm assuming at this point that it was cross-contamination because I ate some corn chips at a friend's house, and it was after that that I started to feel ill.

It's so frustrating! I was doing so well, and then there I was again: back to feeling awful and being kept up late at night.

How do you eat at other people's houses without getting glutened? Is it even possible?

[sahm-i-am]

Oh, I am so sorry you got glutened! It is a big wake up call. I have been gluten-free for 5 months and have been glutened 2 times. The first time I had family from out of town staying over and I had made them a key lime pie (not gluten free - mistake number one). After they left there was an entire pie left over. I proceeded to eat a huge piece and as soon as the last bite hit my tongue, my brain kicked in with a big "uh oh"! How stupid was that? Well, it was a learning experience. I don't get sick with being glutened, just a bit of heartburn, but still - so frustrating. The other time was an accident at a restaurant.

When I go to friend's houses and there are snacks I usually don't eat anything unless I bring it, and even then I will be very careful. People will pick up a slice of bread or a Wheat Thin and then grab some corn chips and bam! Cross contamination! Serving utensils would cut down a lot of this, but even then, it could happen. I recommend going already full and if you need to socially snack, bring a small bag of chips or whatever, dump them on your plate quietly and continue to have fun with your friends. Same with beer - bring your own. The host isn't going to mind - it's all about getting together and having fun. If you are constantly on alert you aren't going to have fun.

It does get easier!

[srall]

After I went gluten free, I started getting sick from corn. In fact, my reactions to corn and corn flour were almost worse than the gluten.

I agree with above poster about bringing your own snacks. It's the safest way to go.

[Emilushka]

Thanks, guys. I really have no idea where the contamination CAME from, which is why I thought it was OK to eat the chips. But I think you guys are right. I'll just make sure I bring food from home or am full before arriving at the friend's house.

You know, I don't mind the discomfort anymore. I don't like it and I'll stay gluten-free to not have it, but now that I understand what it is it's not so bad. I can get through that part. What kills me is that I was kept from sleep because I felt so bad - I hate losing sleep to Celiac! I used to just not eat anything at all past 7 PM before I was diagnosed because at least if I gave myself 3+ hours before bed, I'd feel OK enough by bedtime to be able to sleep. Last night I ate those corn chips at around 10 PM.

So I am kicking myself for this. I didn't realize I'd be so sensitive to cross-contamination so soon ...