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

Anxious About Thanksgiving

bridgetm

By bridgetm
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted

I had been contemplating which of my favorite pre-gluten-intolerance foods could stay on the menu when I found out that plans had already been made to go to a relatives' for dinner. They know about my food problems and have taken steps in the past to ensure that there is something safe for me to eat. However, I have become more sensitive since we last ate with them and I expect this dinner to be a cross-contamination nightmare. I plan to eat something before I go so that my stomach won't start growling if I'm forced to sit with a nearly empty plate. I have one big question that should solve a few problems:

They plan to make dressing along with the turkey. Obviously the dressing must be avoided (and any pieces of meat that were in direct contact), but if it is cooked inside of the turkey can the gluten be transferred to the meat during the cooking process? If I am at least able to take a slice of meat safely, I know I can avoid the majority of the "just-one-bite" comments and questions.

My plan is to bring a few slices of my own bread, already buttered to avoid CC. I should be able to manage a small amount of mashed potatoes despite the milk. And I can fill the gaps on my plate with some veggies and the chips that will likely be set out as appetizers-- I have never appreciated the predictability of some family dinners until now.

Thank you for the support!

On a side note: I had an MRI last week for continuing severe episodes of intestinal/digestive symptoms (i.e. D, vomiting, malabsorption) and it looks to be a low-grade ulcer and/or the beginning stages of an inflammatory disease. An upper endoscopy last month showed severe reflux. I'm having another MRI next month to get more detail, partly because the contrast solution they had me drink didn't make it all the way through my system. Thanks to my food diary, in which I also note any severe symptoms, I have noticed that these episodes tend to occur only once a month, right on schedule... It appears I am fighting hormones in addition to stomach acid, gluten, soy, dairy and fructose.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Dixiebell Contributor
Dixiebell
Posted

I wouldn't eat the turkey if stuffing is cooked inside it. Also I have heard that some turkeys are labeled gluten free, that makes me wonder if some turkeys are injected with gluten containing liquids. I guess I will be resaerching that soon.

Why don't you cook some safe items at home and take them with you? My daughter is now eating gluten-free and she was worried about eating at her inlaws and I told her to take some of the food that I am cooking with her so she can eat with the family, safely.

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted
  • Author

I wouldn't eat the turkey if stuffing is cooked inside it. Also I have heard that some turkeys are labeled gluten free, that makes me wonder if some turkeys are injected with gluten containing liquids. I guess I will be resaerching that soon.

Why don't you cook some safe items at home and take them with you? My daughter is now eating gluten-free and she was worried about eating at her inlaws and I told her to take some of the food that I am cooking with her so she can eat with the family, safely.

Bringing my own is probably a good idea; I was planning to stock up on turkey when it goes on sale for the holidays anyway. Some of my friends thought I was completely OCD for worrying about the stuffing. Thank you for your reply!

cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

dixiebell- ARE YOU SERIOUS??? now i gotta worry about the turkey???

OY

to original poster: since i am celiac, my sis is gluten free, and my mom & dad SHOULD be getting tested but havent-> my plan of action is for me & my sis to help my mom cook right. i got Pamela's cornbread mix... i'll buy some additional gluten-free bread- & my sis & i will make sure the Cornbread Dressing is Gluten Free... we'll have to be on top of it to make sure mom doesnt accidentally use any regular or spelt flour or demiglace for any stuffing or gravy... this could be tough- but it has to be done. all our veggies & rice will be fine. not sure what pies my mom is making- if they've got gluten i'll just abstain. plus- im hoping to make some gluten free pumpkin cupcakes...

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

we are going to a friend's and I am worried about CC. Flour flying in the air on one kitchen counter and our friend trying to make something for me on the other counter.......Not working for me! I decided to make my own stuffing to bring and we agreed on a couple of other things that I will make to share. That way I can eat my own stuff and feel safe. And I agree - no way would I eat turkey that had stuffing cooked inside of it and yes, some turkeys are injected. Food just isn't simple is it???? :rolleyes:

cyberprof Enthusiast
cyberprof
Posted

Bringing my own is probably a good idea; I was planning to stock up on turkey when it goes on sale for the holidays anyway. Some of my friends thought I was completely OCD for worrying about the stuffing. Thank you for your reply!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news... but all it takes to contaminate mashed potatoes is one person putting the stuffing spooon into the potatoes. All it takes to contaminate the plate of veggies is for someone to drop a roll into the bowl or tear a roll over the appetizer. The permutations of Cross contamination are endless, sad to say.

Bringing your own plate is a great solution. Others are making your own turkey/stuffing/veggis or hosting dinner at your house gluten-free.

Marz Enthusiast
Marz
Posted

One way to avoid the dipped spoon situation is to look like a hungry soul and dish up for yourself first :) Preferably as lids are being taken off dishes/put out on the table etc. That way family can share spoons amongst the food to their heart's content. CC is a great pain, I must admit :(

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cyberprof Enthusiast
cyberprof
Posted

One way to avoid the dipped spoon situation is to look like a hungry soul and dish up for yourself first :) Preferably as lids are being taken off dishes/put out on the table etc. That way family can share spoons amongst the food to their heart's content. CC is a great pain, I must admit :(

Yes, that's a great idea. I do that too at potlucks where there are, for example, cut up fresh fruit and veggies or purchased dips or hummus.

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted
  • Author

One way to avoid the dipped spoon situation is to look like a hungry soul and dish up for yourself first :) Preferably as lids are being taken off dishes/put out on the table etc. That way family can share spoons amongst the food to their heart's content. CC is a great pain, I must admit :(

That was my plan ;) And when that's not possible I will be watching those spoons like a hawk. Luckily, in my case, "the whole family" means less than 10, but I haven't eaten at a table of more than 3 or 4 family members since this started. However, I'll have 2-3 people keeping an eye out for me and my plate, who will station me in a chair closest to my staple dishes.

Watching other people eat doesn't faze me at all anymore. I just hope I won't have to listen to too much "Just one bite?" and "Not even the filling?" and "But that was always your favorite."

Marilyn R Community Regular
Marilyn R
Posted

Watching other people eat doesn't faze me at all anymore. I just hope I won't have to listen to too much "Just one bite?" and "Not even the filling?" and "But that was always your favorite."

Ahorsesoul Enthusiast
Ahorsesoul
Posted

"That's before I realized it made me sicker than a dog. This is a disease, you know! I'm so happy holidays are all about being thankful and being with family. Thank you for bringing my old favorite, and for noticing that I can't have it even though I'd love to. Would you like some Cranberry sauce?" ;) How was Uncle Bill's wake? (Divert the discussion,)

Excellent example of what to say and how to move the conversation along.

I suggest you bring a dish to share. Fill your plate with it and enjoy the family. If you cook your own turkey dinner the day before you will not miss not having a slice of contaminated turkey.

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted
  • Author

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

Marilyn R ~ I love it!! "Thank you for bringing my old favorite, and for noticing that I can't have it even though I'd love to." Why does it seem like others always point out how yummy everything looks & smells and then look Directly at you??!! grrr. have a lot of new favorites now, thank you. :lol:

Marz Enthusiast
Marz
Posted

Why does it seem like others always point out how yummy everything looks & smells and then look Directly at you??!! grrr.

It's the "Oh thank goodness I don't have to give this up" look :/

I hate the "I don't think I could *ever* give up my bread" comments - um, yes you could if it was making you sick as a dog :P

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted
  • Author

It's the "Oh thank goodness I don't have to give this up" look :/

I hate the "I don't think I could *ever* give up my bread" comments - um, yes you could if it was making you sick as a dog :P

Or "Well, what DO you eat???"

Well, for starters, there is gluten-free bread. And then there's the novel idea of real food with flavoring agents you can actually pronounce.

I get this mostly from classmates who find it hard to believe that someone can live off of anything other than ramen noodles and pizza, but it occasionally comes from frustrated family members who just want me to accept something they made.

I have noticed that once I say I can't eat a particular dish, the people around me start taking extra helpings even though they don't particular enjoy that food. "I might as well eat it and enjoy it just because I can."

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

"aren't you a little over the top about this cross contamination stuff?" :angry:

Marilyn R Community Regular
Marilyn R
Posted

I had been contemplating which of my favorite pre-gluten-intolerance foods could stay on the menu when I found out that plans had already been made to go to a relatives' for dinner. They know about my food problems and have taken steps in the past to ensure that there is something safe for me to eat. However, I have become more sensitive since we last ate with them and I expect this dinner to be a cross-contamination nightmare. I plan to eat something before I go so that my stomach won't start growling if I'm forced to sit with a nearly empty plate. I have one big question that should solve a few problems:

They plan to make dressing along with the turkey. Obviously the dressing must be avoided (and any pieces of meat that were in direct contact), but if it is cooked inside of the turkey can the gluten be transferred to the meat during the cooking process? If I am at least able to take a slice of meat safely, I know I can avoid the majority of the "just-one-bite" comments and questions.

My plan is to bring a few slices of my own bread, already buttered to avoid CC. I should be able to manage a small amount of mashed potatoes despite the milk. And I can fill the gaps on my plate with some veggies and the chips that will likely be set out as appetizers-- I have never appreciated the predictability of some family dinners until now.

Thank you for the support!

On a side note: I had an MRI last week for continuing severe episodes of intestinal/digestive symptoms (i.e. D, vomiting, malabsorption) and it looks to be a low-grade ulcer and/or the beginning stages of an inflammatory disease. An upper endoscopy last month showed severe reflux. I'm having another MRI next month to get more detail, partly because the contrast solution they had me drink didn't make it all the way through my system. Thanks to my food diary, in which I also note any severe symptoms, I have noticed that these episodes tend to occur only once a month, right on schedule... It appears I am fighting hormones in addition to stomach acid, gluten, soy, dairy and fructose.

I thought about this post today, and thought a proper response to some relative ranting about us not eating their contribution could be... "Aunt Pearl, thank you for bringing your wonderful peach cobbler, you know I've always loved it. If I eat that today, though, it's like shooting myself in the foot! It won't kill me, but I'll be miserable for for a day or so, might miss work, then I'll feel like a dumb a.. for having shot myself in my foot!

If that doesn't work, and things are getting heated, you can tell Aunt Pearl that you will sneak a piece of her cobbler, but only if she'll put half a cup of "SHUT UP" in it. (You have to work on the delivery, it's ok if you do it with a smile and twinkle in your eye and the right tone of voice.)

I hope your stomach acid problems will be corrected with a gluten-free diet. That happenned for me, and I wish you all of the best right now and for the holidays. :)

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted
  • Author

I thought about this post today, and thought a proper response to some relative ranting about us not eating their contribution could be... "Aunt Pearl, thank you for bringing your wonderful peach cobbler, you know I've always loved it. If I eat that today, though, it's like shooting myself in the foot! It won't kill me, but I'll be miserable for for a day or so, might miss work, then I'll feel like a dumb a.. for having shot myself in my foot!

If that doesn't work, and things are getting heated, you can tell Aunt Pearl that you will sneak a piece of her cobbler, but only if she'll put half a cup of "SHUT UP" in it. (You have to work on the delivery, it's ok if you do it with a smile and twinkle in your eye and the right tone of voice.)

I hope your stomach acid problems will be corrected with a gluten-free diet. That happenned for me, and I wish you all of the best right now and for the holidays. :)

I love this! I used a similar "did you sprinkle any shut-your-mouth over the top?" line on a friend this summer. It actually turned into a fun conversation but only because she can be just as sarcastically cynical as me at times. The delivery would have to be pretty slick to go over with the fam though. How about "I bet if you stopped talking you would be better able to enjoy the food your body has the ability to digest."

I am very tempted just to turn into the dinner guest who mopes at one end of the table with a bottle of wine and my own 100% uncontaminated bag of chips, because if you look even remotely interested in talking someone is going to make dumb comments.

As far as the stomach acid goes, I'm having a second MRI on Friday. A good percentage of the liter of contrast fluid they made me drink was retained in my stomach so they got limited details on the images. This time they want me on clear fluids only on Thursday to flush out my system as much as possible. I go straight from there to the specialist. For now, I'm back on the Prilosec and keeping the Pepto close at hand.

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,859
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Lesley-Anne
    Newest Member
    Lesley-Anne
    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.