Wwyd

[Annaatje]

We quite recently found out that my 5 year old son has celiac disease. He had an endoscopy/biopsy two weeks ago after which we immediately started him on the gluten-free-diet.

At home it's going alright, we just have to watch for cross-contamination, but it's some social situations that are just so awkward and I could use some advice about it.

- Our neighbour baked some things for us, all ingredients are gluten-free, but may have been contaminated. She made some (really yummy!) chocolate peanut butter cups, but I figured that their peanut butter jar would be contaminated, so didn't give them to DS. But, she also made some (also very yummy) macaroons. Again, all ingredients are okay, but now I am worried about the measuring cups etc.

- We invited some friends over for lunch this weekend. Today I had a voice mail from them that they feel that I should not be doing all the work (we just had our 3rd baby), which of course is really, really sweet. But again, if they bring food I don't know what to do. First of all I feel kind of bad asking them to go through the trouble of making it gluten-free and even if they did I would be worried about cross-contamination, or just plain mistakes. I now know how difficult it is to everything right and even realised that I accidentally glutened a celiac friend a couple of years ago, before we were dealing with celiac disease in our own family.

Please tell me that these things get easier over time.... I really want to be strict with DS's diet, because I figure that if he still ingests gluten we are doing all the work for nothing. Another thing that I was hoping to achieve is that in our own house DS will be able to eat everything, because he will already be faced with so many restrictions when he goes elsewhere..

Anyway.. as you can see I am still pretty confused about this whole thing and could use some advice from the experienced people out there.

[kareng]

Hi!

First: I looked at your title Wwyd and thought "What new wierd disease is that?"

Gave me a good laugh when I figured it out!

I just make everything when people come to my house. My mom was always wanting to make me potatoe salad. Her recipe makes too much for her & my dad to eat. I had to explain that seh was cokking & draining the potatoes in the same pan & colander she made pasta in last night. Sometimes she will bring things for my boys (I'm the Celiac) & that's OK. It is harder since your gluten-free one is sooo young.

If people really want to help & you are OK with this:

- Come early and take the kids or the baby so you can fix food. Tell them that would be a welcome relief for you.

- Suggest they Bring packaged stuff, wine, soft drinks you know are OK

- Have them come early & help cook or the day before to bake

- Make your menu easy & simple. They can help by grilling chicken at your house.

Good luck.

[rgarton]

I found that problem with myself recently in social situations and a simple "I really can't risk being ill just in case" works most times, friends should not be offended and should understand. Explain about cross contamination and that ANYTHING they use to bake or cook that has been in contact with gluten (at any point in time) will cause your son to be ill but you appreciate the gesture? Unless they are willing to buy new utensils and cooking equipment don't make it more awkward than it needs to be and don't leave room for questions just state it as very matter of fact.

[Gfresh404]

It's really just not worth the risk of getting glutened.

I just try not to make a big deal out of it and if they keep pushing the issue - just calmly explain the situation to them. Most people are totally unaware of how sensitive Celiacs are.

And things will get easier over time - this I can tell you. Once you find a set of products in each food group that your son really likes, ie cereal, almond milk etc. - it's a lot easier.

[Cara in Boston]

We are having the same problem My 6 year old and I have recently been diagnosed and our extended family is going out of their way to make things for us at family events (which there are a lot of). I gave in at the first two events and both of us had symptoms. Since then I have insisted that it really isn't necessary but they still do it. So now I just lie and say "For the time being, since we are just starting out, the DOCTOR says we can't eat anything prepared in a kitchen that is not gluten-free. This seemed to work. Last get-together had more gluten-free packaged options and saying no to a homemade treat was easier.

They also have been buying all kinds of treats and bringing them to the house. It is very sweet of them to think of us every time they see a new gluten-free product but really, we never ate Fruity Pebbles or packaged cookies before, why would we start now?

I know they mean well. Hopefully, the novelty will wear off soon.

Cara

[Annaatje]

Thanks for the advice!

I think that I find this especially hard because we are so lucky to have wonderful friends who are really wanting to learn about celiac disease and even want to prepare gluten-free foods. And before celiac disease took up residence in our own house I always was trying to accommodate my gluten-free and/or vegan friends whenever they came to my house, so I really appreciate what everyone is doing for us.

I am so glad that this forum exists!