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

Dating A Celiac

julie-karandonis

Recommended Posts

julie-karandonis Newbie
julie-karandonis
Posted

I'm seventeen and have a boyfriend for the first time in my life. He is incredibly sweet and I care a lot about him (we've been best friends for a long time before dating) - he's amazing. He is celiac, though, and so I'm worried about kissing him! It'll be my first kiss ever, so I'm nervous enough as is, and now I'm scared that he'll get sick if I have traces of gluten on my lips or something! I would feel horrible if he got sick because of me!

After researching this I found articles that suggested that I switch to gluten-free makeup, shampoo, and toothpaste as well! Is this true? I would do it, because he really is very important to me, but I just wanted a few opinions as to whether these are necessary precautions I need to take!

I am not sure to what level he is sensitive to gluten. We were out for dinner once (at a restaurant with gluten-free options), and they put regular bread on his plate instead of gluten-free. He asked to switch it, and they apologized and asked if he needed a new salad because it had been resting on his salad. He said that he would be fine, though. This leads me to believe it might not be SUPER sensitive?

I'm really not certain...

Opinions?

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Gluten Free Traveller Newbie
Gluten Free Traveller
Posted

Hey Julie!

It's so great to hear that you are taking your boyfriend's disease seriously and that you care enough about him to come onto this forum. He is a lucky guy!

If he has been diagnosed with celiac disease then he can't consume any gluten at all but don't worry too much about making him sick as there are a couple of simple precautions to take

* Be careful that you don't eat anything with gluten before you kiss him. (or if you do them first wash out your mouth or brush your teeth)

* Anything you put in or near to your mouth could be a concern if you're going to kiss him so make sure you don't wear any lip gloss/lip stick containing gluten. If you aren't sure which brands are safe don't wear any before you visit him :)

* Any other non food things should be fine. Most regular toothpaste brands are gluten free so you shouldn't have to worry there and your shampoo won't affect him unless he plans to eat your hair :)

bartfull Rising Star
bartfull
Posted

Julie, yes, it's wonderful for him that he has someone in his life who is so caring and willing to go the extra mile to make sure he doesn't get sick. You are a good person!

I'm thinking that maybe the reason he didn't send the salad back is that he didn't want to look picky or sick in front of you.

The lipstick could be a problem, but if you BOTH eat gluten free on date nights, you won't have to worry about kissing him. And I'm sure he will appreciate it that you care enough to find out what gluten free tastes like. (I think you will be pleasantly surprised.)

julie-karandonis Newbie
julie-karandonis
Posted
  • Author

Thank you so much for your opinions - they're greatly appreciated!

I do care a lot about him, he is very important to me, and is probably one of the people in my life who brings me the most happiness. Making adjustments in my lifestyle for him wouldn't really bother me because it's all for the greater good :)

I cook a lot of my own food already because I'm vegetarian while the rest of my family isn't, so I might try to start cooking more gluten-free recipes. I've done a little research and have found a few cooking blogs for gluten-free vegetarians, but if anyone has any good websites/books to recommend, I'd love to hear it!

Is it okay to keep a travel toothbrush/toothpaste in my purse so that I can brush my teeth if we go out spontaneously? Is that wierd?

Kjas Newbie
Kjas
Posted

It's perfectly okay to keep toothpaste, a toothbrush and soap in your purse. My boyfriend has to carry those things with him every time he comes to see me. Once you get used to it, it's no big deal.

Thank you for being so thoughtful to him, I hope he appreciates it.

MrsVJW Newbie
MrsVJW
Posted

It's not at all odd to carry a toothbrush and toothpaste around with you. It doesn't happen so much with teenagers, but as you get older you'll find that there are a lot of people who carry around those and brush their teeth every time after they eat.

It's not a bad habit to start brushing your teeth after you eat, even if you don't think you've had gluten, since there is a lot of cross-contamination you don't know about until after the fact. Also makes being "spontaneous" a little easier since you don't have to go suddenly brush your teeth, or be asked to.

I'm an old married lady who has a husband who still eats his gluten, and usually things are fine as long as he brushes his own teeth after eating or drinking something with gluten in it, and I usually also brush my own teeth too.

If you're interested in getting started in learning about cooking, I highly recommend the Joy of Cooking "All About Vegetarian" cookbook. A lot of the recipes in there are naturally gluten-free, and very, very tasty.

  • 2 weeks later...
MenHen Rookie
MenHen
Posted

Thank you so much for your opinions - they're greatly appreciated!

I do care a lot about him, he is very important to me, and is probably one of the people in my life who brings me the most happiness. Making adjustments in my lifestyle for him wouldn't really bother me because it's all for the greater good :)

I cook a lot of my own food already because I'm vegetarian while the rest of my family isn't, so I might try to start cooking more gluten-free recipes. I've done a little research and have found a few cooking blogs for gluten-free vegetarians, but if anyone has any good websites/books to recommend, I'd love to hear it!

Is it okay to keep a travel toothbrush/toothpaste in my purse so that I can brush my teeth if we go out spontaneously? Is that wierd?

First, so awesome of you to be so caring and willing to accomodate at such a early stage. Is it wierd to carry around toothbrush - absolutely not. For completly different reasons, I used to in high school. I had some family issues and kind of traveled from friends house to friends house. I always had my back up essentials and no one ever once questioned that. Maybe I was lucky, but it is so not weird. It is just so awesome to hear someone of your age to be so compassionate about what dangers another person. You will go so far in your life whether it is with this guy or someone else all due to you being understanding. I would like to hope I would be the same way in your shoes but I was never faced with that.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 2 weeks later...
maramelia Newbie
maramelia
Posted

Dear julie, its really lovely to see you with this care to your love.

And ill pray to have a girlfriend like u to my boy in the future... :)))) he is now just 6... :)))

rgds mara

  • 2 weeks later...
julie-karandonis Newbie
julie-karandonis
Posted
  • Author

Thank you, everybody, for your sweet and supportive responses! They really helped me to feel less worry about kissing him!

Just so you all know, the first kiss went totally smoothly :)

As did the second :)

I feel very fortunate to have him in my life, and I'm glad that there is a place on the internet where I can ask questions about celiac disease to such kind, friendly people! Thanks so much, again, for your help!

And Mara (beautiful name, by the way), thank you for your kind words! One day when your son is older, I'm sure he will find a lovely girl who cares a lot about him, :)

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

Just so you all know, the first kiss went totally smoothly :)

As did the second :)

:) :) :) :) :) :)

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your research into celiac and your grasp of it at the age of 17. You are certainly far more mature than I was at that age! It sounds as though you are both blessed to have each other.

All the best to you and your healthy relationship.

Just think - that THIRD kiss will be even better! :D

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

You sound like such a wonderful considerate caring girl. I sure hope my just turned 17 year old daughter will be able to find a male equivalent.

julie-karandonis Newbie
julie-karandonis
Posted
  • Author

You people are all so sweet, you have no idea how much your replies made me smile :)

Archived

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

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      @rei.b, I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be. I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse. My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet. It makes a big difference. Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies. So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms...
    2. captaincrab55
      - captaincrab55 replied to lmemsm's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Finding gluten free ingredients

      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal. My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet. I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free...
    3. rei.b
      - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      Okay well the info about TTG-A actually makes a lot of sense and I wish the PA had explained that to me. But yes, I would assume I would have intestinal damage from eating a lot of gluten for 32 years while having all these symptoms. As far as avoiding gluten foods - I was definitely not doing that. Bread, pasta, quesadillas (with flour tortillas) and...
    4. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      So you're saying that you think you should have severe intestinal damage since you've had the symptoms so long? DGP IgG antibodies are produced in response to a partial gluten molecule. This is different than what tissue transglutaminase antibodies are produced in response to. TTg IgA antibodies are produced in the intestines in response to...
    5. rei.b
      - rei.b replied to rei.b's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      14

      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      I was tested for celiac at the same time, so I wasn't taking naltrexone yet. I say that, because I don't. The endoscopy showed some mild inflammation but was inconclusive as to celiac disease. They took several biopsies and that's all that was shown. I was not given a Marsh score.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,130
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Tony White
    Newest Member
    Tony White
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @rei.b,  I understand how frustrating starting a new way of eating can be.  I tried all sorts of gluten-free processed foods and just kept feeling worse.  My health didn't improve until I started the low histamine AIP diet.  It makes a big difference.   Gluten fits into opioid receptors in our bodies.  So, removing gluten can cause withdrawal symptoms and reveals the underlying discomfort.  SIBO can cause digestive symptoms.  SIBO can prevent vitamins from being absorbed by the intestines.  Thiamine insufficiency causes Gastrointestinal Beriberi (bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation).  Thiamine is the B vitamin that runs out first because it can only be stored for two weeks.  We need more thiamine when we're sick or under emotional stress.  Gastric Beriberi is under recognised by doctors.  An Erythrocyte Transketolace Activity test is more accurate than a blood test for thiamine deficiency, but the best way to see if you're low in thiamine is to take it and look for health improvement.  Don't take Thiamine Mononitrate because the body can't utilize it well.  Try Benfotiamine.  Thiamine is water soluble, nontoxic and safe even at high doses.  I thought it was crazy, too, but simple vitamins and minerals are important.  The eight B vitamins work together, so a B Complex, Benfotiamine,  magnesium and Vitamin D really helped get my body to start healing, along with the AIP diet.  Once you heal, you add foods back in, so the AIP diet is worth doing for a few months. I do hope you'll consider the AIP diet and Benfotiamine.
    • captaincrab55
      Finding gluten free ingredients

      By captaincrab55 · Posted

      Imemsm, Most of us have experienced discontinued, not currently available or products that suddenly become seasonal.   My biggest fear about relocating from Maryland to Florida 5 years ago, was being able to find gluten-free foods that fit my restricted diet.  I soon found out that the Win Dixie and Publix supper markets actually has 99% of their gluten-free foods tagged, next to the price.  The gluten-free tags opened up a  lot of foods that aren't actually marked gluten-free by the manufacture.  Now I only need to check for my other dietary restrictions.  Where my son lives in New Hartford, New York there's a Hannaford Supermarket that also has a gluten-free tag next to the price tag.  Hopefully you can locate a Supermarket within a reasonable travel distance that you can learn what foods to check out at a Supermarket close to you.  I have dermatitis herpetiformis too and I'm very sensitive to gluten and the three stores I named were very gluten-free friendly.  Good Luck 
    • rei.b
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By rei.b · Posted

      Okay well the info about TTG-A actually makes a lot of sense and I wish the PA had explained that to me. But yes, I would assume I would have intestinal damage from eating a lot of gluten for 32 years while having all these symptoms. As far as avoiding gluten foods - I was definitely not doing that. Bread, pasta, quesadillas (with flour tortillas) and crackers are my 4 favorite foods and I ate at least one of those things multiple times a day e.g. breakfast with eggs and toast, a cheese quesadilla for lunch, and pasta for dinner, and crackers and cheese as a before bed snack. I'm not even kidding.  I'm not really big on sugar, so I don't really do sweets. I don't have any of those conditions.  I am not sure if I have the genes or not. When the geneticist did my genetic testing for EDS this year, I didn't think to ask for him to request the celiac genes so they didn't test for them, unfortunately.  I guess another expectation I had is  that if gluten was the issue, the gluten-free diet would make me feel better, and I'm 3 months in and that hasn't been the case. I am being very careful and reading every label because I didn't want to screw this up and have to do gluten-free for longer than necessary if I end up not having celiac. I'm literally checking everything, even tea and anything else prepacked like caramel dip. Honestly its making me anxious 😅
    • knitty kitty
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      So you're saying that you think you should have severe intestinal damage since you've had the symptoms so long?   DGP IgG antibodies are produced in response to a partial gluten molecule.  This is different than what tissue transglutaminase antibodies are  produced in response to.   TTg IgA antibodies are produced in the intestines in response to gluten.  The tTg IgA antibodies attack our own cells because a structural component in our cell membranes resembles a part of gluten.  There's a correlation between the level of intestinal damage with the level of tTg antibodies produced.  You are not producing a high number of tTg IgA antibodies, so your level of tissue damage in your intestines is not very bad.  Be thankful.   There may be reasons why you are not producing a high quantity of tTg IgA antibodies.  Consuming ten grams or more of gluten a day for two weeks to two months before blood tests are done is required to get sufficient antibody production and damage to the intestines.  Some undiagnosed people tend to subconsciously avoid lots of gluten.  Cookies and cakes do not contain as much gluten as artisan breads and thick chewy pizza crust.  Anemia, diabetes and thiamine deficiency can affect IgA antibody production as well.   Do you carry genes for Celiac?  They frequently go along with EDS.
    • rei.b
      High DGP-A with normal IGA

      By rei.b · Posted

      I was tested for celiac at the same time, so I wasn't taking naltrexone yet. I say that, because I don't. The endoscopy showed some mild inflammation but was inconclusive as to celiac disease. They took several biopsies and that's all that was shown. I was not given a Marsh score.
×
×
  • 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.