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

Has This Ever Happened To You?

gfpirate

By gfpirate
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

gfpirate Rookie
gfpirate
Posted

Today we were doing a secret santa exchange for a club that I'm in. Beforehand, we all had to write on pieces of paper what our favorite candy was, etc; so the person drawing our name would have an idea of what to get us.

For mine, I specified that I'm allergic to wheat (I figured that would be easier than saying gluten, because more people know what wheat is).

I gave suggestions like Snickers and M&Ms and Hershey's dark chocolate, all of which are gluten-free.

So today I got my gift, and it was none other than Godiva Dark Chocolate, and on the package it said it contained WHEAT!! I was thinking, "Really? This person couldn't have taken the extra 5 seconds to check the label (it's clearly listed in the allergen statement)? And why couldn't they just have gotten one of the things I suggested??"

I know this sounds like an overreaction, and it probably is, I just needed to rant :P

I understand that it's the thought that counts, and I'm thankful they got me anything at all. I guess it's just the thoughtlessness that bothers me.

Anyone have any similar stories? The holidays can be tough with Celiac :(

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

Hey, Godiva!!! At least you have a nice gift to recycle :lol: No, peeps do not read labels much. Don't know if they even realize they are there. The only other people who read labels seem to be the ones counting calories.

gfpirate Rookie
gfpirate
Posted
  • Author

Hey, Godiva!!! At least you have a nice gift to recycle :lol: No, peeps do not read labels much. Don't know if they even realize they are there. The only other people who read labels seem to be the ones counting calories.

Yes, I was very happy to give it to my mom who LOVES dark chocolate:)) You're totally right, if I didn't have Celiac I probably would assume chocolate didn't have wheat in it also:p

GFreeMO Proficient
GFreeMO
Posted

It happens. Unless one is affected with celiac or food allergies, they don't pay attention to the ingredients. Just be glad that you didn't eat it!!

coco676 Newbie
coco676
Posted

I decided to avoid all Christmas functions with coworkers and my husband's coworkers because it's just not worth explaining the precautions I have to take. Sorry to hear that your Secret Santa was not v/ diligent.

Googles Community Regular
Googles
Posted

I'm conveniently avoiding the Christmas party tomorrow because I have a client and supervision. They are doing white elephant exchange, with my luck I would end up with gluten filled food at the end of it.

bigbird16 Apprentice
bigbird16
Posted

LOL For Christmas last year, my mom gave me a gluten-free bread mix and a regular wheaty cookie mix. I stuck the cookie mix in a plastic bag and gave it to a friend.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


pricklypear1971 Community Regular
pricklypear1971
Posted

I'm conveniently avoiding the Christmas party tomorrow because I have a client and supervision. They are doing white elephant exchange, with my luck I would end up with gluten filled food at the end of it.

That would be the ultimate irony, wouldn't it?

I remember one time trading to get the most ridiculous gift because I had a need for a gag gift. Ironically, something glutenous now counts...

rosetapper23 Explorer
rosetapper23
Posted

Yeah, I can relate. At our office holiday luncheon today, Outback Steakhouse catered it....but their idea of providing gluten-free "options" was to exclude serving me anything with gluten, not making any substitutions. That meant salad without dressing, no vegetables, and no dessert. I know that this particular restaurant has a gluten-free flourless chocolate cake, so I asked if they had brought one for me....and they said, "Oh, we should have thought of that. Sorry." Then there was a gift giveaway....and I won a gift certificate for an Outback Steakhouse "Blooming Onion," which is not gluten free. **sigh**

Also, I might add that my sister gives me, my mother, and both of my children (all of whom have celiac) a big tin of gingerbread cookies every Christmas even though she knows we can't eat them. My children feel so tempted, they usually end up cheating by eating a few of them...and then getting very sick. What's THAT all about?? What's wrong with her??

Oh, and lastly, tomorrow my boss is hosting a reception at Chevy's....and here in California, Chevy's doesn't accommodate people with celiac...so there will be nothing for me to eat. So, I will sit there politely nursing a drink and eating nothing. The holidays really tend to get me down...

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I got wheat germ oil containing lotion. I'll just give it away. It was hard enough for me to figure this stuff out. I can't expect it of casual acquaintances.

Darn210 Enthusiast
Darn210
Posted

I'm sure they thought they were being generous with the Godiva . . . and in most cases they would be . . . and really why would anyone (other than the label-reading-celiacs (and their mothers ;) )think that there might be a possibility of wheat in chocolate.

I have to throw out a good story, too . . . just to remind people that it DOES happen . . .

Every year I get a call from the school nurse to remind me to send a gluten free cookie in for my daughter for the school holiday party. (I always appreciate the reminder because the holidays get so busy.) Last year's teacher didn't know that I would send something in and she knew that my daughter needed to be gluten free. She brought in a bag of gluten free cookies for her to make sure she had something.

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted
Last year's teacher didn't know that I would send something in and she knew that my daughter needed to be gluten free. She brought in a bag of gluten free cookies for her to make sure she had something.

What an awesome teacher. She deserves a raise :)

It is hard this time of year. We get a lot of food at the office. I just keep telling myself my coworkers that I'm going to be really skinny by the time the holidays are over because I'm not eating any of that stuff.

lynnelise Apprentice
lynnelise
Posted

That would annoy me too! I guess the person was probably thinking they were being generous and giving you an upgrade. Who would think wheat was in chocolate? Crazy.

Of course the people I work with offer me cookies all the time and don't seem to understand that flour=wheat=gluten. I will tell them I can't have one and they look so surprised and say "gluten is in everything!" lol.

Mom of Boys Rookie
Mom of Boys
Posted

Would it be wrong to bring your own food?

Yeah, I can relate. At our office holiday luncheon today, Outback Steakhouse catered it....but their idea of providing gluten-free "options" was to exclude serving me anything with gluten, not making any substitutions. That meant salad without dressing, no vegetables, and no dessert. I know that this particular restaurant has a gluten-free flourless chocolate cake, so I asked if they had brought one for me....and they said, "Oh, we should have thought of that. Sorry." Then there was a gift giveaway....and I won a gift certificate for an Outback Steakhouse "Blooming Onion," which is not gluten free. **sigh**

Also, I might add that my sister gives me, my mother, and both of my children (all of whom have celiac) a big tin of gingerbread cookies every Christmas even though she knows we can't eat them. My children feel so tempted, they usually end up cheating by eating a few of them...and then getting very sick. What's THAT all about?? What's wrong with her??

Oh, and lastly, tomorrow my boss is hosting a reception at Chevy's....and here in California, Chevy's doesn't accommodate people with celiac...so there will be nothing for me to eat. So, I will sit there politely nursing a drink and eating nothing. The holidays really tend to get me down...

Mom of Boys Rookie
Mom of Boys
Posted

I'm sure they thought they were being generous with the Godiva . . . and in most cases they would be . . . and really why would anyone (other than the label-reading-celiacs (and their mothers ;) )think that there might be a possibility of wheat in chocolate.

I have to throw out a good story, too . . . just to remind people that it DOES happen . . .

Every year I get a call from the school nurse to remind me to send a gluten free cookie in for my daughter for the school holiday party. (I always appreciate the reminder because the holidays get so busy.) Last year's teacher didn't know that I would send something in and she knew that my daughter needed to be gluten free. She brought in a bag of gluten free cookies for her to make sure she had something.

We need a "like" button! HOw sweet of that teacher!

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,902
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Patty6133
    Newest Member
    Patty6133
    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

    • trents
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Judy M! Yes, he definitely needs to continue eating gluten until the day of the endoscopy. Not sure why the GI doc advised otherwise but it was a bum steer.  Celiac disease has a genetic component but also an "epigenetic" component. Let me explain. There are two main genes that have been identified as providing the "potential" to develop "active" celiac disease. We know them as HLA-DQ 2.5 (aka, HLA-DQ 2) and HLA-DQ8. Without one or both of these genes it is highly unlikely that a person will develop celiac disease at some point in their life. About 40% of the general population carry one or both of these two genes but only about 1% of the population develops active celiac disease. Thus, possessing the genetic potential for celiac disease is far less than deterministic. Most who have the potential never develop the disease. In order for the potential to develop celiac disease to turn into active celiac disease, some triggering stress event or events must "turn on" the latent genes. This triggering stress event can be a viral infection, some other medical event, or even prolonged psychological/emotional trauma. This part of the equation is difficult to quantify but this is the epigenetic dimension of the disease. Epigenetics has to do with the influence that environmental factors and things not coded into the DNA itself have to do in "turning on" susceptible genes. And this is why celiac disease can develop at any stage of life. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition (not a food allergy) that causes inflammation in the lining of the small bowel. The ingestion of gluten causes the body to attack the cells of this lining which, over time, damages and destroys them, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients since this is the part of the intestinal track responsible for nutrient absorption and also causing numerous other food sensitivities such as dairy/lactose intolerance. There is another gluten-related disorder known as NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or just, "gluten sensitivity") that is not autoimmune in nature and which does not damage the small bowel lining. However, NCGS shares many of the same symptoms with celiac disease such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It is also much more common than celiac disease. There is no test for NCGS so, because they share common symptoms, celiac disease must first be ruled out through formal testing for celiac disease. This is where your husband is right now. It should also be said that some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease. I hope this helps.
    • Judy M
      New (possible) celiac diagnosis

      By Judy M · Posted

      My husband has had lactose intolerance for his entire life (he's 68 yo).  So, he's used to gastro issues. But for the past year he's been experiencing bouts of diarrhea that last for hours.  He finally went to his gastroenterologist ... several blood tests ruled out other maladies, but his celiac results are suspect.  He is scheduled for an endoscopy and colonoscopy in 2 weeks.  He was told to eat "gluten free" until the tests!!!  I, and he know nothing about this "diet" much less how to navigate his in daily life!! The more I read, the more my head is spinning.  So I guess I have 2 questions.  First, I read on this website that prior to testing, eat gluten so as not to compromise the testing!  Is that true? His primary care doctor told him to eat gluten free prior to testing!  I'm so confused.  Second, I read that celiac disease is genetic or caused by other ways such as surgery.  No family history but Gall bladder removal 7 years ago, maybe?  But how in God's name does something like this crop up and now is so awful he can't go a day without worrying.  He still works in Manhattan and considers himself lucky if he gets there without incident!  Advice from those who know would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Scott Adams
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You've done an excellent job of meticulously tracking the rash's unpredictable behavior, from its symmetrical spread and stubborn scabbing to the potential triggers you've identified, like the asthma medication and dietary changes. It's particularly telling that the rash seems to flare with wheat consumption, even though your initial blood test was negative—as you've noted, being off wheat before a test can sometimes lead to a false negative, and your description of the other symptoms—joint pain, brain fog, stomach issues—is very compelling. The symmetry of the rash is a crucial detail that often points toward an internal cause, such as an autoimmune response or a systemic reaction, rather than just an external irritant like a plant or mites. I hope your doctor tomorrow takes the time to listen carefully to all of this evidence you've gathered and works with you to find some real answers and effective relief. Don't be discouraged if the rash fluctuates; your detailed history is the most valuable tool you have for getting an accurate diagnosis.
    • Scott Adams
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      In this case the beer is excellent, but for those who are super sensitive it is likely better to go the full gluten-free beer route. Lakefront Brewery (another sponsor!) has good gluten-free beer made without any gluten ingredients.
    • trents
      Patiently Waiting to See Results

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @catsrlife! Celiac disease can be diagnosed without committing to a full-blown "gluten challenge" if you get a skin biopsy done during an active outbreak of dermatitis herpetiformis, assuming that is what is causing the rash. There is no other known cause for dermatitis herpetiformis so it is definitive for celiac disease. You would need to find a dermatologist who is familiar with doing the biopsy correctly, however. The samples need to be taken next to the pustules, not on them . . . a mistake many dermatologists make when biopsying for dermatitis herpetiformis. 
×
×
  • 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.