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

Questions Re Shared Toaster Oven, Initialisms

KikiB

By KikiB
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted

I'm still doing a gluten challenge before my endoscopy, but I'm trying to only eat gluten at night because it makes me so sick. This morning at work I made my gluten-free English Muffin in the shared Toaster Oven -- as I have done for the past week.

I always lay foil down on the shelf before I put the muffin in so it's only touching brand new foil.

But I got sick soon after (for me it's massive fatigue and muscle weakness, and have been sick all day. Could I have been glutened by the toaster oven even though I used my own new foil over the shelf?

(Apologies in advance if this is a dumb question!)

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • Replies 68
  • Created
  • Last Reply
shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

mmm i'm thinking its more of touching the oven (gluteny hands and whatnot) that might have gotten you.

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

Can I get glutened by touching the toaster handle?

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Can I get glutened by touching the toaster handle?

Yep...I use a paper towel to open and close the microwave at work.

Admittedly, I am a super-sensitive silly-yak.

Couple other thoughts:

Was this the first time you had that particular brand of gluten-free english muffin? Some gluten-free items can be difficult on your system.

It is also possible that you reacted to your previous gluten consumption - it's going to be very difficult to figure these things out until you are gluten-free - heck, it's difficult to figure them out even when you've been gluten-free for years ;)

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

Was this the first time you had that particular brand of gluten-free english muffin? Some gluten-free items can be difficult on your system.

It is also possible that you reacted to your previous gluten consumption - it's going to be very difficult to figure these things out until you are gluten-free - heck, it's difficult to figure them out even when you've been gluten-free for years ;)

They are Glutino English Muffins and I have been eating them for breakfast for the last week and a half without problems.

Maybe I am reacting to the previous day's gluten, hadn't thought of that. Although I felt ok until I ate that muffin. I kind of feel like I am getting worse by the day the last few days. Sigh.

I will use your suggestion of the paper towel and won't touch the handle or buttons anymore. Thanks!

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

We have a shared toaster oven at home. I use the top rack and husband uses the bottom....so far without issue (after several years). I clean the tray often. But, then I'm not that sensitive. What may work for me, may not work for others, as Lisa.

Everyone will vary in severity and duration. And some will react to many things, gluten or non-gluten until some healing can take place. If you're still on a gluten challenge, it could be anything.

Oh..and I wanted to add that when I get zapped, I feel it about 22 hour later. But, as I said, everyone will vary.

Hopefully, you will have some answers soon. AND, there are no dumb questions here. B)

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

Everyone will vary in severity and duration. And some will react to many things, gluten or non-gluten until some healing can take place. If you're still on a gluten challenge, it could be anything.

Oh..and I wanted to add that when I get zapped, I feel it about 22 hour later. But, as I said, everyone will vary.

Hopefully, you will have some answers soon. AND, there are no dumb questions here. B)

Thank you!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Yep...I use a paper towel to open and close the microwave at work.

Admittedly, I am a super-sensitive silly-yak.

Couple other thoughts:

Was this the first time you had that particular brand of gluten-free english muffin? Some gluten-free items can be difficult on your system.

It is also possible that you reacted to your previous gluten consumption - it's going to be very difficult to figure these things out until you are gluten-free - heck, it's difficult to figure them out even when you've been gluten-free for years ;)

I really feel the need to clarify this......you cannot be glutened by merely touching something that may be gluten containing. It has to find it's way into your GI tract. If you had licked the toaster handle, OK, that would be a problem but you don't do that! No one does that. :o Gluten can be handled by even the most sensitive of Celiacs (of which I am one) but you have to remember to wash your hands, always, before eating, or always after touching something you are unsure of. Everyone should be doing that, not just the Celiac population. It's a hygiene issue.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

I really feel the need to clarify this......you cannot be glutened by merely touching something that may be gluten containing. It has to find it's way into your GI tract. If you had licked the toaster handle, OK, that would be a problem but you don't do that! No one does that. :o Gluten can be handled by even the most sensitive of Celiacs (of which I am one) but you have to remember to wash your hands, always, before eating, or always after touching something you are unsure of. Everyone should be doing that, not just the Celiac population. It's a hygiene issue.

Gemini is correct - you can't get glutened by touching surfaces containing gluten. In the shared "kitchen" of our office there was no sink - so rather than trudge down the hall to wash after warming my food I decided to use a paper towel to open/close the micro. It is far better to wash each time you encounter gluten - just not always convenient.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Not a dumb question at all, Kiki!

I am thinking you are having a reaction from gluten ingestion, period, so it is difficult to blame the toaster or the muffin or anything, for that matter. I just blame the gluten.

Under a gluten challenge, who can say when/how you will feel worse? None of us. Inflammation from gluten/celiac can last a long time.

For example, even after my DX and being gluten-free, I was still very ill for quite some time.

Unfortunately, until you are gluten-free entirely, you may feel pretty rotten, hon. Sorry. :(

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Gemini is correct - you can't get glutened by touching surfaces containing gluten. In the shared "kitchen" of our office there was no sink - so rather than trudge down the hall to wash after warming my food I decided to use a paper towel to open/close the micro. It is far better to wash each time you encounter gluten - just not always convenient.

Thanks for clarifying that, GottaSki! I KNOW you know your stuff with regards to Celiac and I didn't want to annoy anyone but if you don't clarify that, you know what will happen! ;):o

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

Didn't annoy me in the least - I often add CYA statements and am glad you were covering mine this time when I was unclear -- Thanks!

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I'm still doing a gluten challenge before my endoscopy, but I'm trying to only eat gluten at night because it makes me so sick. This morning at work I made my gluten-free English Muffin in the shared Toaster Oven -- as I have done for the past week.

I always lay foil down on the shelf before I put the muffin in so it's only touching brand new foil.

But I got sick soon after (for me it's massive fatigue and muscle weakness, and have been sick all day. Could I have been glutened by the toaster oven even though I used my own new foil over the shelf?

(Apologies in advance if this is a dumb question!)

Hi Kiki,

The immune system reaction doesn't stop after a few hours. It will keep going as long as you are eating gluten. Your symptoms may vary during the challenge, getting better or worse at times. If you are eating gluten every day for the challenge, your reactions each day are kind of unpredictable. It is possible they will get progressively stronger over time, or they may plateau for a while or even taper off. Everyone has their own experience and it is not something standard for each person. Some people have no symptoms at all but still have damage to their gut going on.

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

I really feel the need to clarify this......you cannot be glutened by merely touching something that may be gluten containing. It has to find it's way into your GI tract. If you had licked the toaster handle, OK, that would be a problem but you don't do that! No one does that. :o Gluten can be handled by even the most sensitive of Celiacs (of which I am one) but you have to remember to wash your hands, always, before eating, or always after touching something you are unsure of. Everyone should be doing that, not just the Celiac population. It's a hygiene issue.

Lick the toaster handle. LOL!!! I am already super germ conscious because I have such a weak immune system. Not going to catch me licking anything in that kitchen. :)

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

Not a dumb question at all, Kiki!

I am thinking you are having a reaction from gluten ingestion, period, so it is difficult to blame the toaster or the muffin or anything, for that matter. I just blame the gluten.

Under a gluten challenge, who can say when/how you will feel worse? None of us. Inflammation from gluten/celiac can last a long time.

For example, even after my DX and being gluten-free, I was still very ill for quite some time.

Unfortunately, until you are gluten-free entirely, you may feel pretty rotten, hon. Sorry. :(

That makes sense. Since I usually react so quickly to food, I just assumed it was the breakfast muffin.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

Lick the toaster handle. LOL!!! I am already super germ conscious because I have such a weak immune system. Not going to catch me licking anything in that kitchen. :)

I figured that would get your attention! :P

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

Hi Kiki,

The immune system reaction doesn't stop after a few hours. It will keep going as long as you are eating gluten. Your symptoms may vary during the challenge, getting better or worse at times. If you are eating gluten every day for the challenge, your reactions each day are kind of unpredictable. It is possible they will get progressively stronger over time, or they may plateau for a while or even taper off. Everyone has their own experience and it is not something standard for each person. Some people have no symptoms at all but still have damage to their gut going on.

Thanks! I would hope for a tapering off, but not happening so far.

Chiana Apprentice
Chiana
Posted

They are Glutino English Muffins and I have been eating them for breakfast for the last week and a half without problems.

Maybe I am reacting to the previous day's gluten, hadn't thought of that. Although I felt ok until I ate that muffin. I kind of feel like I am getting worse by the day the last few days. Sigh.

I will use your suggestion of the paper towel and won't touch the handle or buttons anymore. Thanks!

When I did a challenge it was a slow, downhill progression of worsening fatigue, brain-fog, and depression. It wasn't any one thing, and I would feel better or worse in a fashion seemingly unconnected to what I had just eaten. All I knew was that after 4 or 5 days, I felt like I was carrying around a bag of bricks. For some of us, it is cumulative.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

When I did a challenge it was a slow, downhill progression of worsening fatigue, brain-fog, and depression. It wasn't any one thing, and I would feel better or worse in a fashion seemingly unconnected to what I had just eaten. All I knew was that after 4 or 5 days, I felt like I was carrying around a bag of bricks. For some of us, it is cumulative.

This the most descriptive explanation of a gluten challenge I have ever read. Glad you saw the thread and posted!

Sorry you had to go through it :( but it does clarify the impact on the human body --for readers of this thread and for the OP and for me---as I know I could never withstand such a thing and was relieved my GI doc did not ask me to do it. I feel this way after a minor CC incident and cannot imagine doing it for any length of time.

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

This the most descriptive explanation of a gluten challenge I have ever read. Glad you saw the thread and posted!

Sorry you had to go through it :( but it does clarify the impact on the human body --for readers of this thread and for the OP and for me---as I know I could never withstand such a thing and was relived my GI doc did not ask me to do it. I feel this way after a minor CC incident and cannot imagine doing it for any length of time.

That was a great description and exactly how I feel. Only throw in extras like, yesterday I had a 1/2 of a cookie in the afternoon, and then halfway through my commute was unsure if I was going to make it home in time. So I don't know if it was the cookie -- or like Chiana said, a cumulative reaction.

What does OP stand for? I'm sure it's really obvious, and I'll feel stupid after you tell me, but for the life of me I can't figure it out. :)

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

OP refers to the original poster who started the thread. :)

KikiB Explorer
KikiB
Posted
  • Author

OP refers to the original poster who started the thread. :)

Thanks!!

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

....and not for "Old Person" which I most definitely would not like to be called.

GottaSki Mentor
GottaSki
Posted

....and not a stupid question at all...I scratch my head regularly over abbreviations here - FWIW - took me way too long to figure out ;)

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

....and not a stupid question at all...I scratch my head regularly over abbreviations here - FWIW - took me way too long to figure out ;)

Me too... hmm.. "filled with ice water"?

But the one that stumps me still is

SIL -- is it son- in- law or sister- in -law?

and DD--well, at first, I thought it was really, really bad Diarrhea--like "disastrous diarrhea".

and when Sylvia says this to me : "Pffft!"

it makes me laugh and I know she is really saying "Psshaw" or piffle!

...us OP (older people) with brain frogs take longer to learn these new things and we are easily amused.

:)

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. ShariW
      - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

      In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, I had gastroesophageal reflux that was becoming intolerable despite treatment with PPIs and antacids. When I went gluten-free, the GERD lessened tremendously (as did the other symptoms).
    2. klmgarland
      - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      Thank you so very much Scott. Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful. If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to ...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    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

    • klmgarland
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By klmgarland · Posted

      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      My only proof

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • 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.