gabby

I hope I'm not too late to add some possible helpful advice here. There are some people (I'm one of them too) who do not respond to the regular freezing they use at the dentist's office (Lidocaine). I'll explain the reason below in a bit of detail, but if you just want a solution to the problem, ask your dentist to use the alternative freezing agent...

I just wanted to tell you that I'm touched by your situation, and feel terrible for everything you are going through. I wish there was something I could say or do that would take the awfulness away. I do understand where you are coming from and understand the fear, loneliness and absolute exhaustion that can overpower the body and soul. I highly recommend...

Hi, I'm a Canadian who lives in Zagreb, Croatia. I feel for you on lots of levels. Just living in a new and different place as an expat is stressful enough sometimes, and now going gluten-free will add a new layer of stress......but it eventually does get easier (both the expat stuff and being gluten-free). I don't know if you are fluent in Polish...

Hi, I don't live in Ireland, but I did move to a European country a few years ago, so I know what it is like to try and get things organized in those first few weeks and months upon arrival. I moved to Croatia, and I did not speak the language at the time, so it was near impossible for me to lean on any local type of celiac support. However, you are...

True story (not one word of exaggeration): Before going gluten-free, I was known as the queen of lists. I made lists of things I needed to remember and carried these lists and consulted them all the time. If something wasn't written down on one of my lists, then it got forgotten. After going completely gluten-free, my memory improved so much that...

I second the roasted chickpeas. They are awesomely delicious and pretty easy to make -soak beans. Cook them until tender. Drain and cool under cold water. Then dry off with paper towels. Put on a roasting pan, add about 1 tablespoon of oil and throw in the oven at around 170F for 1 hour. Shake them once in a while. Then turn off the oven and leave...

Hi, I bring a lightweight crochet project, like a zigzag scarf or a light summer shawl project in baby alpaca or very light cotton/silk (so it doesn't weigh too much) along with a bamboo or plastic hook. I pull out my crochet project at the airport waiting area, during the flight, and during the evenings while on vacation. Word-search puzzles are...

Check the gloves and see if they are powder-free, or at least if they are using ones powdered with cornstarch. Also, ask if the dentist or hygenist wouldn't mind washing their hands thoroughly before putting on the gloves (if they've just eaten some gluteny potato chips or just a bite of a muffin or took a sip from their paper cup of coffee covered in...

Hi, how cool that you are moving to Croatia....when??? Your house in Istria sounds lovely. You'll have to let me know what part of Istria you are in (we're looking for land in Istria..sort of between Tinjan and Brtonigla). As for places where you can possibly get a gluten-free meal in Zagreb...I'm not sure. I've found that places where they cook...

I moved to Croatia for my health, and am in the process of trying to build my own farm. I am Canadian and don't speak Croatian (yet). In addition to celiac, I have some other not-too-pleasant health issues. In Toronto I was walking with a cane at one point, and in Croatia I was able to climb stairs. Why? Don't know. Never figured it out. But I'm here...

There's an easy way to deal with this that doesn't offend anyone and yet keeps everyone informed about what's going on. As soon as someone gives you something containing gluten, just say: Oh, I can't eat/use these because they contain gluten and I can't eat gluten, but thank you for thinking of me. I will make sure these go to someone who LOVES these...

I'm guessing that if there's any way to get glutened by a a book that's been handled by someone eating gluten... it is when you lick your finger to turn the page! Used books often have pages that are stuck together...and it is such a natural reaction to just lick your finger or thumb to get those pages apart. No licking=no glutening! Hope that helps...

Is it possible to buy a fresh, unopened package of the type of milk you use at work (like buy it from another store). Then take it home, and use it. If you get sick from the milk, then there's something in the milk that doesn't agree with you. If you don't get sick when you use it at home...then the culprit is likely cross-contamination from people at...

Just wanted to add my 2 cents: there's a big difference between OCD and being very disciplined. I consider myself extremely disciplined with my food and my environment. And this discipline is a source of pride, not shame.