Hi Guys, Newly Diagnosed And A Few Questions

[Kody]

Last weekend we were eating at someone else's house (I brought all my own food) and he asked me to hold the buns so he could put hot dogs in them. I said NO!! I don't touch the stuff!

Dang, I shoulda got married before I found out I'm a Celiac. Now all the chicks are gonna thing I'm weird... jk

As for your job, consider yourself to be like the Orkin man who goes to people's houses and sprays poison to kill bugs. If you had poison all over your hands you would act a certain way, not touching anything and washing really well before you eat. To you, gluten is poison!

As for the modified food starch. Things got easier. With the new labeling laws, if a product has wheat, it must say so. Since food starch is usually wheat, potato or corn, if it doesn't say it has wheat in the allergy statement, it's okay. You still need to read the other indgredients in case it contains barley (malt), oats, or rye, but wheat got easier to identify with the new laws. If there is no allergy statement (most have them by now), then I'd play it safe and not eat it. You were right, you never eat anything unless you are 100% certain it's safe.

Uh huh... uh huh... I'm on fire, yeah baby... jk =p so I'm good to eat it unless it doesn't mention wheat? Sweet. Or rather, drink it... your advice rocks. I seriously love you guys.

Would you like some info to print out to show to your family? If so, let me know, I'll direct you to some good articles (that are written by or reference MDs and research studies.)

YES... please.

I eat a lot of my "sandwiches" in lettuce wraps, or i just roll up the meat and cheese (and mayo).

that sounds good... o_o are there any mayos or cheese I can't eat?

[happygirl]

hahaha....no, they won't think you are weird for THAT! weird for other things, quite possibly!

I would just that it makes you sick and you can't eat it. And move on. (Unless its someone who wants to know more).

Obviously, my friends and co-workers know about it. It's my life! But, if we go out with "new friends," I try to minimize it, because I don't want to be thought of as the Celiac girl. Then, I share more, or share if they really seem interested. I put a positive spin on it, that I was lucky to find out what makes me sick, and if I stay away from it, that I lead a normal life. And yes, it can be difficult, but the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Wow, look at this, you get celiac info and dating advice all in one place. You can't beat that.

[CarlaB]

Dang, I shoulda got married before I found out I'm a Celiac. Now all the chicks are gonna thing I'm weird... jk

Na, this is a much bigger deal to you than to anyone else, if you haven't figured that out already! Just don't make it a big deal, act like it's normal, and you'll be fine. Certainly restrain yourself with talking about your symptoms! Around here is fine, but most people don't appreciate poop talk!! If you eat out, just order, and instruct the server as to your needs, then go back to whatever the conversation was. No big deal. Maybe join a celiac support group locally ... then you might find a woman who really understands!

[Kody]

hahaha....no, they won't think you are weird for THAT! weird for other things, quite possibly!

I would just that it makes you sick and you can't eat it. And move on. (Unless its someone who wants to know more).

Obviously, my friends and co-workers know about it. It's my life! But, if we go out with "new friends," I try to minimize it, because I don't want to be thought of as the Celiac girl. Then, I share more, or share if they really seem interested. I put a positive spin on it, that I was lucky to find out what makes me sick, and if I stay away from it, that I lead a normal life. And yes, it can be difficult, but the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Wow, look at this, you get celiac info and dating advice all in one place. You can't beat that.

hahah, it's all great advice too. And yeah, I totally see what you're saying, good idea... start out small, then more details when they're interested. I've noticed that a lot of people refuse to believe that certain foods can be poisonous to some of us. Oh well, too bad for them and their ignorance.

Speaking of dating advice -- would a girl find it sexy if I refused to kiss her? prolly not...

Na, this is a much bigger deal to you than to anyone else, if you haven't figured that out already! Just don't make it a big deal, act like it's normal, and you'll be fine. Certainly restrain yourself with talking about your symptoms! Around here is fine, but most people don't appreciate poop talk!! If you eat out, just order, and instruct the server as to your needs, then go back to whatever the conversation was. No big deal. Maybe join a celiac support group locally ... then you might find a woman who really understands!

I've never been in any kind of support group. How do they work? What do I do? are there any around St. George area, in Utah? I know there are some in Provo and SLC from what I've read on this website... but that's kinda far.

[happygirl]

This is my soapbox. Feel free to edit out or add to!

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, the protein in wheat, rye, barley, and non pure oats.

From the NIH: Open Original Shared Link

Gliadin is a 33 peptide chain in gluten that our body specifically reacts to. It causes a variety of symptoms, up to 200 have been noted. Some Celiacs have no symptoms, and are referred to as silent Celiacs, while others can be debilitated by it. Most fall somewhere in between.

When a Celiac ingests gluten, the villi (which are the tiny hairs in the intestine) are damaged, which can lead to malabsorption. The blunted villi is a hallmark characteristic of Celiac.

It was once thought that Celiac was extremely rare. In fact, most medical professionals, including GIs, still believe this. Open Original Shared Link However, recent research indicates that the numbers are much higher than ever thought, 1 in 133 Americans is believed to have Celiac (done by a leading Celiac researcher at the U of Maryland, Dr. Alessio Fasano) https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodi...-37106145635.fb

Celiac is a serious condition, but is controlled through a STRICT 100% gluten free diet. Research has indicated that small amounts of gluten, as little as 1/48th or less of a piece of bread can cause intestinal damage. https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodi...-12106176835.5c

Undiagnosed Celiacs (or those who continue to eat gluten) have an increased risk of many horrible things, including cancer (https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=81&sid=91hH9H1VK2mo8Xj-16106187235.d4), and infertility/miscarriages (https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=110&sid=91hH9H1VK2mo8Xj-16106187235.d4). However, with the Celiac diet, those risks are almost entirely reversed.

Doctors recommend that all first degree relatives are tested as well, because of the genetic link to Celiac. There are two main genes related and identified at this time: HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. However, JUST having the genes does not mean that you have Celiac. About 30% or so of the population has one or both of these genes.

Hope this helps and is a good start for you. Celiac.com is a great wealth of knowledge, I would highly recommend lookign there if you are looking for more info--it is great!

[CarlaB]

hahah, it's all great advice too. And yeah, I totally see what you're saying, good idea... start out small, then more details when they're interested. I've noticed that a lot of people refuse to believe that certain foods can be poisonous to some of us. Oh well, too bad for them and their ignorance.

Speaking of dating advice -- would a girl find it sexy if I refused to kiss her? prolly not...

I've never been in any kind of support group. How do they work? What do I do? are there any around St. George area, in Utah? I know there are some in Provo and SLC from what I've read on this website... but that's kinda far.

All the groups are different. Our local group just had a picnic yesterday, and next month we're going out to eat together. Usually, there is a meeting with a speaker. Honestly, I just get the emails, but I'll go to the dinner next month. I'm new in town and just haven't felt up to going.

The girl might actually think it's hot and that you're restraining yourself by not kissing her on the mouth (you can kiss her on the cheek) on the first date! You'll certainly leave her wanting more! Then, as she learns more about celiac, she can either eat gluten-free on the dates, or brush her teeth!

[Kody]

All the groups are different. Our local group just had a picnic yesterday, and next month we're going out to eat together. Usually, there is a meeting with a speaker. Honestly, I just get the emails, but I'll go to the dinner next month. I'm new in town and just haven't felt up to going.

The girl might actually think it's hot and that you're restraining yourself by not kissing her on the mouth (you can kiss her on the cheek) on the first date! You'll certainly leave her wanting more! Then, as she learns more about celiac, she can either eat gluten-free on the dates, or brush her teeth!

Sweet, I'll see if I can find a local Celiac group around here...

Leave her wanting more... that might be a good thing, lawl... I think it would show that she cares if she went gluten-free as well. That would mean a lot to me.

My dates are going to get interesting...

[CarlaB]

Sweet, I'll see if I can find a local Celiac group around here...

Leave her wanting more... that might be a good thing, lawl... I think it would show that she cares if she went gluten-free as well. That would mean a lot to me.

My dates are going to get interesting...

My hubby eats gluten-free when we go out on a date. Other than that, he's a gluten eater.

[Kody]

This is my soapbox. Feel free to edit out or add to!

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, the protein in wheat, rye, barley, and non pure oats.

From the NIH: Open Original Shared Link

Gliadin is a 33 peptide chain in gluten that our body specifically reacts to. It causes a variety of symptoms, up to 200 have been noted. Some Celiacs have no symptoms, and are referred to as silent Celiacs, while others can be debilitated by it. Most fall somewhere in between.

When a Celiac ingests gluten, the villi (which are the tiny hairs in the intestine) are damaged, which can lead to malabsorption. The blunted villi is a hallmark characteristic of Celiac.

It was once thought that Celiac was extremely rare. In fact, most medical professionals, including GIs, still believe this. Open Original Shared Link However, recent research indicates that the numbers are much higher than ever thought, 1 in 133 Americans is believed to have Celiac (done by a leading Celiac researcher at the U of Maryland, Dr. Alessio Fasano) https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodi...-37106145635.fb

Celiac is a serious condition, but is controlled through a STRICT 100% gluten free diet. Research has indicated that small amounts of gluten, as little as 1/48th or less of a piece of bread can cause intestinal damage. https://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?p_prodi...-12106176835.5c

Undiagnosed Celiacs (or those who continue to eat gluten) have an increased risk of many horrible things, including cancer (https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=81&sid=91hH9H1VK2mo8Xj-16106187235.d4), and infertility/miscarriages (https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=110&sid=91hH9H1VK2mo8Xj-16106187235.d4). However, with the Celiac diet, those risks are almost entirely reversed.

Doctors recommend that all first degree relatives are tested as well, because of the genetic link to Celiac. There are two main genes related and identified at this time: HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. However, JUST having the genes does not mean that you have Celiac. About 30% or so of the population has one or both of these genes.

Hope this helps and is a good start for you. Celiac.com is a great wealth of knowledge, I would highly recommend lookign there if you are looking for more info--it is great!

yeah, I've read most of that already, I even read several personal stories to see if I could relate -- and I definitely could. The one thing I'm not sure about tho, is how bad is Celiac considered to be? Like, is it up there with cancer and stuff? Prolly now lol... but I mean its pretty bad it seems, like, I know I'm a mess but every vitamin deficiency you can think of, asthma, bathroom issues, headaches, dizzy spells, lightheadedness... how come all these doctors I ever went to never thought of Celiac?

My hubby eats gluten-free when we go out on a date. Other than that, he's a gluten eater.

Wow, awesome... does he complain?

[CarlaB]

yeah, I've read most of that already, I even read several personal stories to see if I could relate -- and I definitely could. The one thing I'm not sure about tho, is how bad is Celiac considered to be? Like, is it up there with cancer and stuff? Prolly now lol... but I mean its pretty bad it seems, like, I know I'm a mess but every vitamin deficiency you can think of, asthma, bathroom issues, headaches, dizzy spells, lightheadedness... how come all these doctors I ever went to never thought of Celiac?

Celiac is serious, but it's not life-threatening when you're gluten-free. Your deficiencies and other symptoms should clear up with time.

[Queen Serenity]

Cody,

Most girls would proably love to follow the gluten free diet. Here's the secret. It makes you eat healthier, and with this, you lose a ton of weight. I don't agree with today's society for the thin look, but this diet does not make you fat. That might be a big turn on! Anyway, I'm glad that you are going to stop making pizza. It does absorb through your skin, and open flour can be inhaled. Just be very careful! I'm very glad that you have a positive attitude of acceptance. It is very hard to go cold turkey form eating anything gluten. Eleven years ago, I was hospitalized for being so very ill. I was there for a week before being diagnosed. I was 108 pounds and extremely weak. Once I found out about the Celiac's, I was to scared to eat anything that would hurt me again. Oh, and before I forget, you not only have to watch what you eat, but you also have to watch your medicines, soaps, shampoos and conditioners too. There are lists all over the message board to help you. Gluten is hidden everywhere! Beware!

Vicki

gluten-free for 11 years and still going!

[tiffjake]

Wow, awesome... does he complain?

My hubby thought my stomach problems were "just a part of me" when we got married. He loved me, so he would deal with the stomach problems. When he noticed how much better I felt gluten-free, he was really supportive. Our house is gluten-free. He eat gluten if we go out to dinner, but he is really careful, and he brushes his teeth before we kiss, because he has glutened me before!!!

[Guest melannen]

A few weeks ago I finally decided it's time for me to learn how to really cook, the first gluten-free recipe book I checked out was 'The Everything Gluten-Free Cookbook' by: Rick Marx & Nancy T. Maar. Fabulous book, very basic, and easy to follow. I also like to search around the Open Original Shared Link for ideas and cooking tips (if you're going to be using recipes from this site you'll need to modify them a bit so they're safe).

I'd also recommend you read 'Against the Grain' by Jax Peters Lowell and 'Celiac Disease: a Hidden Epidemic' by Peter H.R. Green and Rory Jones. The former is a bit dated (about 10 years old) as far as research about celiac and stuff but it's a fantastic read! The later is a much more current book and VERY informative.

I've been eating gluten-free for almost a year; it took a good couple of months to fully get the hang of it and weed out all the hidden sources of gluten. My #1 symptom was constant stomach and abdominal pain, it lessened after just a few days and vanished completely after about a month.

I'm still kinda new here, but let me tell you that you've found an amazing resource, these people are awesome

[Random Guy]

Cody,

Welcome to the board! It can be overwhelming at first, but we are here to help. We've been there and want to help!

I thought I'd list some brands of things that I especially like.

for pastas: Tinkyada brand (rice based) pasta is a great one. Many upscale grocery stores, health food stores, and online carry it. I tried a bunch of others and this is by far my fave. They have spag, fettucine, elbows, spirals, penne, lasagna, etc. It takes a little longer to cook, but we use it all the time.

For tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, etc...McCormick's brand seasoning packets. Make sure you read each one each time, as ingredients change, but they are very good about listing gluten or sources of gluten. you can online to their website and click on an individual seasoning packet and get a list of ingredients, so you'll know which ones are safe.

For soy sauce: specialty brand- San-J makes a gluten-free version (they also make a gluten filled version, so make sure you get the right one. Also, some of La Choy's are safe, as well as the Kroger grocery store version (not sure where you are from).

If you can tolerate dairy, many ice creams are gluten free. Except for the obvious, like Cookie Dough, Brownie, etc. Edy's provides information online. In fact, many companies post their info online because so many people ask.

Due to the 2006 Food Allergen/Labelling Law, food manufacturers must list if their food contains any of the topic 8 main allergens: dairy/milk, wheat (but not gluten...just because it is wheat free does not mean it is necessarily gluten free, since gluten is in rye, barley, malt, and processed oats), eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, nuts, peanuts. It should make shopping some easier (easy to pick out a big fat listing of WHEAT in bold letters at the bottom of ingredients.)

Some people are told that spelt is ok for Celiacs. It is not. It still contains gluten.

Remember that there are two parts to being truly gluten free (and not just gluten lite) 1. ingredients and 2. cross contamination/preparation.

There are some great gluten free pretzels out there. I love them. I would dip them in flavored cream cheese or a safe dip (like a Kraft or Helluva dip that was safe). Instead of crackers, I use a lot of tortilla chips.

Give us something you want to make---we'll provide the brands, a recipe, or suggestions. Promise!

Remember, you must assume that anything has gluten in it until you know it is safe. I used to say "Oh, I'm sure X is ok"...yeah, I finally learned. Gluten can be in anything and everything, even if you can make it gluten free at home! When in doubt, go without!!!!!!

~~~~Need to note here that I do not eat these things anymore because I have other food intolerances now, but, still wanted to share the info.

Let us know what we can do to help.

Laura

Awesome! I just printed your post out for next time I go shopping... if thats okay. yeah uhm... I'd love to go cook me some stuff, but the problem is, I don't really know how to cook. I mean I do. I can cook eggs. I can't make bread or anything... lol. I guess it's time to learn... I've always needed to anyways. This diet would be so much easier if I wasn't off to College and on my own, Mom could cook me anything I need.

Off topic: Did any of you have a problem with no one believing your sick? Even most of my own family doesn't believe how sick I really am. Am I the only one who has to deal with this crap? My Dad, for example, doesn't take me seriously at all. I love his advice, his work ethic, all that... but the worst advice I have ever heard from him was, after I told him how I feel: "You just have to learn how to live with it."

yeah right.... I'mma find out what it is and solve it, then live with it.

sorry to go off topic again, but yeah, did anyone else go through anything like this?

hey cody

just a thought on "you just have to learn how to live with it"

tell your dad you're doing just that - learning to live with it.

it's not so bad - I've been gluten free for 10 months now.

I didn't used to eat a lot of fruits or vegetables, but strangely enough, i really like them - alot!

and today, I had the best lunch and the most incredible dinner tonight

quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) sausage and peppers for lunch - ya, i'd neder heard of quinoa but it's a grain that's almost like tiny pasta

then for dinner - rigatoni (gluten free pasta) and meatballs. right now i'm not eating anything else because I don't want to lose the great tast of dinner still floating around in my mouth.

i've learned to live with it

maybe not the way your dad meant, but in a way that makes sense.

and it really ain't so bad

educate yourself - try a lot of different stuff - and don't worry about people not understanding - just do what you need to eat (and live) safely.

i hope you feel better soon

good luck

-rg

[happygirl]

In terms of kissing-if my husband eats gluten free (most of our meals at home are), then we are "safe." If he has eaten any gluten or drank beer, etc., he knows to only give me a peck on my cheek. He runs and brushes his teeth real fast though As long as you are conscientious about it, it becomes habit. Strange, but keeps me safe!

Agree with Carla...untreated Celiac is bad. Bad, bad, bad. However, Celiacs on a strict gluten-free diet lead pretty normal lives, in general. Once your body is healed, most Celiacs are just as normal as others. Some can have lasting problems because of the length/severity of damage.

[tarnalberry]

Welcome!

[Kody]

Queen Serenity- what you said is true. I'm not concerned or anything... it was just a thought. =p I was just thinking that it's going to be a lot different with this new diet of mine.

Also, I told my manager that i won't be making any pizza anymore. He didn't like it very much, but he'll live. It's not like I ever made pizza anyways... I'm a driver, hello. People are so retarded.

And I already checked my shampoos, meds, etc =p

Random Guy - the thing is, I don't care what he thinks anymore. I'm just going to let him know about my disease and he can think whatever he wants. That's just what he used to tell me back then and it really bothered me. And yes, fruits and veggies are yummy.

LauraJ - Will I have any lasting problems at the age of 18? I've felt the way I do now, pretty much my whole life and I've only been on this new diet for two days now. Feel better already, strangely enough. Mainly just more energy is all, so far.

Melannen - I ordered some gluten-free cook books... they should be here anytime now. I also have that against the Grain book you mentioned. Good book so far... going to read it soon, as a matter of fact =p

[tiredofdoctors]

Hey Cody -- sorry it's taken me so long to get back with you . . . . the Gluten Guard and Clan Thompson downloads are available through the Celiac.com store, or through Clanthompson.com (I think that's it!)

Either place is fine. What I like about Clan Thompson is that it is a family run business -- their customer service is EXCELLENT! They have encouraged me to contact them with any additional items that I would like listed so that they can include them in their quarterly updates. I was pretty impressed by that . . . .

With regard to your family, you're going through much what all of us have gone through at one time or another . . . my sister wanted SO BADLY to believe that this was "conversion disorder" -- something that starts because of a traumatic event in your life (mine is neurological), and she kept pushing for that. She's an insurance adjuster, I'm a PT, I even diagnosed her BRAIN TUMOR after her doctor missed it, but she just kept telling me that I need to "see someone" to make sure that it wasn't that . . . . then I saw the neurologist she recommended, and he confirmed the diagnosis . . . she didn't have much of a leg to stand on after that. My family was "marginal" at first about my gluten-free status and eating at my mom's house. Birthdays? Forgettaboutit! Didn't get to participate until I told my son that for MY birthday, we were bringing the cake. Then we weren't going to bring anything. When everyone asked where the cake was, we were going to say . . . . "Now you all get to eat what I eat on birthdays." Evidently he told them, because since then . . . . I have the best gluten-free meals there! My food is cooked first, covered and put away to avoid cross contamination. My mom even made a gluten-free apple pie with the crust recipe in the latest issue of "Living Without".

With regard to kissing? My husband will give me a kiss goodnight, and I'll say -- "Excuse me . . . could I possibly get a GOOD kiss?" He'll say -- I'll be back -- then he'll go floss and brush his teeth. He comes back saying, "Sorry, I had gluten." For the most part, though, he's kind of a gluten-free guy. He eats what I eat, the kids are out of the house, so it's just the two of us (and the 2 dogs), so it's pretty easy to do that. He has been VERY supportive, though . . . We bought a different convection oven (about 6 months after we bought the first one) to make sure that it is the designated "gluten-free" oven (especially for fixing hot wings, etc.) We're working on getting a new set of pans (my neurologist wants me to get rid of all Teflon pans because of the potential of having gluten underneath any scratches). We've gotten rid of all our wooden spoons, etc. and he is GREAT about bringing me home a gluten-free surprise when he runs up to the store!

You sound like a GREAT guy . . . . I'm sure you'll attract the kinds of girls that won't even CARE that you are on a celiac diet!!

Take care of you . . . . . . .

Lynne

I agree wtih everyone else . . . don't disclose too much information too early on. You can order gluten-free without anyone knowing (if you're at the right restaurant!!!) Celiac doesn't make you weird . . . it just forces you to eat healthy!

[Kody]

Lynne -- I downloaded and tried that Clan Thompson Smart List demo thing and wow! I seriously need to get the real thing. I think I will here anytime soon...

yeah I'm not worried about family. they're family. whether or not they believe me doesn't matter, they still love me. I already know none of them believe how sick I really am -- but, when they see the redness in my cheeks clear up, black lines under my eyes go away, my attitude and personality change, my distancing from other people when I don't feel so bright and me getting more involved and all that, more energy, all that stuff... that better come true, w hich I think it will, because two days on this diet and I feel so much better already... anyways, they'll find out sooner or later that I really was sick. Otherwise, I don't care what anyone thinks.

I laughed out loud... floss and brush huh? that's so cool that he's understanding tho and doesn't mind brushing real quick. As far as pans go, I have no idea what kinds I own or if I need new ones... how do I tell? gluten getting caught in scratches... but wont it just burn off? maybe I'm wrong...

and thanks for the comment. I'm not worried about finding girls, I just realized how different things are going to get... and yes, Celiac does not make me weird, it just finally gives me a name for all of my symptoms.

Thanks so much for caring and responding to my post, I've learned so much and more, this goes to everyone btw.

[happygirl]

Cody-

You wrote: LauraJ - Will I have any lasting problems at the age of 18? I've felt the way I do now, pretty much my whole life and I've only been on this new diet for two days now. Feel better already, strangely enough. Mainly just more energy is all, so far.

Unfortunately, there is no way to know. Honestly, many Celiacs go on to live a normal life, and never have any other problems, and just modify their diet. Others end up with other food intolerances. Autoimmune disorders tend to go hand in hand with one another...once you have one, you are more likely to have another....BUT there are many on here who don't have any other problems. The risk of cancer is elevated, but it decreases with a gluten-free diet. Honestly, once you go 100% gluten free and it becomes your "norm," having regular check ups and bloodwork should be all that you need, unless you begin to exhibit other symptoms.

Hope this helps.

[MistressIsis]

Hey Cody

Good for you on sticking to your guns. you'll constantly have to reaffirm with family that you CANNOT eat or touch certain things. Mine still forgets. Good (or maybe bad) story.We had a family gathering for my bday & ya know what I could eat? salad. This was immediatly following the breakup of my 10yr relationship so it was NOT fun. Watching others eat my cake!!!

Dating- obviously I went single not long ago (I'm 35) & surprisingly the guys I did go on dates with either didn't say anything or actually did ask questions. Only a few were moronic enough to say anything stupid. I'm in a relationship now with a great guy who asks questions and makes sure we eat somewhere I don't have to worry too much about. He always makes sure to not kiss me if he's been drinking beer or eating gluten. Our rule is if I can smell the beer he can't kiss me. And anytime I find a gluten-free item that actually tastes good he gets all excited for me.

I just moved to Arizona and there isn;t much around r open that I can just run & get takeout so I'm learning to cook as well, it can sometimes be tough but I'm getting there. I try to make sure I learn to cook some things that aren't obvious gluten-free as I don't want him to have to go completely gluten-free. Learning lots about fresh herbs & spices instead of relying on manufactured.

So thanks for asking lots of questions 'cause I learned tons tonight from them.

**Side note: I work at a 4star hotel & last weekend I had a drunken group of wedding folks. 1 of them threw a sheet cake across my lobby, was I gonna clean that up, hell no! I made them come down & do it all themselves & when I told them, sorry, I'm allergic to everything in that, I can;t touch it, they stopped whining & just did the job. So no making pizzas & stay as near to the door as you can. Maybe you can look at some front desk type job at a local hotel/resort

[Kody]

Hey Cody

Good for you on sticking to your guns. you'll constantly have to reaffirm with family that you CANNOT eat or touch certain things. Mine still forgets. Good (or maybe bad) story.We had a family gathering for my bday & ya know what I could eat? salad. This was immediatly following the breakup of my 10yr relationship so it was NOT fun. Watching others eat my cake!!!

Dating- obviously I went single not long ago (I'm 35) & surprisingly the guys I did go on dates with either didn't say anything or actually did ask questions. Only a few were moronic enough to say anything stupid. I'm in a relationship now with a great guy who asks questions and makes sure we eat somewhere I don't have to worry too much about. He always makes sure to not kiss me if he's been drinking beer or eating gluten. Our rule is if I can smell the beer he can't kiss me. And anytime I find a gluten-free item that actually tastes good he gets all excited for me.

I just moved to Arizona and there isn;t much around r open that I can just run & get takeout so I'm learning to cook as well, it can sometimes be tough but I'm getting there. I try to make sure I learn to cook some things that aren't obvious gluten-free as I don't want him to have to go completely gluten-free. Learning lots about fresh herbs & spices instead of relying on manufactured.

So thanks for asking lots of questions 'cause I learned tons tonight from them.

**Side note: I work at a 4star hotel & last weekend I had a drunken group of wedding folks. 1 of them threw a sheet cake across my lobby, was I gonna clean that up, hell no! I made them come down & do it all themselves & when I told them, sorry, I'm allergic to everything in that, I can;t touch it, they stopped whining & just did the job. So no making pizzas & stay as near to the door as you can. Maybe you can look at some front desk type job at a local hotel/resort

what's up Mistress?

Asking questions? No prob! That's what I'm good at...

And naw, I'mma keep my job, I make a lot more money here then I will anywhere else... that is, while I'm in College or until I start my own thing. but thanks for the suggestion!