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

How To Get Family To Be Supportive

jackay

Recommended Posts

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted

I have had insomnia for four years and try everything I hear of to help sleep. I haven't found anything that helps. I know I have good sleep hygiene. My daughter commented that a lot of people don't sleep. I realize that, but the body and mind need sleep. Most people that don't sleep don't just accept the fact that they can't sleep but try different things to help them.

My daughter was so miserable with sleep deprivation for six months from an infant that didn't sleep. They came to stay with me this summer and since I don't sleep, I listened to her baby at night while my daughter slept with ear plugs. After two nights of sleep, my daughter was a new person. Also, after two nights of letting her baby cry, the baby started sleeping through the night. That just goes to show what sleep does for a person. Both my daughter and her baby became much happier. I was happy that I could help her out but would have been even happier if I could have started sleeping, too.

I have done a lot of reading on line and books about gluten intolerance. I told my daughter that any amount of gluten does damage and that I have to eliminate every trace of gluten from my diet. My daughter suggested I stop reading :(

My husband continues to eat his gluten and I don't want to deprive him of it. However, I am concerned that I am going to contaminate my food with crumbs that he doesn't clean up. He likes to bake cookies and I am concerned about the flour getting everywhere.

I need to vent and feel lots better:) I personally know of no one that is gluten intolerant so really appreciate the support of this forum.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


NorthernElf Enthusiast
NorthernElf
Posted

I have heard taking a B complex can help sleep - a lady I work with swears by this. I take one anyway (good idea for celiacs) but I found it's better to take in the am (she takes hers in the pm). I don't have sleep problems.

As for the contamination issue - I have gluten-free signs on most of my counters & on my toaster and the gluten folks in my house have one counter. I got rid of the bread maker - too many crumbs. That was still hard - then I bought an island from walmart for about $200 and all the bread, muffins, and the gluten toaster are on it. That has really helped. It has drawers too and I put the gluten utensils and measuring cups and plastic containers in there too. My baking stuff is mostly silicone so it's easy to tell what is mine.

My friends & family finally get it. It took awhile - I think that thing that helped was my consistency in eating gluten-free....and my feeling better of course. It can be hard for people to get you changing your diet, no longer eating what you normally did, what they normally do. It can be hard for them to get that you HAVE to change. Of course, when you start feeling better they start to see how effective the change is.

Best of luck !

ang1e0251 Contributor
ang1e0251
Posted

I think insomnia is like a migraine headache; there can be more than one reason you suffer from it. I have found that some of the things that work for others also work for me but often not. The B complex is good advice for most of us with celiac disease as it's easy to be deficiant but I would caution not to take it at night. They perk me up and if I take them after noon, it interferes with my sleep.

I've taken melatonin with good results for years. Over the years I have gradually increased the amount to 6 mg's but that is still minimal. My dr poo poos that dose as not even close to harmful. It helps me fall asleep. I still wake throughout the night but I can return to sleep successfully. I've heard there is a time release type but I haven't tried it. I saw a big benefit when I increased my magnesium intake. I didn't expect it to help my sleep but it relaxes the muscles and veins. I was having tight neck muscles that made finding a comfortable position difficult. That cleared up with the magnesium.

Another reason for poor sleep can be low blood sugar. If this is a problem, you may need to eat a protein snack before bed and avoid carbs in the evening.

Hope something in there helps, there are other helps for insomnia if none of these are worthwhile.

ksymonds84 Enthusiast
ksymonds84
Posted

Benadryl is also a safe option for insomnia. My son's doctor suggested it for him. It can make you a little drowsie in the morning though, so if you have to be somewhere very early you may want to use it on the weekends only.

NorthernElf Enthusiast
NorthernElf
Posted

ang1e0251 - I meant to add that taking the B complex at night might not help sleep - that's why I take mine in the am....I did try to take it in the evening after my friend said how helpful it was but I did find it kept me awake ! Great advice !

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

I'll see what my doctor has to say about the B complex. I am taking B5B6 in the a.m. as a drastically reduced dose from what he suggested. The first day I took one whole supplement and literally went through the roof with anxiety. I didn't sleep at all that night. I am now taking 1/4 of a tablet. Didn't sleep a wink last night again so am even more nonfunctioning today. I thought the B5B6 was helping calm down my loud pulse but that it has gotten louder again.

It puzzles me that I am so sensitive to supplements since I have absorption issues. If I don't absorb them, why do they bother me? Guess they are no different than foods.

jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

As an afterthought, I have tried both 3 mg. and 6 mg. melatonin and still have sleep issues. My doctor said to stick to 3 mg. since 6 mg. wasn't doing any more. I don't know why I even take the 3 mg. since it isn't helping. I also take magnesium and my doctor feels the amount shouldn't be increased. Taking a higher dose of magnesium in the past didn't help.

Tonight I'll try Benadryl again but that hasn't worked for me either. Hopefully I'll find the right combination soon.

I am so frustrated :(

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


  • 2 weeks later...
jackay Enthusiast
jackay
Posted
  • Author

My DH is now being supportive. It sure makes living with this easier. My son and his wife called to see if it was O.K. for them to bring some french bread and scented candles with when they come for Christmas. I am allowing bread in the house but was pleased that they called and asked it if was O.K. As far as the scented candles go, we can give them a try. I do react to quite a few scents.

I think my DH is actually seeing that I feel better and has decided this may actually be working. He has a friend whose wife is sensitive to fish and it can't be cooked in their house because her reaction is so severe. He now relates that to my gluten sensitivity.

I'm sure my daughter will come around, too.

Archived

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

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


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,562
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Picklz
    Newest Member
    Picklz
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      gluten-free Oatmeal

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Oats naturally contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While avenin is generally considered safe for most people with celiac disease, some individuals, around 5-10% of celiacs, may also have sensitivity to avenin, leading to symptoms similar to gluten exposure. You may fall into this category, and eliminating them is the best way to figure this out. Some people substitute gluten-free quinoa flakes for oats if they want a hot cereal substitute. If you are interested in summaries of scientific publications on the topic of oats and celiac disease, we have an entire category dedicated to it which is here: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/oats-and-celiac-disease-are-they-gluten-free/   
    • knitty kitty
      My only proof

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Well said, @Mari!
    • knitty kitty
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hi, @Ginger38, I've had shingles in the past.  I understand how miserable you're feeling.   Not only do i have the chickenpox virus lurking about, I also have the cold sore virus that occasionally flares with a huge cold sore on my lip when stressed or exposed to gluten.  The virus lives dormant in the nerves on the left side of my face.  It causes Bell's Palsy (resulting in drooling).  The cold sore virus is also in my eye.  My eye swells up and my vision is diminished permanently whenever I have a flare, so it's of the utmost importance to keep flares away and treat them immediately if they do happen so I don't lose any more vision.   I take the amino acid supplement L-Lysine.  Lysine messes with the replication of viruses, which helps the body fight them off.   I haven't had an outbreak for several years until this year when exceptionally stressed and contaminated, it flared up again. Lysine has been shown to be beneficial in suppression of viruses like the cold sore virus (a herpetic virus), the chickenpox virus (also a herpetic virus), as well as the HIV virus, and even the Covid virus.   I also take additional Thiamine in the form TTFD (tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide) because Thiamine has antiviral properties as well.   For pain, a combination of Thiamine (like TTFD or Benfotiamine or Thiamine Hydrochloride), with B12 Cobalamine, and Pyridoxine B6 have been shown to have analgesic properties which relieve pain and neuropathy.    The combination of Thiamine B1, Pyridoxine B6 and Cobalamine B12 really does work to relieve pain.  I take it for back pain from crushed vertebrae in my back.  This combination also works on other pain and neuropathy.   I usually buy a supplement that combines all three and also Riboflavin B2 called EXPLUS online.  However, it's made in Japan and the price with the tariffs added makes it really expensive now.  But the combination of Thiamine B1, Pyridoxine B6 and B12 Cobalamine (and Riboflavin B2) still work even if taken separately.   I can't take Tylenol or ibuprofen because of stomach upsets.  But I can take the vitamin combination without side effects.  However, you can take the three vitamins at the same time as other pain relievers for added benefit.  The vitamins help other pain relievers work better. I hope you will try it.  Hopeful you'll feel better quickly. Interesting Reading: Thiamine, cobalamin, locally injected alone or combination for herpetic itching: a single-center randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23887347/ Mechanisms of action of vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), and B12 (cobalamin) in pain: a narrative review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35156556/ Analgesic and analgesia-potentiating action of B vitamins https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12799982/ A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10301284/
    • Mari
      My only proof

      By Mari · Posted

      I think, after reading this, that you areso traumatized by not being able yo understand what your medical advisors have been  what medical conditions are that you would like to find a group of people who also feel traumatized who would agree with you and also support you. You are on a crusade much as the way the US Cabinet  official, the Health Director of our nation is in trying to change what he considers outdated and incorrect health advisories. He does not have the education, background or experience to be in the position he occupies and is not making beneficial decisions. That man suffered a terrible trauma early in his life when his father was assonated. We see now how he developed and worked himself into a powerful position.  Unless you are willing to take some advice or  are willing to use a few of the known methods of starting on a path to better health then not many of us on this Celiac Forum will be able to join you in a continuing series of complaints about medical advisors.    I am almost 90 years old. I am strictly gluten free. I use 2 herbs to help me stay as clear minded as possible. You are not wrong in complaining about medical practitioners. You might be more effective with a clearer mind, less anger and a more comfortable life if you would just try some of the suggestions offered by our fellow celiac volunteers.  
    • Jmartes71
      My only proof

      By Jmartes71 · Posted

      Thus has got to STOP , medical bit believing us! I literally went through 31 years thinking it was just a food allergy as its downplayed by medical if THEY weren't the ones who diagnosed us! Im positive for HLA-DQ2 which is first celiac patient per Iran and Turkey. Here in the States especially in Cali its why do you feel that way? Why do you think your celiac? Your not eating gluten so its something else.Medical caused me depression. I thought I was safe with my former pcp for 25 years considering i thought everything I went through and going through will be available when I get fired again for health. Health not write-ups my health always come back when you're better.Im not and being tossed away at no fault to my own other than shitty genes.I was denied disability because person said he didn't know how to classify me! I said Im celiac, i have ibs, hernia, sciatica, high blood pressure, in constant pain have skin and eye issues and menopause intensified everything. With that my celiac nightmare began to reprove my disregarded disease to a bunch of clowns who think they are my careteam when they said I didn't have...I feel Im still breathing so I can fight this so no body else has to deal with this nightmare. Starting over with " new care team" and waisting more time on why I think I am when diagnosed in 1994 before food eliminated from my diet. P.s everything i went through I did write to medical board, so pretty sure I will continue to have a hard time.
×
×
  • 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.