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I can hardly believe it, but can't think of any other explanation.  I 
believe I've gotten "glutenated" simply by baby sitting toddlers.  In the 
last few months I've happily tended my grandchildren at their home two times 
a week.  They eat crackers & normal snacks all day long.  I don't eat 
anything except for the food I bring myself & I am very careful to wash my 
hands frequently.  BUT ... every single time, without exception, I've gotten 
sick after tending them.  At first I thought I had "caught a virus" from the 
kids or whatever.   But I kept seeing the pattern with 100% consistency.  
Now I'm sure that I've gotten "glutenated" from simply being in a highly 
contaminated environment.

When I think about it, it makes sense that I could have gotten contaminated 
so easily.  Gluten is everywhere there.  It's on every surface the kids 
touch (couches, pillows, blankets, hair brushes, etc.), it's on their 
clothing, in their hair, under their fingernails, etc.  There's really no 
way to avoid it unless I simply don't touch ANYTHING while I'm there or 
perhaps I cover my mouth with duct tape!  When you tend toddlers that's just 
not possible.  I've told their mom that I'm happy to sit the kids, but it 
must from now on be at my house & they must eat only my food when they are 
with me.

This is probably the biggest disappointment I've had to face as a celiac.   
This makes me feel even more like prisoner of my GF kitchen than ever 
before.

Have any of you had similar experiences?  (Please keep your responses brief. 
  I'm really pressed for time lately.)

Valerie in Tacoma

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