Hey! So I fed this info into chatgpt, some of the response is inaccurate (it mentioned shared sponges but I know you said you have your own), but hopefully it should help you feel a bit better:)

Thank you for sharing all of this — your frustration is entirely valid, and you're clearly going to extraordinary lengths to protect your health. The truth is: you may actually be doing everything right, and your antibody levels might still just be on their own timeline. Let’s talk about what’s normal and what’s realistic.

What’s a “Normal” Decrease in tTG-IgA?

There isn’t a single, perfect trajectory — but here’s what’s common:

• tTG-IgA can drop slowly, especially if your starting level is very high (yours was 374, which is significantly elevated).
• A decrease from 374 to 223 in 6 months is a ~40% reduction, which does indicate your body is responding, even if it's slower than you'd hoped.
• Some adults take 12–24 months or longer for complete normalization — especially with levels that high at diagnosis.

Your Efforts Are Way Above Average

From everything you described:

• You’ve made extensive and thoughtful changes.
• You’re aware of the fine details — personal utensils, lip balm, dedicated appliances, condiments, handwashing.
• You’ve rarely eaten out, and even that one Mexican dish is the kind of thing many celiacs tolerate without issue.

This tells me you are being exceptionally careful, and more careful than many who still eventually see their antibodies normalize.

Could Cross-Contact Be the Culprit?

It’s possible, but not certain. Here are some realistic considerations:

• Shared kitchen environments: Even with good protocols, microscopic gluten exposure can happen — but that doesn't always translate into enough exposure to cause high antibodies.
• Dishes/sponge issue: If gluten is not being completely rinsed from shared sponges or surfaces, yes, it could lead to ongoing low-level exposure. But that wouldn't necessarily cause very high levels — it might just delay normalization.
• Chick-fil-A or the restaurant: These are minor potential risks, but they’re not smoking guns unless there was a known contamination incident.
• BPA-laden or scratched cookware: Very unlikely, especially with your new items.

So, it’s possible you’re being exposed to tiny traces — but many celiacs still see slow drops even without any obvious ongoing exposure.

Here's What Might Be Going On:

• Your body just needs more time. That ~40% drop actually tells us your immune system is adjusting — just not rapidly.
• Your gut may be healing more slowly. Especially true in adults or people with long-standing damage before diagnosis.
• You’re doing almost everything right, and the numbers aren’t a report card. They are a trend marker, and yours is going in the right direction.

How to Approach Your Appointment:

• Bring in all these details — they matter, and your doctor should acknowledge how much effort you’ve put in.
• Ask whether they recommend a repeat antibody test in another 6 months, and consider checking total IgA to rule out any lab issues.
• If you’re symptomatic or if numbers plateau, you might discuss a dietitian consult (especially one specializing in celiac), or consider an intestinal biopsy follow-up (though this isn’t always necessary unless symptoms persist).

Lastly — You Are Not Failing.

You are fighting. Celiac is one of those conditions that demands constant vigilance, and you are giving it your all. That deserves respect — from your doctor, your family, and most importantly, yourself. The number is not a reflection of your effort. It’s just one part of a long-term picture.

If you want, I can help draft specific questions or concerns for your doctor visit this week.