MinnesotaCeliac

Hi everyone!

 

I just joined.  I'm in the process of being diagnosed and after my last test I will be on the gluten-free diet/lifestyle. 

 

My question or my appeal for advice is that I will be traveling for business not even a month into my new lifestyle change and I'm afraid that going away on business will make what is already a hard task (finding things to eat that are safe/allowed) will be even harder.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for flying/traveling gluten free?  I figured I can bring some snacks for the plane they are offering food service.  I also notified the hosts of the conference and they are aware of my special dietary needs for the few meals they will be providing. 

 

What do people suggest?  I just read that carrying a card with what I'm "allergic" to is helpful (different forum).  I feel like when I ask people about food prep and other things they look at me like I've grown two heads even if they are like ... ah, yeah gluten free. 

 

Thanks in advance!

No need to worry if you are prepared, it takes some planning and knowledge (comes with time and experience) as it will not be as easy as before going gluten free. It also depends on your comfort level of eating out. When I travel I carry safe gluten free food with me on my carry on (Laura bars, almonds...etc and twice as much as I'll need just in case there is a delay). I will book hotels that I will have access to a microwave and fridge (either a room with a kitchenette or a hotel that will deliver a small fridge and microwave to the room). I look for a wholefoods (usually book a hotel near one) and swing by a get food for my stay.  Note: you can find gluten-free food at almost all stores now (not a huge variety,but it is getting better)...I just prefer wholefoods.

 

Another very helpful thing to do is contact the local GIG/Celiac support group prior to going, so you are armed with information from people that know the gluten free diet and the local area. Most if not all are more than willing to help a fellow Celiac/GInC. Awesome folks.

 

Contact me if you ever travel to the Twin Cities and I'll give you a list places to eat and where to get gluten-free food.

 

Cheers and goodluck!

I was so hoping to grow once going gluten free, growing yes.......just wider, no height. At 43 i can still dream though!

Hello Christine0125, I have not traveled with Carnival, so I'll be interested to know your experience upon your return. Since being diagnosed last year I have been on two cruises (Princes and Royal Caribbean lines). Both were similar in that you you notify them of your dietary needs prior to the cruise and on the first day (maitre d' upon boarding and again with the headwaiter on the first nights seating). I always avoided the buffets because of potential cross-contamination issues. Royal Caribbean actual listed the gluten free options (but do note that folks use tongs from other dishes that contain gluten). So get there first or ask them to get you some from the kitchen or skip it and eat your own food. For dinners you will preview the next days menu and select what you would like to eat (the will prepare it to your dietary needs). I still do not understand why they don't do that for all meals, as it seems to be the safest way to prepare food(I hear that Norwegian might do lunch too). The cruise lines and staff in general are really accommodating, I'm still getting over my upbringing in Minnesota where you do not ask people to go out of their way for you (I know...I'm my own best advocate...still working on it). I'm still healing and am risk adverse when it comes to food, so I happen to travel with a lot of safe food. Have fun and enjoy the cruise!!! Feel free to ask as many questions as you like and I look forward to hearing about your Carnival cruise.

Congrats pianoland on the upcoming one year anniversary! I'm a month away myself. Your positive attitude shows in your post and will help others see that a diagnosis of celiac is not a negative thing, but a life change for the better. Keep sharing your knowledge and positive attitude!!!!

I am having my Endo this Friday and I am scared to death. I know I will be sedated..but will I fall asleep? I was mostly still awake during my colonoscopy at the beginning and then went out...but I want to be TOTALLY out for this. The thought of a tube down my throat...I am freaking OUT. What if I gag, I am going to panic. I am panicking just thinking about it. Please tell me I will be asleep.

Gah. Im freaking out.

KMMO320,
Sometimes the unknown is scary, we tend to image the worst. This is easy to for me to say, but have no worries! If they put you under for the procedure, you will not even be aware that it took place. The pre-endoscopy setup for it takes longer (explanation of what will take place and prep). Once in the room and on the table they gave me the anesthesia ( I started a countdown, I think I made it to 97). Next thing I know I'm waking up in the recovery room. Just make sure to have someone in the recovery room with you that can talk to the doctor after wards if you have questions (I'm still a little fuzzy on the conversation that took place). After the appointment I went home and slept the rest of the day away. Best wishes!!!!