College/grad School And Celiacs

[lbeehenderson]

I've been gluten free for almost 3 years and still have bouts of discomfort and pain.  I am a "borderline" Celiac, meaning my doctors wont classify me as "full blown" Celiac because of testing. Weird, since I have a dead spot in my stomach from gluten and am extremely sensitive... but, with that said, no tests (not even an colonoscopy/endoscopy) come back positive.  

 

How do other people handle their symptoms when they occur at school?  

 

I have a hard time managing my discomfort, lack of appetite, anxiety, foggy brain and depression once I have been exposed to gluten but, it's exhausting.  

 

How do you eat on campus?  Most days I am at school 12-13hrs and even if I pack food, it isn't always enough. I'm scared to eat food that is prepackaged, even if it is labeled "Gluten-Free"; as I just recently found out that Amy's organic "gluten-free" burritos are still main on equipment that processes wheat! WTF? How is that even allowed?     

 

I'm frustrated and very tired of not feeling like I am able to concentrate on my research, when I am constantly fighting my symptoms.  Even after all these years of being gluten free....  

 

 

[shadowicewolf]

I would just take it with me in any case. You can get those bigger lunchboxes that hold the cold really well and take your food along with you.

 

If you are still fighting symptoms, have you considered there may be something else in your diet that makes you feel bad? Some people cannot handle dairy, corn or soy.