How do you guys manage jobs with celiac disease?

[Zachm]

I am 21 and in college full time, though this semester has been all online since I am newly diagnosed and still going through the problems. I was diagnosed in June, had a few months of where you think you are eating gluten free and avoiding it at all costs, but I wasn't and that led to HORRIBLE CRAMPS!!! There isn't words to describe the cramps I get and I got my first one today followed by the "D" for the first time since probably October, which hey is still results for me, but this takes so much away apart from just "giving you diarrhea", like spacing out, headaches, etc. I have one more final exam this semester and trying to work with the disability office at my college, not fun. Its the teacher more or less. I have shown them my diagnosis letter, letters from the doctor asking to allow me to take the test online (its an online class for god's sake and I told them they could skype me, record me, etc) and her only "solution" is to just put me as incomplete and I just drive up there when I feel "good". Though I know I said I have been doing good for a month, I am not perfect. I honestly am a nervous wreck now-a-days because when I go out I fear itll hit me (I am going to college for counseling too...but hey, atleast I have experience with mental disorders). How do yall manage your lives though?

[janetwinva]

1 hour ago, Zachm said:

I am 21 and in college full time, though this semester has been all online since I am newly diagnosed and still going through the problems. I was diagnosed in June, had a few months of where you think you are eating gluten free and avoiding it at all costs, but I wasn't and that led to HORRIBLE CRAMPS!!! There isn't words to describe the cramps I get and I got my first one today followed by the "D" for the first time since probably October, which hey is still results for me, but this takes so much away apart from just "giving you diarrhea", like spacing out, headaches, etc. I have one more final exam this semester and trying to work with the disability office at my college, not fun. Its the teacher more or less. I have shown them my diagnosis letter, letters from the doctor asking to allow me to take the test online (its an online class for god's sake and I told them they could skype me, record me, etc) and her only "solution" is to just put me as incomplete and I just drive up there when I feel "good". Though I know I said I have been doing good for a month, I am not perfect. I honestly am a nervous wreck now-a-days because when I go out I fear itll hit me (I am going to college for counseling too...but hey, atleast I have experience with mental disorders). How do yall manage your lives though?

Funny you should post this, as I just returned from work. I am in my hotel room, and it's very stressful. I travel for my job and I was diagnosed a year and a half ago. I had to quit my job to get better. Then I was rehired when I was better enough to go back to work. I am away for weeks at a time. It's hard because I travel with a team to various hospitals, and the last place I can eat is a hospital cafeteria! We always go out, so I mostly pack food: tuna and crackers, eggs, instant grits, protein bars, etc. The position is stressful, and I've gone from an outgoing person, to much more subdued and quit. I don't have the memory and recall I once did, and it frustrates my team at times, but they kind of understand. I actually was going to resign again after this trip, but I don't know. I just wanted to let you know that all this is new to you and I. Others say it gets better, but each person is different. You seem younger than me, so you have that on your side. They say the older you are when diagnosed, the harder your body reacts. I would say keep up the counseling, and think of creative, portable foods to take out with you, to snack on in classes. Get the "Find Me Gluten Free" App,  It helps when eating out. Good luck.

 

[Judy3]

Working full time plus I can answer your question.   It gets better with time and the healing will make you feel better. Make sure you aren't getting gluten someplace you wouldn't expect.  Most importantly you can't cheat and say 'just this once I'll have some'... Not going to work!!!   Bring your own lunch and learn to cook your own food.   There are a lot of gluten free products on the market now but I still prefer homemade. My office has a wonderful cafeteria but I only eat salad off the salad bar from there because I've been 'glutened' too many times by cafeteria workers that don't get it.   So now I bring my lunch.   If someone brings in treats don't ever eat them if they are homemade, even if they say they must be gluten free.. because cross contamination in a kitchen that isn't entirely gluten free will get you every time.     If it's an event where you have advanced warning bring a treat for yourself that you know is gluten free and join the party!!  

I've rarely missed a day of work due to Celiac in the 5 yrs since my diagnosis but I did a lot of reading and learned what not to eat and how to find it 'hidden' in other foods.   It's a learning process but you have to be totally gluten free, all the time!!     Eventually, you'll heal and staying with the gluten free diet will keep you that way.   

[Malinois02]

I to was recently diagnosed and for the first time last week accidentally ate something that was contaminated.  I thought to myself geez if this happens during the week and I miss work I'll be in trouble.  I did some research and learned Celiac Disease is covered by the American with Disabilities Act.  I'm still researching what all that means, and haven't even got to the part about schooling, but maybe it could help you with your situation?  If you want to look into it just Google celiac and  ada  and you should find it.  I would think if you have a letter from the doctor ands its considered a legit disability they would have to be flexible.   Good luck!

 

[manasota]

Don't quit your job or school!  If you do have to quit, make sure a lot of people in authority SEE you sick as a dog so you can get SSDI if you need it in the future.  I "sucked it up", quit my job believing that I would soon get well enough to work again.  WRONG!  That was 15 years ago!  I'm still not well enough to work!  I managed to work part-time for a while; but part-time  jobs in my field are very hard to come by.  Now I'm too sick to even work part-time

I was so stupid.  I kept living off my savings while I was convinced I'd get better.  After all, they say all you need to do is not eat gluten.  Bull Cookies!  Did not work for me.

DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB/SCHOOL!!!!!  Only do this after you have plenty of witnesses to your illness!

Suffer the embarrassment now.  It's better than paying the rest of your life for keeping your troubles to yourself.

[cyclinglady]

I personally would take the incomplete.  I know that sounds bad and you have worked hard, but it is not  the end of the world.  Give yourself time to heal and get the diet down.  Perhaps in a month, you might feel well enough to take the exam on campus.  

[Coltsneck24]

Take the incomplete - don't let this disease ruin your life or keep you from doing what you should be doing at your age.  You are going through a transition and once you are in control of your diet and really understand how to make it work for you, you will be able to gain a better perspective.  Don't think of it as a disability - why do you have to carry that label around with you. Get help through this website and through your area hospitals - many of which have Celiac support groups.  Initially, you may have to work with a Registered Dietician who can help you set up a regime that you can manage and live with.  Good luck and hang in there.  We're all in the same boat so you know that over time you will be in very good control of the situation.