"I made it gluten free for you..."

[RMJ]

I had my first experience last Friday turning down gluten free food made for me by someone I barely know.  Yes, it was very, very kind of her, and she went to extra trouble to buy a gluten free Trader Joe's pie crust, but I only eat baked goods that I make or that are made in a dedicated facility.  She claimed to know what Celiac disease is.  I can't believe the number of times I had to say "No."  Our hostess also told her I couldn't eat it.  After three or four tries she switched to "just have a little bit."  Luckily I'm stubborn and quite willing to stand up for my health.  I'm sorry for those of you that have to go through this frequently!

[12 Year Celiac]

RMJ - I completely understand how you felt in this situation. It has happened to me so many times.  It's so nice of people to want to try to accommodate, however, they just don't understand how serious it is to be sure to get the right foods.  I personally do not like to eat any gluten free breads, pastries, etc. due to the calorie count as well as that many of them don't agree with my digestive system. What I do now if someone brings something special is thank them profusely and then say I ate before I came but would love to bring a piece home for later.  That seems to save a lot of feelings and doesn't make me sick.  Good luck!

 

[squirmingitch]

It's only come up once with me and it was a situation where I was at a new neighbor's home & was offered food. I had to tell them I have celiac, explain I can't eat their chili or whatever. She kept offering me things. I live in the south & it's very impolite not to offer anyone in your home something to eat & drink. I was fighting a long tradition of hospitality but I stood my ground. I think she was a bit offended but she doesn't live in my body.

The hubs & I don't socialize much at all & we have met very few people locally since we moved here & suddenly found out we had celiac (yes, both of us!). My hubs often says if anyone ever gives us too much trouble then I can just show them a photo of my celiac rash at it's worst & they'll shut up real quick. LOL!

[cyclinglady]

Yes, you have to stand your ground!  I only accept food from another celiac (and only smart ones!).  I have two gluten free ladies in my community band who are gluten free for various health reasons.  Only one understands how bad it can be for me to accept gluten free food from a non-celiac.  The other nice lady is always trying, but I never take it.  

I was dining at a Polish restaurant with my family just last week (in Poland).    The waiter went out of his way to provide some gluten free food for me even though I did not order anything but wine.   Nice gesture.  I just moved it around the plate and pawned it off to my brother.  I'm pretty sure that the chef had no idea about gluten free and there was no way I could effectively communicate with him.  

Most people do not get it and I understand that!  

 

 

[Kurasz]

This happens to me all the time. Because i live in Wisconsin i am surrounded by beer. People are always try to get me to drink beer. I always say "no thanks, I'm allergic to beer". Well, that just doesn't seem to be an acceptable excuse for turning down a beer in Wisconsin. I tell people that when i drink beer i get a really bad fever and end up in the bathroom vomiting for a minimum of 12 hours. That doesn't stop them from continuing to offer me beer. They say things like "come on, just one". They dont understand that even one swallow of beer makes sick for weeks. I don't talk to many people anymore because im sick of being harassed to drink beer.

[cap6]

Agree!  That is a difficult spot to be in.  I have a friend who insists she can cook for me.  I have tried the "I come for the company, not the food", "I am celiac.." etc.  I finally gave up and said "I love you but no!".  It's very hard.  Very hard!  But stay strong.