Going Back To Work

[lizzy]

HI All

well after being off work now for almost a year and am now feeling well enough to go back to work i have a problem of what to do. first of all am a cook and i have been a cook for 22 years dont know much else about anything. the problem is will going back into a kitchen working with all this gluten food would it harm me. is anyone else on here a cook and works worry free in a kitchen ?

i was a head cook in a nursing home but after getting so sick i had to leave now am searching for a new job but dont know what to do! as anyone any suggestions. liz

[Nancym]

I've read that it is possible to do, that some bakers are celiacs. I myself have often thought I'd love to go to cooking school, but it seems like I'd have a really hard time testing out my own cooking!

[lizzy]

I've read that it is possible to do, that some bakers are celiacs. I myself have often thought I'd love to go to cooking school, but it seems like I'd have a really hard time testing out my own cooking!

thanks for answering nancy

[jenvan]

Rachel may have some thoughts for you...she works in a baking area of a store...

[princessfuzzball]

How about a dust mask? If you get hired, explain to your employer that what you have is a disability and that they are legally obliged to assist you in any way that they can. (or just bring your own, if they make you take it off, you can call a lawyer...) Here, it's good becuase you will not get sick and then you can't breath on the food that you are cooking....

[kristing]

i've been gluten free since this summer, and i work in a restaurant. it's really hard, especially when you see food that you want to eat but can't. it's important that your co-workers and bosses are behind you 100% and understand that this disease IS a disability! the dust mask is a good idea, and gloves are important as well. like i said, it's hard but as long as you feel safe and you are supported by everyone you work with, you can deal with it!

[lizzy]

thanks for all your help i will look at jobs back in my field and give it a go what have i got to lose if it dosent work i can always leave and look at other carree ideas

[Melzo]

Hi Lizzy!

You seem to have the experience so......why don't you open up your own gluten-free restaurant so the rest of us have somewhere safe to eat and you have a safe place to work? Just open it up near Pittsburgh PA ok?

Good luck going back! I hope that it works out for you. And you're right, if it doesn't work out, there are other jobs. Risking your health is not worth it!