Gross Allergy/intolerance Stories From Waiters/waitresses?

[gabby]

I'm wondering if anyone has encountered this situation, and how they deal with it in a nice but effective manner. this is happening to me more and more and I am at wit's end!

I will go to a restaurant and do my little preamble about what I can and can't eat, and how I need my food prepared, etc. Quite often, the waitperson will ask probing questions (can't you just pick off the bread stuffing? or the croutons?) and I will diligently answer that this is not an option. Okay, so here is where it gets kinda weird. many times the person comes back and then tells me some personal allergy/intolerance information about themselves, and it usually involves being told about their indigestion, D, itchy scaley skin, nausea and vomiting! And sometimes a story or two about a relative who had surgery or died a horrible death after years of being intolerant to some food.

Now, I'm not an unsympathetic person. And I feel privaleged that they feel comfortable enough to open up to me about these things. But I am about to EAT! And talking about this stuff makes me really lose my appetite! Seriously. After having someone describe crusty yet oozing flesh sores to me, I have a hard time even looking at my crispy-skinned roasted chicken with tender juicy meat underneath. Arghh, just writing this makes me squirm.

So, does this happen to anyone? And how do you handle it in a nice way?

I welcome all adivce

[2Boys4Me]

Make an icky face and tell them now you have to have it "to go".

Sorry, no real suggestions, we don't go out much...our gluten-free son is rather "selective", so we have only two restaurants we go to and they don't say anything.

[Carriefaith]

If they start telling you a gross story maybe try changing the subject really quick or say that you have to go to the bathroom.

[kabowman]

I have NOT run into that yet!! When we eat out and the wait staff comes up, I have everyone else order first so mine is the one they remember. Then, I say I am a problem customer, they cook for me here, and I have a lot of food issues and then I tell them how I need my food prepared and cooked, exactly--because I don't want to get sick. We eat out regularly and nobody has tried to share their problems with me yet. Of course, I can appear to be a real B if I want to which could keep some of that from happening. I then tip big.

[CeliaCruz]

I've been noticing lately that ever since I was diagnosed with Celiac, I have all-of-a-sudden become everyone's "go to guy" about anything health related....even stuff that has nothing to do with Celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, allergies, intolerances, gastrointestinal problems etc.

For instance, a woman I used to work with called me this weekend in a panic to ask me what she should do about a bad cold she was suffering from. "Should I go to an emergency room? Which emergency room should I go to? What if they prescribe me antibiotics and this is viral?" Don't get me wrong, I was perfectly happy to talk her through all this stuff and even though our relationship is mostly professional, we are sort of friends too and I don't consider it innapropriate for her to call me at home about a personal manner. I was working on a freelance job and was dying for an excuse to procrastinate, truth be told. But I'm not a doctor and this woman has a boyfriend, doting parents who live in the area, and otherwise tons of other close friends to talk to about these issues. I don't mind being the one she called....but I have to wonder why I was the one she called. Is it because my newfound "illness" has apparently given me healing powers?

[aaascr]

Nor have I come across the story-telling

waitstaff - but then I bring my own food

when I'm out with friends and tell them

that I have too many food

allergies and that I didn't want to ruin their

or the cook's day.

And yes, I have the preverbial sign on my

back - contact me with your health questions!

[gabby]

Now that you mention it...more and more people are telling me their health problems too (so maybe it just isn't waiters/waitresses). Hmmm, yet another mystery on this road called Celiac Avenue.

[Rusla]

Well if they start telling you gross stories, tell them one much grosser.

[kabowman]

I am now the resident expert on most health issues at work too now...strange isn't it.

Except, of course, for the one person in the office that thinks my diet is crazy and I am really messed up and if I would just start eating normal (disregarding the fact that my diet is healthier than anyone else's around), I would be fine AND that my son should not be labeled so have him eat anything he wants without restrictions and dealing with the school cafeteria staff and nurse.

Since she is such an expert on everything, nothing said or shown will convince her otherwise - it's all in your head. Even allergies...

[jerseyangel]

I am now the resident expert on most health issues at work too now...strange isn't it.

Except, of course, for the one person in the office that thinks my diet is crazy and I am really messed up and if I would just start eating normal (disregarding the fact that my diet is healthier than anyone else's around), I would be fine AND that my son should not be labeled so have him eat anything he wants without restrictions and dealing with the school cafeteria staff and nurse.

Since she is such an expert on everything, nothing said or shown will convince her otherwise - it's all in your head. Even allergies...

Don't you love the know-it-all! Seems like there's one in every group/family. Usually with no apparent health problems, so they can't relate and oh so happy to "set you straight"!