Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Celiac In The Military?

Leonidas

By Leonidas
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Leonidas Newbie
Leonidas
Posted

I've been in the Marine Corps for 4 years now, and have already had one tour in Iraq. Though I am a reservist. My family Dr. recently tested and diagnosed me with Celic disease. I was curious if someone can definitively answer that you can no long be in the military or re-enlist if you do have Celiac disease. It's a lot harder to find information then I thought it would be, and I can't use the proper channels without raising to many questions. Any and all help provided would be greatly appreciated, Thank you

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
I've been in the Marine Corps for 4 years now, and have already had one tour in Iraq. Though I am a reservist. My family Dr. recently tested and diagnosed me with Celic disease. I was curious if someone can definitively answer that you can no long be in the military or re-enlist if you do have Celiac disease. It's a lot harder to find information then I thought it would be, and I can't use the proper channels without raising to many questions. Any and all help provided would be greatly appreciated, Thank you

Unless things have changed recently celiac is not a condition that the military can deal with and it will be a reason for a medical discharge. I would not attempt to hide this diagnosis as that could lead you into real problems down the line if it is discovered that you had been diagnosed and have not told anyone. There is a possibility that they may allow you to serve stateside but I am not positive about that. You should notify your command ASAP. This is not a failure on your part, my son was discharged over 5 years ago due to celiac related health issues and at times he still feels guilty or like he failed somehow. We can not control our genetics and excaberations of symptoms when under great stress or physical illness can have psychological as well as physical manifestations with many celiacs making it very unsafe for both the celiac and the folks around them. Hopefully your command will be able to help you through this, you may also want to contact your commands chaplin and talk to him about this issue.

Guest kivmom3
Guest kivmom3
Posted

there was an article in Sully's living without magazine from the spring issue regarding the military. I believe the person was reassigned to something stateside so that he could remain on his diet and healthy. He also told everyone necessary about his condition. Nothing to hide.

If you can access or get a hold of the magazine article, it may give you some ideas.

Sorry, that is all I can think of for you. Hopefully more people will post.

blueeyedmanda Community Regular
blueeyedmanda
Posted

I actually do not have any info on this, but I do want to say, Thanks for serving our country!

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Here is an excerpt from the article: Open Original Shared Link

I believe I have the full copy. If you'd like, PM me your email address, and I will scan and send it to you in a PDF file.

Here is a similar thread that may be of help.

Open Original Shared Link (see Tim-n-VA's post about Army regs....might be similar or direct you in dealing with the Marines)

Best of luck, and thank you for your service!

Rick45 Rookie
Rick45
Posted

leonidas : Do Not keep this from your commanding officer! YOU ARE A UNITED STATES MARINE AND SUBUJECT TO THE UCMJ ! You have fulfilled your duty in the greatest duty man will ever know !

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,855
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Tara M
    Newest Member
    Tara M
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • cristiana
      Ibuprofen

      By cristiana · Posted

      @Colleen H   I am just curious,  when you were tested for coeliac disease, did the doctors find out if you had any deficiencies? Sometimes muscle pain can be caused by certain deficiencies, for example, magnesium, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium.   Might be worth looking into having some more tests.  Pins and needles can be neuropathy, again caused by deficiencies, such as iron and B12,  which can be reversed if these deficiencies are addressed. In the UK where I live we are usually only tested for iron, B12 and vitamin D deficiencies at diagnosis.   I was very iron anemic and supplementation made a big difference.  B12 was low normal, but in other countries the UK's low normal would be considered a deficiency.  My vitamin D was low normal, and I've been supplementing ever since (when I remember to take it!) My pins and needles definitely started to improve when my known deficiencies were addressed.  My nutritionist also gave me a broad spectrum supplement which really helped, because I suspect I wasn't just deficient in what I mention above but in many other vitamins and minerals.  But a word of warning, don't take iron unless blood tests reveal you actually need it, and if you are taking it your levels must be regularly monitored because too much can make you ill.  (And if you are currently taking iron, that might actually be making your stomach sore - it did mine, so my GP changed my iron supplementation to a gentler form, ferrous gluconate). Lastly, have you been trying to take anything to lessen the pain in your gut?  I get a sore stomach periodically, usually when I've had too much rich food, or when I have had to take an aspirin or certain antibiotics, or after glutening.  When this happens, I take for just a few days a small daily dose of OTC omeprazole.  I also follow a reflux or gastritis diet. There are lots online but the common denominators to these diets is you need to cut out caffeine, alcohol, rich, spicy, acidic food etc and eat small regularly spaced meals.   When I get a sore stomach, I also find it helpful to drink lots of water.  I also find hot water with a few slices of ginger very soothing to sip, or camomile tea.  A wedge pillow at night is good for reflux. Also,  best not to eat a meal 2-3 hours before going to bed. If the stomach pain is getting worse, though, it would be wise to see the doctor again. I hope some of this helps. Cristiana    
    • Me,Sue
      Knowing what to do when feeling unwell.

      By Me,Sue · Posted

      I was diagnosed with coeliac disease a couple of years ago [ish]. I love my food and a variety of food, so it's been hard, as it is with everyone. I try and ensure everything I eat doesn't contain gluten, but occasionally I think something must have got through that has gluten in. Mainly I know because I have to dash to the loo, but recently I have noticed that I feel nauseous after possibly being glutened. I think the thing that I have got better at is knowing what to do when I feel wiped out after a gluten 'episode'. I drink loads of water, and have just started drinking peppermint tea. I also have rehydration powders to drink. I don't feel like eating much, but eventually feel like I need to eat. Gluten free flapjacks, or gluten free cereal, or a small gluten free kids meal are my go to. I am retired, so luckily I can rest, sometimes even going to bed when nothing else works. So I feel that I am getting better at knowing how to try and get back on track. I am also trying to stick to a simpler menu and eat mostly at home so that I can be more confident about what I am eating. THANKS TO THOSE WHO REPLIED ABOUT THE NAUSEA .
    • Francis M
      The Happy Tart review

      By Francis M · Posted

      Thanks. Since the back and forth and promises of review and general stalling went on for more than six months, the credit company will no longer investigate. They have a cutoff of maybe six months.
    • Scott Adams
      The Happy Tart review

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Is this the same restaurant? https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyTartFallsChurch/ Is it too late to take this up with your credit card company? Normally you have a few months to do a chargeback with them. It seems very odd that they are taking this approach with someone who is likely to be a regular customer--not a good business-minded way of handling things!
    • Scott Adams
      Stomach burning and neuropathy

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.