Im So Frustrated...

[ab123]

Ok, so I recently moved to a new college, and have only been diagnosed with Celiac for a few months. It has been a slow process (doctors were not informative...) of learning how to deal with this disease. I met with the manager of the dining hall and he was not any help. He said that he was going to start collecting labels off of the meat, dressings, seasonings, etc. but has not gotten back in touch with me. I have been at school for like a month and a half and have basically only been able to eat veggies, salad, and rice. I cant eat the meat, because I dont know what seasoning is in it. I am loosing weight (which I am already too skinny) since I have been off to college, which is not good.

Does any one have any suggestions on how to fix this situation? The dining hall is rude and not helpfull at all. There are no other Celiacs on campus, so they dont know anything about it and dont seem to care. I dont know what to do next... Do I get a refund on the meal plan and eat in the dorm room? If I do that, I only have a microwave and fridge, so how would I eat properly?

Any ideas would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[loraleena]

What about getting a single burner hot plate so you could cook things. Also Amy's makes a lot of gluten free microwabable entrees. I would go in and demand help with this from the school or else they should have to give your money back. Could you give them written info on your diet and what you can't have?? Good luck. College is tough. I remember how hard it was just to do a vegetarian diet at school let alone the celiac one.

[Mango04]

They should have eggs and raw plain meat in the dining hall. Ask if they can give you plain uncooked chicken breasts (and other meats). My college dining hall did this for any student that asked..you just had to pay with your meal card. Then get a George Foreman for your room and cook the meat yourself. They should also be able to boil eggs for you, so you can at least have some safe protein.

Is there a nutritionist at your school? There should be someone who has an ingredient list of all the foods in the cafeterias. There are so many dietary restrictions these days...someone has to actually know what's in the food. They should be able to provide you with a list of what you can eat.

I tried to get a refund on my meal plan back when I was in collge but it was a big hassle and they just wouldn't refund the money. As you become more familiar with celiac you'll realize you can eat more foods than you thought. There are also quite a few things you can cook in a microwave. If it still doesn't work out, you should be allowed to move to an apartment with a kitchen, if not now, next semester.

I hope it works out for you

[scotty]

i know it is quite unorthodox and major hassle--but perhaps you should heal and determine what you can and cannot eat then return to school, bringing more of a weighty confidence (and maybe a sack lunch) with you; not sure your situation, wether would be possible--medical leave type refund...?; has been my plan now for 10 years. lot of walking on them damn campuses for someones likes usses

[~alex~]

Does your school have an office dealing with disability and equity services? That might be a good place to turn. Not that I consider Celiac a disability but you know what I mean. You deserve to be able to eat safely and I would think your school would have a responsibility to help you do that. If you have an ombudsperson service at your school they can help make sure that you are being treated fairly and given what you need. I`m sure you don`t want to make a big stink about the whole thing but if your residence is not properly accommodating you than you might need to get someone with some clout on your side.

Also, depending on the size of you school there might be a dietician on the staff of housing and food services. I know there was one at my school. If so he or she may be able liaise for you.

Good Luck