Tell Or Not To Tell

[Shotzy1313]

Is anyone else embarrassed about having this? I have a stupid allergy to chicken and my friends jokingly make fun of me sometime because I can

[gfpaperdoll]

I think that once you are eating gluten-free that you will gain weight & just look a lot healthier...

Not counting how energetic you will feel.

I think guys have a difficut time telling people they have a problem with food. If you do not want to say anything you do not have to. I on the other hand have to be careful not to be a nuisance... I have gotten more than a few of my friends & acquaintances to get tested & are now gluten-free & dairy free !

At the office, this morning, there was breakfast for bosses day, bagels, muffins, rolls, lots of wheaty goodies... I went to the kitchen just to mingle & say good morning to a few people. Someone ask me why I did not have a plate & I just said "oh, I am allergic to wheat" while smiling & laughing like it is the most ridiculous thing in the world. Really people do not care what you eat. Your attitude will give them the clue. So until you are comfortable with it yourself you might want to just keep the info to yourself. Guys, I think, tend not to be as revealing about themselves as women.

[Mom23boys]

Your attitude will give them the clue.

Yes. Your (our) attitude is 95% of it IMO.

[mtraezme]

I tell people about it all the time. There's nothing I can do about it, so I don't really think of it as something that I caused or something I can change or should be embarrassed about. It's just a part of me. Think about your reactions to people with allergies. What do you think of them? My response has usually just been, "Oh, okay, good to know." It has never changed my perceptions of anyone.

People teased me a little at first and are almost always absentmindedly offering me bagels and cookies, but I just say that I can't and then they remember why. On another post they were saying that people want to help, but they need to know how (for example, when there are group meals). If people think you're weird, so be it, but at least if they know, they will be more likely to help accommodate your needs or watch out for you.

Overall, I have had positive responses with most people wanting to find out more about celiac once I mention it.

I think you'll start to feel more comfortable with letting people know once you start feeling better. If you approach it with a sense of humor, it will be easier. There's no reason to feel inferior. One of my co-workers is allergic to cats, dogs, tomatoes, and pollen and he seems to think he's better than everyone else. It's all in how you perceive of yourself.

Ezme

[kbtoyssni]

I have no problem talking about it. There are some people who will continuously ask you stupid questions about wheat, but for the most part I find people are genuinely interested. They ask questions about what I'm eating and what I can and cannot eat, but I see it more as an educational thing. My close friends are very good at buying gluten-free and ask questions but that's so they can make sure they have safe things for me to eat. In the end, you are going to be a little different, but I've gotten used to it and I haven't been made to feel like I'm some sort of freak.

[JustJust]

STEVE,

I tell everyone about it! I look at it as a teaching moment for a lot of people. Since celiac disease is so common you never know who is also suffering from it that may be misdiagnosed! I suffered horribly for months and actully thought I was going to die and when I found out it was celiac disease i was so happy that I spread the word to everyone about what I have. In a weird way it makes me feel special. I have to have my food prepared specially now and think about how much healthier I am getting everyday by not only eating gluten-free but eating "good for you" foods now!

I just broke up with my fiance and wonder what it will be like dating in the future and having to tell someone I have celiac disease. I have come to the conclusion that if they can't accept me for what I am than I don't need them in my life. WE CAN"t do anything about the celiac disease to reverse it so we MUST maintain a gluten-free diet, it's as plain and simple as that. I don't plan on telling those that I date in the future right off the bat I have a DISEASE i would rather kindly put it as a food allergy and then gently break them into the disease that it really is. Yes disease does have a negative connotation to it............. so for now food allergy will do.

Oh YEAH and about getting made fun of........ I am known as Glutey to the family now......... SO I EMBRACED IT and made a shirt for myself with the name Glutey on it! if you already haven't seek out a local support group and ask others how they cope and manage with it, we are all in the same boat and I'd rather swim than sink, so I say the hell with anyone who doesn't understand. Hope my celiac sense helps! Justine :-)