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Any Professional Pilots?

Mr. Pep'r

By Mr. Pep'r
in Coping with Celiac Disease

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Mr. Pep'r Contributor
Mr. Pep'r
Posted

I have been really concerned about this disease having a negative affect on my career. I have been furloughed for several years now and in fact I think the stress of losing my job may have brought all this on. I was recently hired at another airline but the stress of starting all over at the bottom triggered all my symptoms and this is when I found out I had Celiac Disease. I quit that job for several reasons and Celiac being the top reason, I wanted to get my diet under control.

I am looking at recall back to my old job here in the upcoming months which is a very good thing. BUT! I am worried about the quick turns and plane changes during the 3, 4, or 5 day trips. I have to eat on the road and airports really have nothing for me to eat during a 12 hour duty day.

Are there any professional pilots out there that are having to deal with this on the road? If so how do you manage? What do you eat? Anything you can pass along to me?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and concerns.

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Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted
I have been really concerned about this disease having a negative affect on my career. I have been furloughed for several years now and in fact I think the stress of losing my job may have brought all this on. I was recently hired at another airline but the stress of starting all over at the bottom triggered all my symptoms and this is when I found out I had Celiac Disease. I quit that job for several reasons and Celiac being the top reason, I wanted to get my diet under control.

I am looking at recall back to my old job here in the upcoming months which is a very good thing. BUT! I am worried about the quick turns and plane changes during the 3, 4, or 5 day trips. I have to eat on the road and airports really have nothing for me to eat during a 12 hour duty day.

Are there any professional pilots out there that are having to deal with this on the road? If so how do you manage? What do you eat? Anything you can pass along to me?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and concerns.

Hello NoWake,

I am not a professional pilot, but married to one (retired). The stress, I am well familiar with.

In the upcoming months crash course on the gluten free diet. Eliminate every aspect of gluten from your life. It may take several months to get to the point that you feel comfortable on a trip.

I have never met a pilot that did not have his/her routines and carried their "stuff" with them on trips. There are several cereals and the basics that you can take in your flight bag. Remember, you travel with a kitchen and a head three steps away. :P I would pack several meal and most layovers will have restaurants that you could order after talking to the management of chef. I would recommend Triumph Dining cards - wwwtriumphdining.com

The most difficult time for your Celiac journey will be the first six months. Everything from then on will be down hill.

I am certain, once you know how to manage your diet, you can fly successfully and without concern. Let me know if I can be of any assistance. Good luck on your call-back.

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