Are There Any Gluten-containing Items To Avoid In A Hospital...

[nikki2008]

Such as lotions or ???

Thanks.

[darlindeb25]

When in the hospital, you have to watch out for the same things as anywhere else. A hospital is no different. Hospitals do not use allergy free products any more than anyone else. Even when I told them I was gluten free, even when I took them a list of gluten free meds, they still would bring me vitamins or such, with no labels, and they had no idea if they were gluten free or not. I would not take them! You must be constantly on your guard, CONSTANTLY!

[jerseyangel]

I'd bring all of my own toiletries. As for meds, anything injected is fine, but oral meds must be checked. The nurses can check with the hospital pharmacy as to the gluten status.

[Ursa Major]

Because most hospital nutritionists are clueless about celiac disease, the risk of cross contamination is very high. You might want to consider getting your meals brought to you by family.

[jerseyangel]

Because most hospital nutritionists are clueless about celiac disease, the risk of cross contamination is very high. You might want to consider getting your meals brought to you by family.

Yes--definately do this. I was in the hospital last year and supplied all of my own food. The last thing you need is to get glutened on top of everything else!

[larry mac]

Yes--definately do this. I was in the hospital last year and supplied all of my own food. The last thing you need is to get glutened on top of everything else!

Be wary of any rice dishes, such as Rice-A-Roni, or Pasta-Roni products. Many contain macaroni or similar wheat ingredients.

And, be prepared to get a very limited meal. They do try to comply with the gluten-free diet. But, it mostly means you just won't get as much food. You will not get any alternative gluten-free products.

As for the suggestions for having food brought to you by family or friends. They better be more savy regarding gluten-free than my family and friends, or you're no better off.

My hospital stay was spent recovering from a traumatic accident, surgery, all the pain medication I could get my veins on, and coping with plenty of assorted mental stresses and worries. In retrospect, I did pretty good actually. One thing that's helpful, is the pain meds tend to stop you up, which is a good thing. So you don't have to worry about that. Because it would be inconvenient to have to go to the bathroom while incapacitated. Thank you God for small miracles. And of course for the big ones, like saving our lives.

In my limited experiences with hospitals, and day out-patient surgery facilities, I've found the staff to be very dedicated individuals. I'm very thankful and grateful to my caregivers.

best regards, lm