If He Has Celiac Does He Need An Epi-pen?

[Amyleigh0007]

I am just venting to people who understand.... In the school I work, the school nurse sends out a list of all students who have medical issues so everyone on staff is aware. It's a pretty detailed list. My son was on the list (he attends the same school) and all it said was Celiac disease. There was no mention of his food allergies or his strict diet. So I go to her and ask her is she could please add his food allergies and that he is on a very strict diet and should not eat anything unless it's brought from home. She says, "Aren't Celiac disease and food allergies the same thing? I thought if I put Celiac disease that covered it all". She also asked me if he has Celiac if he would need an Epi-pen. Is it wrong of me to expect the medical community to have a basic knowledge of Celiac disease? I even gave her a two page letter at the start of school that explained Celiac and his food allergies. I like her and she is a very nice person but come on!!!!

[home-based-mom]

I am just venting to people who understand.... In the school I work, the school nurse sends out a list of all students who have medical issues so everyone on staff is aware. It's a pretty detailed list. My son was on the list (he attends the same school) and all it said was Celiac disease. There was no mention of his food allergies or his strict diet. So I go to her and ask her is she could please add his food allergies and that he is on a very strict diet and should not eat anything unless it's brought from home. She says, "Aren't Celiac disease and food allergies the same thing? I thought if I put Celiac disease that covered it all". She also asked me if he has Celiac if he would need an Epi-pen. Is it wrong of me to expect the medical community to have a basic knowledge of Celiac disease? I even gave her a two page letter at the start of school that explained Celiac and his food allergies. I like her and she is a very nice person but come on!!!!

No, you are not wrong to expect the medical community to have a basic knowledge of Celiac disease. The two groups of people who should have the best understanding of it - the medical community and the food service industry - are among the least knowledgeable people out there. (Yes, I know there are exceptions.) It's just a shame. Let's hope she gets on the bandwagon soon!

[April in KC]

Yikes. Sorry. Yes, I'd expect a nurse to be familiar...or get familiar really quickly.

(Our kids seem to have some similar issues...my oldest has Celiac, EGE, and allergies to peanut, pork, soy, and oranges.)