Celiac In The Military?

[lilbit]

I'm just curious. Has anyone here been diagnosed with Celiac while serving in the military?

[Mari]

Several years ago a woman in the Army who had celiac disease wrote in. She had been deployed to Afganistan or Iraq to train Afgan/Iraqui soldiers out away from any city and was trying to live of the army diet and was having increasing problems. I think she was an officer and did not want her problem known to the army. gluten-free foods were not available to her.

[ravenwoodglass]

If you are already diagnosed the military will say thanks but no thanks, fortunately. If you hide it and they find out you did you could be prosecuted and end up in the brig. If you are diagnosed while you are in there are some cases where they will allow you to stay but not deploy you but generally you would get a medical discharge.

[kareng]

I think the next time the recruiters call for my 17 year old son, I will tell them I have Celiac and it's genetic. Maybe it will scare them off. There is nothing wrong with military service but he would better serve the country if he finishes college first as he wants to be a mechanical engineer.

Just re-read this. I am not bashing the military. We would be in a lot of trouble without them. It's just the irritating recruiters, calling and promising kid all sorts of things.

[ravenwoodglass]

I think the next time the recruiters call for my 17 year old son, I will tell them I have Celiac and it's genetic. Maybe it will scare them off. There is nothing wrong with military service but he would better serve the country if he finishes college first as he wants to be a mechanical engineer.

Just re-read this. I am not bashing the military. We would be in a lot of trouble without them. It's just the irritating recruiters, calling and promising kid all sorts of things.

I would do the same as you. I am appalled that they would do a 'cold call' on you. I am very promilitary and encouraged my son to join, before we knew the whole family was celiac. Boot camp is not a good place for an undiagnosed celiac and the stress of the training and all they go through could very well trigger it in someone that has the predispostion. There are many ways to serve your country, including the military but I agree that going in after college is a good way to go. It can be great life, (I was a military wife for years), if it is right for the person and they were not pushed into the decision.

[hertzya]

I have been serving in the Navy for 9 years now and was diagnosed with celiac disease 4 years ago. I actually thought I would be kicked out...but I'm still in happily. In fact, I was accepted to an enlisted-to-officer program and am currently earning my degree to become a nurse. I have deployed with the marines (I'm a corpsman) on the ground in Iraq with the disease. In fact, when I applied for the commissioning program, I had to do a pre-commissioning physical exam and pass...I was granted a waiver assuming it was for the celiac disease. I doubt the Navy would spend the money to pay for my degree if celiac disease was a definite kicking-out diagnosis. So, there is hope for those diagnosed while active duty...or those that may want to join. Hope this helps.

[kareng]

I have been serving in the Navy for 9 years now and was diagnosed with celiac disease 4 years ago. I actually thought I would be kicked out...but I'm still in happily. In fact, I was accepted to an enlisted-to-officer program and am currently earning my degree to become a nurse. I have deployed with the marines (I'm a corpsman) on the ground in Iraq with the disease. In fact, when I applied for the commissioning program, I had to do a pre-commissioning physical exam and pass...I was granted a waiver assuming it was for the celiac disease. I doubt the Navy would spend the money to pay for my degree if celiac disease was a definite kicking-out diagnosis. So, there is hope for those diagnosed while active duty...or those that may want to join. Hope this helps.

My younger one is actually interested in the military. He's 14 so he's also interested in Forest Ranger, grade school teacher, bar tender, etc. But I would be interested to know how they handle your food needs. During training and school in the States, it's probably easier or the food is up to you. But when deployed, what do you do? thanks

[Sara Crowe]

Message to Hertzya

is there anyway to contact you outside the forum? My daughter is in the Navy and was just tested for Celiac. I heard that if it’s positive she will get a medical discharge. She’s freaking out. How did you manage to get around that? Is there a precedent? Hope you can help!

thank you 

[kareng]

1 hour ago, Sara Crowe said:

Message to Hertzya

is there anyway to contact you outside the forum? My daughter is in the Navy and was just tested for Celiac. I heard that if it’s positive she will get a medical discharge. She’s freaking out. How did you manage to get around that? Is there a precedent? Hope you can help!

thank you 

You are replying to a 7 year old post, so I doubt you will hear back. 

[psawyer]

Hertzya last was here in 2011. But I sent a message to see if they will come back and respond.

[hertzya]

2 hours ago, Sara Crowe said:

Message to Hertzya

is there anyway to contact you outside the forum? My daughter is in the Navy and was just tested for Celiac. I heard that if it’s positive she will get a medical discharge. She’s freaking out. How did you manage to get around that? Is there a precedent? Hope you can help!

thank you 

Absolutely. I'll see if the admins can give you my contact info so I don't have to post it. BTW, I'm still active duty and was deployed to Afghanistan last year for 9 months.

[Sara Crowe]

OMG Thank you so much!!! 

If it’s ok my email is sara.crowe@bstamerica.com

i have no problem posting it  - if you email me that would be great!

thank you!

 

sara 

[Sara Crowe]

54 minutes ago, psawyer said:

Hertzya last was here in 2011. But I sent a message to see if they will come back and respond.

Thank you so so much. 

[kareng]

You can private message each other here .  Exchange emails or whatever....

 

click on on the persons picture and so “message’

[Sara Crowe]

Thank you all 

[GFinDC]

Hertzya,

Congrats to you for sticking with your service in spite of celiac disease.  That seems like it would be hard to do,  And thanks for your service to our country!  

[Awol cast iron stomach]

What a great community. She reaches out for help and you all help her get in touch with Hertzya.

That is really touching

great group the benefits to celiac after all are in the people?

Edit: and Hertzya came back to help !

Good luck to both Hertzya and Sara's daughter sending thoughts it will all work out.

[Sara Crowe]

Awol cast iron stomach - Thank you very much!