Do You Tell When Someone Makes You Sick?

[SilverSlipper]

My daughter was glutened recently (and I suspect carelessly) by an item that my in-laws told me had been prepared one way, but was actually prepared another way. She became ill with stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Should I tell people when items they prepare make her ill? I worry that if I don't, they will think that small amounts are okay. But, I don't want to make anyone feel bad as I know they wouldn't do it on purpose. I'm solving the problem by cooking all food for her for a while, but I'm just curious what others have done.

[kareng]

If they want to cook for her again or wonder why you will not let them cook for her -yes. If you think they are capable of cooking safely and just need more direction - yes. If this will never be an issue again, then why hurt thier feelings? I bet it will be an issue unless they live in Romania on the moon or are moving into a nursing home or have sworn off cooking or never want to see your family again.

So you can use this as a learning experience for them or as the reason they will not ever have to cook for your daughter.

[Lunabell]

I haven't faced this situation yet, but I would mention it or they will never know. It reminds me of when my grandfather first went to meet my grandma's aunt. Her aunt had accidentally overcooked the jelly she had made. My grandfather, trying to be polite, told her that was just the way he liked it(he thought it was terrible). So, for the rest of her life, she always overcooked the jelly when he came to visit.

My oldest has eating challenges because of her disabilities. She has problems chewing food. I have told my family when they have served things that don't even puree well. They want to know so they can help out. I won't hesitate to tell people about what works and doesn't work for Laura after her biopsy is done.

[TPT]

If it's somebody who's going to cook for her again, you need to tell them. At bring up the fact that she is ill, and give them the opportunity to ask "With what?"

[macocha]

Yep, and I have. I even told someone last night. not a big deal if you approach it with a non-attack attitude. It was my son's friend's mom. it was something my son (13) thought was okay to have and it was not and I let her know. I also told her to call anytime she didn't know something. she was great about it. I wasn't mad - not her fault at all.

[celiac-mommy]

Yes-every time. Nicely but firmly!

[Skylark]

They can't learn if you don't give them the opportunity by telling them when she reacts.

[SilverSlipper]

I did let them know. I was non-confrontational and told them that sometimes items can be hidden and it's really tricky to figure out. They were upset because she was sick, but I told them that it was a learning curve like everything else and I've made her sick unintentionally before as well. Then I invited them to our Christmas party and told them that we were probably staying home this Christmas to start some family traditions. My daughter is beyond excited about our holiday party. I've only had one snotty response from my sister in law (but they are weird anyway) and they said they wouldn't attend. Their loss, not mine. I'm asking everyone attending our party to bring a gift or a gluten free item for a family we're adopting for Christmas. The son has Celiac Disease and I don't want him to have the same struggles that my daughter has had. So, we're turning a bad thing into a positive (I'm a 'make lemonade' kind of gal!).

[momtok&m]

I do now. At Thanksgiving (at my house) everyone watched as DD2 walked around with a Saltine cracker. I grabbed it out of her hand, frustrated because noone had let me know. My mother (gluten-free herself) said something like well, it was only a little bite. That was my perfect opportunity to address a stiuation over the summer-she had accidentally (I hope) gotten some gluten and had diarrhea for 3 days. I treated it very lightly but wanted to let everyone know that it is serious........and real! Hopefully this works for a while!

[Skylark]

I did let them know. I was non-confrontational and told them that sometimes items can be hidden and it's really tricky to figure out. They were upset because she was sick, but I told them that it was a learning curve like everything else and I've made her sick unintentionally before as well. Then I invited them to our Christmas party and told them that we were probably staying home this Christmas to start some family traditions. My daughter is beyond excited about our holiday party. I've only had one snotty response from my sister in law (but they are weird anyway) and they said they wouldn't attend. Their loss, not mine. I'm asking everyone attending our party to bring a gift or a gluten free item for a family we're adopting for Christmas. The son has Celiac Disease and I don't want him to have the same struggles that my daughter has had. So, we're turning a bad thing into a positive (I'm a 'make lemonade' kind of gal!).

Oh, nicely done!