Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

A Big Surprise Of My Life!

Simona19

By Simona19
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

Simona19 Collaborator
Simona19
Posted

Hi!

On Saturday I attendet my Girlfriend's Bitrhday party. She knows me and my medical history for about 5 years. She was so kind and made gluten and casein free dinner for me. I was very thankful for that, but the remark what she told at the end was the biggest surprise of my life. She said: " You need to change your job because all your problems with allergies and intolerances are in your head. Change your job and you will feel better." Other friend agreed to that. I was stunned. What? I made my food intolerances and allergies in my head? How? I explain to them that I'm not depresed and I'm not making nothig in my head. My body is reacting to something - nuts, flour, milk casein, kiwi, fructose and more.

And the worst part from this is that my friend was a nurse in my country for many years and here, in the USA, she is a nurse assistent, or caregiver. She was in school for that. I can't get over that.

I just wanted to share this with somebody who understand.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


CMCM Rising Star
CMCM
Posted

It's really quite amazing how many people (who have no "issues" or at least who think they don't) are totally insensitive and uncomprehending and unempathetic about it. Forty years ago when my mom was so sick and as yet undiagnosed (because so few doctors knew anything about celiac disease), she had a whole string of doctors who told her it was in her head. As for other people in her life, they were of course totally ignorant about celiac disease and its effects, so they often seemed to think my mom was overacting about it all...."Can't you eat just a little bit of gluten?" She should have invited such people into the bathroom with her as she threw up for hours and of course the D that went with it all.

I think you just have to accept and understand that this is how people often are, and how they often don't take this seriously. Nothing you can do about all this, either, but learn to not let it bother you!

gary'sgirl Explorer
gary'sgirl
Posted

Hi!

On Saturday I attendet my Girlfriend's Bitrhday party. She knows me and my medical history for about 5 years. She was so kind and made gluten and casein free dinner for me. I was very thankful for that, but the remark what she told at the end was the biggest surprise of my life. She said: " You need to change your job because all your problems with allergies and intolerances are in your head. Change your job and you will feel better." Other friend agreed to that. I was stunned. What? I made my food intolerances and allergies in my head? How? I explain to them that I'm not depresed and I'm not making nothig in my head. My body is reacting to something - nuts, flour, milk casein, kiwi, fructose and more.

And the worst part from this is that my friend was a nurs in my country for many years and here, in the USA, she is nurs assistent, or caregiver. She was in school for that. I can't get over that.

I just wanted to share this with somebody who understand.

I'm so sorry that your friends responded in this way. I don't know what people are thinking when they say such ignorant things such as what your friend said to you. I come across responses like this too - I'm sure I would more, but I am pretty much secluded from people right now, but they still say really discouraging things.

Try to remember that they have no idea what it's like to have a problem like this and even if they do some times people just can't look past what they are going through.

I wish all of us could have a close friend that live near us who was going through the same thing and could understand and just be an encouragement.

I hope you have some encouragement soon!

~Sarah

lynnelise Apprentice
lynnelise
Posted

I think one reason that people like to think that stuff like this only exists in our mind because to admit that it's real would be admitting it could happen to them. My friends and family act like their whole world would be over without gluten. It's really ridiculous to give food that much power over your life but they do it. Just ignore them. You know the truth. Give them graphic details about what happens when you eat gluten if that is what it takes. Also point out that if your job was the cause of your issues then removing a food from your diet wouldn't make any difference at all assuming you still work the same job!

Dixiebell Contributor
Dixiebell
Posted

I think one reason that people like to think that stuff like this only exists in our mind because to admit that it's real would be admitting it could happen to them.

Well said lynnelise.

This is so true.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I'll tell you another reason people think food problems are all in our heads. When my High School senior was in grade school, peanut allergies were all the rage. I know they are real and immediately life threatening. We had so many kids with supposed peanut allergies eating M& Ms and fries cooked in peanut oil. Kids with allergies to things they didn't like like broccoli. It was nuts! It got to the point that if you offered some of these kids something they didn't want, instead of " No, thank you.". You got " I'm allergic!"

I felt bad for the kid with the real peanut allergy.

Oh yeah! Most of the active boys had ADHD. I said mine just needs a bit of exercise each day.

Katie B Apprentice
Katie B
Posted

This would be in my "time to get new friends" category - but you would know more about the context. Oftentimes you can't force people to understand things even if there are a million sources on the internet (and your friend is a nurse?!).

Fine to still talk to them but it might be nice to make some more connections with people who you don't have to convince.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Simona19 Collaborator
Simona19
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for the kind words of comfort. It helps to know that I'm not alone. I think it was a long time ago that my friend - nurse gradueted from her nursing school. I wasn't even able to say something. All guests agreed with her. I just looked at my mom and shook my head with disbelieve. I can't get over, still. I'm lucky that my mom is on my side. She was the one who forced me to go gluten free.

Thank you again for all your replies. I hope that ones there will be time when people and specialy doctors would know and understand the celiac disease. B)B)B)

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

Why didn't she tell you how she really feels! People are so clueless, even in the medical profession.. Sorry you had to experience that ---- I would ditch the friend & find one that truly understands & cares for you as you are...gluten free & all !!!! The good news is you are not married to her......

sandsurfgirl Collaborator
sandsurfgirl
Posted

I would LOVE it if celiac were in my head. Too bad I have BLOOD TESTS to prove otherwise. EYEROLL. I'm so sorry that happened to you. I'm sure you would have loved to slap them... in your head of course.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. ElenaM
      - ElenaM posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      I think I am gluten intolerant

      Hello everyone. I am Elena and am 38 years old. I suspect I have a gluten intolerance even if my celiac panel is ok. I have the following symptoms : facial flushing, Red dots not bumps în face, bloating abdominal distension, hair loss, depression anxiety even with meds and even bipolar. Fatigue extreme to the point of not being able to work. All of ...
    2. JulieRe
      - JulieRe replied to JulieRe's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      6

      Oral thrush question

      Hi Everyone, I do appreciate your replies to my original post. Here is where I am now in this journey. I am currently seeing a Naturopath. One thing I did not post before is that I take Esomeprazole for GERD. My Naturopath believes that the decrease in the gastric acid has allowed the yeast to grow. She has put me on some digestive enzymes...
    3. Ceekay
      - Ceekay replied to slkrav's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      3

      Gluten free beer ?

      I'm sure it's chemically perfect. Most of them taste lousy!
    4. Rejoicephd
      - Rejoicephd replied to JulieRe's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      6

      Oral thrush question

      Hi @JulieRe. I just found your post. It seems that I am also experiencing thrush, and my doctor believes that I have fungal overgrowth in my gut, which is most likely candida. I'm seeing my GI doctor next week, so I'm hoping she can diagnose and confirm this and then give me an antifungal treatment. In the meantime, I have been working with a functional...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to oscarbolduc's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      1

      Advice while waiting for testing

      I'm so sorry you're going through this—the "gluten challenge" is notoriously brutal, and it's awful to deliberately make yourself sick when you've already found the answer. For the joint pain, many people find that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help take the edge off, and using heating pads or warm baths can provide some direct r...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,894
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    catsrlife
    Newest Member
    catsrlife
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • ElenaM
      I think I am gluten intolerant

      By ElenaM · Posted

      Hello everyone. I am Elena and am 38 years old. I suspect I have a gluten intolerance even if my celiac panel is ok. I have the following symptoms : facial flushing, Red dots not bumps în face, bloating abdominal distension, hair loss, depression anxiety even with meds and even bipolar. Fatigue extreme to the point of not being able to work. All of these after I eat gluten. Could I have non celiac gluten sensitivity? Thanks anyone else with these symptoms?
    • JulieRe
      Oral thrush question

      By JulieRe · Posted

      Hi Everyone,  I do appreciate your replies to my original post.   Here is where I am now in this journey.  I am currently seeing a Naturopath.  One thing I did not post before is that I take Esomeprazole for GERD.  My Naturopath believes that the decrease in the gastric acid has allowed the yeast to grow.    She has put me on some digestive enzymes.  She also put me on Zinc, Selenium, B 12, as she felt that I was not absorbing my vitamins. I am about 5 weeks into this treatment, and I am feeling better. I did not have any trouble taking the Fluconazole.  
    • Ceekay
      Gluten free beer ?

      By Ceekay · Posted

      I'm sure it's chemically perfect. Most of them taste lousy!        
    • Rejoicephd
      Oral thrush question

      By Rejoicephd · Posted

      Hi @JulieRe.  I just found your post.  It seems that I am also experiencing thrush, and my doctor believes that I have fungal overgrowth in my gut, which is most likely candida.  I'm seeing my GI doctor next week, so I'm hoping she can diagnose and confirm this and then give me an antifungal treatment.  In the meantime, I have been working with a functional medicine doctor, doing a candida cleanse and taking vitamins. It's already helping to make me feel better (with some ups and downs, of course), so I do think the yeast is definitely a problem for me on top of my celiac disease and I'm hoping my GI doctor can look into this a bit further.  So, how about you?  Did the candida come back, or is it still gone following your fluconazole treatment?  Also, was it awful to take fluconazole?  I understand that taking an antifungal can cause a reaction that sometimes makes people feel sick while they're taking it.  I hope you're doing better still !
    • Scott Adams
      Advice while waiting for testing

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      I'm so sorry you're going through this—the "gluten challenge" is notoriously brutal, and it's awful to deliberately make yourself sick when you've already found the answer. For the joint pain, many people find that over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help take the edge off, and using heating pads or warm baths can provide some direct relief for the aches. For the digestive misery, stick to simple, easy-to-digest foods (like plain rice, bananas, and bone broth) and drink plenty of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated. It feels like the longest month ever, but you are doing the right thing to get a clear diagnosis, which can be crucial for your long-term health and getting the proper care. Hang in there; you can get through this! This article, and the comments below it, may be helpful:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.