I Feel Like I Am Being Left Out

[Karla01]

I am a nurse and last week was nurses week so everyday at work corporate did something for the nurses. Every day they sent food, bagels, donuts, pizza, cookies, nothing I could eat. Everyday I heard, go in the lounge look at all of the food we received for nurses week. There wasn't even a spot that I could clean off so I could eat the lunch I brought I had to go to another area to eat. I felt left out, when I brought it up to the supervisor I was ignored and was told that I could wash off some of the vegetables on the vegatable and cheese and cracker tray. Thanks for listening, just needed to vent.

[mushroom]

Yes, occasions, celebrations, rewards that revolve around (glutinous) food are the hardest to cope with. Vent away

[chasbari]

The fact that a nursing staff is incapable of understanding the significance of this speaks to me of a much deeper concern here. Just saying. I understand your frustration.

[Karla01]

The fact that a nursing staff is incapable of understanding the significance of this speaks to me of a much deeper concern here. Just saying. I understand your frustration.

I know, you would think they would understand, they also have no gluten free food in the cafeteria, neither did the las hospital I worked at, very scarey. I have not had any patients at either facility that have had celiac disease, I think everyone just needs education, which I do every chance I get.

[mushroom]

The last time I was hospitalized they must have had twelve different diet plans for the patients, and not one of them was for celiacs

[Takala]

Oh, statistics say that you probably did have patients with celiac disease, but it was undiagnosed.

Quite the "supervisor" you have there.

When I had day surgery a few years ago they all seemed to "get it" on the surgical side of things, but I had my spouse come to guard me, and I told him under no circumstances whatsoever was I to be given any of their food, in case I had to stay longer- we had a bag packed in the car, just in case. I have read of way too many incidents of people going to the hospital and discovering there is no gluten free menu and/or they screw it up- it is truly shocking that they cannot grasp the concept of 1% of the population (or maybe even 7%, counting the gluten intolerants, if you've been reading what Dr Fasano is researching) just needs to avoid the stuff or it's auto immune flare time.

You want to hear something really odd ? Years ago I had to take a horse to the best equine university clinic in the state, UC Davis CA, which was very stressful.... the veterinarian tells us to go get something to eat while waiting, suggests that I go to the student cafeteria, I go expecting nothing, and was still able to cobble together a safe breakfast !

[Tina B]

HA HA, I'm a nurse also and work in a large cardiology practice. I just started here in August and the first thing the staff said is you'll have to buy bigger scrubs because the drug reps are always bringing food. 8 months later of course I haven't gained a pound and am happy about it. I can't eat the crap they bring and don't care. I look at he staff, 90% are overweight and they sit stuffing their faces with their stomachs sitting on their thighs. 3 are already on HTN meds and they are under 50. I am certainly the lucky one here. :-)

[Kim69]

You poor thing! I am glad you vented. I am seeing a therapist who specialists in treating people who have gastric chronic conditions. She says that someone providing you food is a form of nurturing. It is a good feeling to feel that you are being nurtured. And it's something that we all too often miss out on. She is really helping me come to terms with my feelings in relation to Coeliac disease plus other issues.

[sunnydayzahead]

You go ahead and vent away - it is very frustrating FOR SURE!! Only people with limitations like celiac or other can really understand. Food is such a huge thing in our society and food that is provided for treats is definitely NEVER gluten free.

I am surprised to hear tho that your supervisor was not accomodating to this - in the health care field no less - now that is just pathetic!! That is just not acceptable - at the very least they should be able to get a beautiful fruit tray and keep it separate - so many places are making great gluten free things - there really is no excuse for it. I do not work in the health care field and my manager is always conscious of providing something I can eat when we have food brought in and she is even conscious of providing healthy food for all the staff as it just is the right thing to do.

I cannot send anything to the schools with any kind of nuts in it for people with nut allergies - now I get that severe nut reactions will kill ya, but wow - accomodations are made for them, they aren't asked to eat in a separate area, but us celiacs - well we gotta just suc it up lol.

Now on a positive note, the last time I was in the hospital I had complete gluten free menu - right down to the bread. Now this was in Canada, but the food was amazingly safe to eat and I had no problems with it. ;0 I was shocked.

Keep on venting - it always feels better to know you are not alone!