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Celiac Disease And The Workplace

Jen H

By Jen H
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

aikiducky Apprentice
aikiducky
Posted
I have been eating good all week except for the hamburgers that I had two nights ago that were made with bread crumbs, but I think it's this medicine my doctor prescribed me...this Clidinium.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi, new poster here.

Don't panic just yet, if you had contaminated food only two days ago then nausea and several bowel movements a day would be just what I'd expect! :( I usually have that kind of symptoms for several days up to two-three weeks after being glutened... hang in there!

Hi everyone, I've been lurking here for a while now, got lots of good information from this forum. I self-diagnosed myself almost a year ago, feeling great nowadays as long as I keep watching those bread crumbs! :ph34r:

Pauliina

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nettiebeads Apprentice
nettiebeads
Posted
Hi, new poster here.

Don't panic just yet, if you had contaminated food only two days ago then nausea and several bowel movements a day would be just what I'd expect!  :(  I usually have that kind of symptoms for several days up to two-three weeks after being glutened... hang in there! 

Hi everyone, I've been lurking here for a while now, got lots of good information from this forum. I self-diagnosed myself almost a year ago, feeling great nowadays as long as I keep watching those bread crumbs!  :ph34r:

Pauliina

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi to you too! I'm rather new here myself, but not to celiac disease. After reading a lot of these posts I realized that I haven't been completely gluten-free as I thought I was. Drat! But knowledge is power and I've made a few changes at home. Feeling better already.

Jen H Contributor
Jen H
Posted
  • Author

Danceswithwolves,

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling better. I'm pretty new to celiac disease too, and I am still adjusting to the diet. I took sudafed on Saturday and within 10 minutes I was very sick. It took me several days to get over it.

I was taking a few different medicines before I was diagnosed with celiac disease: Nexium and Ciprofloaxin. I couldn't figure out if I was sick from the medicine or from celiac disease. The Nexium I could stop taking, and once the Cipro ran out, I tried to detox my body. I realize you may not be able to do this with your medicine. I found that I was finally able to figure out which symptoms were side effects of the medicine and which were because of celiac disease.

Perhaps your doctor could refer you to a nutritionist? I am seeing one next week to help me with food ingredients and meal choices. Hope you're feeling better soon.

:) Jen

Guest DanceswithWolves
Guest DanceswithWolves
Posted
Danceswithwolves,

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling better.  I'm pretty new to celiac disease too, and I am still adjusting to the diet.  I took sudafed on Saturday and within 10 minutes I was very sick.  It took me several days to get over it. 

I was taking a few different medicines before I was diagnosed with celiac disease:  Nexium and Ciprofloaxin.  I couldn't figure out if I was sick from the medicine or from celiac disease.  The Nexium I could stop taking, and once the Cipro ran out, I tried to detox my body.  I realize you may not be able to do this with your medicine.  I found that I was finally able to figure out which symptoms were side effects of the medicine and which were because of celiac disease. 

Perhaps your doctor could refer you to a nutritionist?  I am seeing one next week to help me with food ingredients and meal choices.  Hope you're feeling better soon.

:) Jen

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, I'm going today at 3:30. I'm actually kinda excited! I have all my paperwork from my family doc and I explained that I have no medical benefits at all. $65 up front for an hour session. Not bad.

I had to stop taking PPI's because my stomach was so screwed up I was having a whole bunch of reactions from them. At least I thought it was from them. Black stool (ick) red, glazed-over eyes, chills....may have been just the beginning of the celiac disease. Not sure. But my job and boss was nuts, so I quit and he (my friend/boss) threw me out of his house. How about that? Needless to say, I haven't talked to him since.

He even kept my last paycheck.

I knew my health was my number one concern but all that anxiety and the nervous breakdown I had may have triggered my celiac disease.

So, I go in today, talk for awhile and see what they say. But I tell ya, if they conclude that I just need paxil....I'm gonna be pissed!

Janelson Apprentice
Janelson
Posted

I hear you all! I am 20 years old and I go to work full time and school full time! I just started my new job and have already called in. They were no too happy! I can not afford to get fired either because my check goes to bills, my nieces daycare, food for my sister and niece, and school! Many days I go into work feeling like I might die but I try to stick with it! It is to the point where I am tired and I feel as though I can not keep my eyes open anymore yet my family and friends do not understand. They see me as being lazy and using celiac disease as an excuse. I fear so many things but the biggest is my futur not working out because of this. I have a good chance of losing my job if I call in again! Is there anything I can do to stop this from happening. Is there something written in the law about firing me just because I am sick??? Grrrrr I am so tired!

Jen H Contributor
Jen H
Posted
  • Author

Hey Janelson,

I am sorry to hear you're dealing with all that. It sounds like you have your plate full with school, work, and contributing to the family. I don't know how you do it all! I was in a similar situation last spring and I know it's terrible to go through. I know being out sick can affect one's job performance, but I wouldn't think a boss could fire an employee due to illness. Hopefully your boss can work with you on this. Try to take time for yourself as much as you can. Take naps, baths, and take care of yourself.

:) Jen

CaliGirl Newbie
CaliGirl
Posted

I am so grateful for this message board... it is so inspirational to know that I am not alone, and others have gone through this, too.

I just started a new job two weeks ago, and it's a huge deal to me, the kind that could make or break my career. Well, today I home because of fatigue, the "big D", and overpowering naseau. All day I've been so worried about missing a day of work. But holy cow, look at what Janelson is doing--that's incredible. To do everything that she is doing (which is more than me) and feel how she is feeling (which is worse than me)... it's encouraging.

Rachel

figuring out how to be truly gluten free since May 2004

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drewsant Rookie
drewsant
Posted

This topic is interesting to me because I miss a lot of work because of the diarrhea. In the last 10 years probably, I have not been able to get through much more than a 2 week stretch without missing work. But I've never had a problem with my employer because I have FMLA , or Family Medical Leave Act. I have several things under this--kidney/bladder infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and Myoclonic Dystonia (severe neck spasms) Between these 3 things, and the never ending dr appointments, I miss tons of work. I'm also physically disabled with Spina Bifida, which is why I thought I always had diarrhea. No joke--I've had diarrhea for almost 10 years straight. It has become normal for me. I took Immodium AD regularly so I could work, and learned when to eat and when not to eat and manipulate it that way. The problem with the diarrhea is that my job is being on the phone all day, so if in the middle of a call, I feel like I need to go, I can't until the call is done. I can't just hang up on a customer. So this is usually where I need to go home from work, because I don't make it to the bathroom. If I wasn't on the phone, it wouldn't be so bad. Unfortunately, working for a phone company, there aren't too many jobs that don't involve talking to customers on the phone all day.

After about a month of going gluten-free, I actually managed to make it more than 2 weeks without missing work. I've been glutened a few times, and missed work a couple of times--today was one of them. Got to work and was in the bathroom 3 times in the first 1 1/2 hrs, so I went home. But for the most part, it is getting better.

Sometimes I wish I could quit my job, because it is stressful wondering if I'm going to make it all day, or say I feel fine, but when I get to work, it hits me. But I'm single, so I have no choice but to work. I will not go on disability just because I have diarrhea and chronic kidney and bladder infections. I'm used to having it anyway, so I've just learned how to deal with it and cope when I get it.

I'd like to work from home, but can't come up with anything that pays me $30,000 with insurance benefits so I'll keep working until I am truly disabled and unable to work.

I've also been going to school full time. I've had to drop out not due to illness, but financial reasons. I was really enjoying it, and hope I can re-enroll next year.

but I wouldn't think a boss could fire an employee due to illness
.

Oh yes they most certainly can, unless you have FMLA. Once you miss so much work, they can fire you, unless you have FMLA. You can even get fired having this, if you miss more than 12 weeks in a rolling year. FMLA has kept me from getting fired.

Rachel--24 Collaborator
Rachel--24
Posted
Is there anything I can do to stop this from happening. Is there something written in the law about firing me just because I am sick???

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You could look into FMLA...like the last post mentioned. My doc was going to put me on it but at the time it wasnt necessary (I wasn't in fear of losing my job). If it ever came down to that I would definately try to get FMLA.

CaliGirl Newbie
CaliGirl
Posted

After writing my previous post, I talked with my mom (who has celiac disease), and she uses the FMLA with her job. She is only allowed two (2) excused absences per year in the industry she is in, so she uses the FMLA for protection from disciplinary action.

I'm not sure if I will use it yet at my job--like I said, I've only been there two weeks, and that's a big gun to whip out within the first month of a new job. It's nice to know it's there, though.

--Rachel

Still trying to be completely gluten-free since May 2004

Guest DanceswithWolves
Guest DanceswithWolves
Posted
I hear you all! I am 20 years old and I go to work full time and school full time! I just started my new job and have already called in. They were no too happy! I can not afford to get fired either because my check goes to bills, my nieces daycare, food for my sister and niece, and school! Many days I go into work feeling like I might die but I try to stick with it! It is to the point where I am tired and I feel as though I can not keep my eyes open anymore yet my family and friends do not understand. They see me as being lazy and using celiac disease as an excuse. I fear so many things but the biggest is my futur not working out because of this. I have a good chance of losing my job if I call in again! Is there anything I can do to stop this from happening. Is there something written in the law about firing me just because I am sick??? Grrrrr I am so tired!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You may be suffering from lack of vitamins or nourishment. Pack a lunch before ou go to bed. Take a multi-vitamin in the morning or drink a protein shake. Sounds like your body is just running on no fuel. Lay off the coffee and watch your breads! Eat more fruits, too! :D

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Janelson-

Wow, you are in my thoughts. What a responsibility! Makes me feel like I have it pretty easy! I do have people I can fall back on if I have to...

Danceswithwolves-

What happened in your doc appt?

Guest GITRDONE
Guest GITRDONE
Posted

My heart goes out to all of you. I have had all those sympthoms, but after going gluten-free it has been a godsend. I still have some bouts, but seems to be much easier to deal with when you know what it is that is making you sick.

As for my job, I was passed up for a promotion (management) just a few months ago. Now I am training some young punk to be my boss. :angry: The way I have dealt with this is, that everything happens for a reaon. And maybe I just don't need that stress and headache that comes with mangement.

I have also talked with my fellow workers about celiac disease, and they seem to understand. But I don't miss work, just buck up, and try to take care of my self. The only work I miss is for doctor appointments, which means the whole day because its 80 miles one way.

Heres another thought, how much do you inform your employer??? Its a catch 22, if you tell them how sick you really are and all the symptoms, side affects and all the other possible health issues that goes with celiac disease, they might just think you are a risk just being there. On the other hand, if you inform them it might be easier for them to understand your absence.

Any thoughts????

Susan

Jen H Contributor
Jen H
Posted
  • Author

Hi Susan,

I think you're right...it is a catch 22. You'd think that most bosses would appreciate knowing what an employee is going through and that they'd be sympathetic to their medical issues. However, we're talking about the world of work. As I was growing up my dad always used to tell me, "There's no sentiment in business". He's a mediator and deals with a lot of work related issues. I guess that's just his experience, but I wonder if he's right?

Jen

ianm Apprentice
ianm
Posted

When my boss asked what I did to cause such a drastic improvement in my performance I just explained that I had an undiagnosed medical problem at the time he started. The problem has been identified and taken care of. His said he didn't care what it was and didn't want to know what it was; just make sure I did what I had to do so it wouldn't come back. It really depends upon your employer as to how much infromation you can give them. If you have been a long term, productive employee some will cut you a lot of slack and others will throw you out the door regardless of your past performance.

Guest DanceswithWolves
Guest DanceswithWolves
Posted
Janelson-

Wow, you are in my thoughts.  What a responsibility!  Makes me feel like I have it pretty easy!  I do have people I can fall back on if I have to...

Danceswithwolves-

What happened in your doc appt?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I go back for blood tests....again. I am also scehduled to have an endoscope done. As for the blood tests, they are going to check for Celiac, my Thyroid, and do a few stool checks. I also let them know about the chills I get in my hands and feet. I don't know if that's my body reacting to any gluten. I already was checked for arthritis, so I'll have to wait and see. It may be Raynaud's Syndrome. Sheeeeeeesh...I'm falling apart.

Anyway, they hooked me up with some Prozac just to get over this anxiety & depression I have been having. I thought, what the hell....try it for 30 days to see if it helps.

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