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

Family Troubles


PicturePerfect

Recommended Posts

PicturePerfect Explorer

Hey!

I am having some trouble with my family. None of them have Celiac, and so they want to go out to eat more often. That is fine with me..... except that they want me to come. It is a huge problem on this coming up vacation to Idaho especially, and they keep saying that the hotel we are staying at is a very nice one. The chef will come out and all of that, but I DO NOT want to get sick on vacation! I would be happier if I just had a hot dog and chips or something up in the hotel room. I keep telling them that, but its like they have their ears turned off or something. What should I do/say? Should I just go to the hotel restaurant and face the consequences? :unsure:

Lisa


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



SandraNinTO Rookie
:huh: Oh wow. I've been there. How long will you be there? I would call the hotel and tell the chef. Also, try to get a microwave in your room. You can do the cold cereal / milk for breakfast or I can send you my microwave breakfast polenta recipe. Alternatively you can do the omelette in a clean pan request at the restaurant. Hmm......lunches. The salad bar gets a bit thin after a while, eh? Don't want you to starve. Grilled fish? Baked potatoes are safe. See if they'll send you an advance copy of the menu. Isn't it lovely to order straight from the menu? You can ask for any pasta sauce (if you think it's safe) over mashed potatoes or over rice. If you can (and if you're a hermit like me) ask for the chef's e-mail address and e-mail back and forth a few times until you know what you can order. Good luck! Sandra in Toronto
jenvan Collaborator

I'd have a real frank convo with your family about it. If they are still unwilling to compromise at times and you have to go out there are a few things you can do. When the restaurant I have to go to seems like it will difficult, I will eat something before and then bring something to snack on at the restaurant or get a drink. Sometimes I will bring my own gluten-free sauce and put it over plain grilled meat or steamed veggies/rice. Read this post below for other tips for eating out:

Open Original Shared Link

I do not eat out as often as I once did...but I don't think it would be a good idea to "never go out and eat again..." However, I think it is a wise to take it slow on eating out if you are newly diagnosed... Knowing how to make safe choices will get easier for you in time... Good luck!

MySuicidalTurtle Enthusiast

You could eat what you want to eat and then go to dinner with them ans just not eat.

Jen H Contributor

I agree with suicidal turtle. Since I'm new to celiac disease, I've eaten at home a few times and then I'll just get something to drink at the restaurant. That way I don't risk being glutenized, but I also spend time with my family/friends. My family said that they enjoy my company at the restaurant even though I don't always eat with them.

:) Jen

Jnkmnky Collaborator

How about another perspective?? :D I think you sound fearful and like you're withdrawing. :( Now don't get mad at me for saying this... but I think your family is looking out for best interests -- as they see them-- not as you see them. Celiac Disease has never kept our family from going out to eat, going cross country, vacationing, etc. We've never glutened the celiac disease kid on any trip either... or at a restaurant. At the school's christmas bake sale...well, dad bought him a rice krispy treat made with regular MALT filled rice krisyps. :o Anyway, if you were not a social person who enjoyed going out to meals with friends and family BEFORE your dx, then fine. Stay in your hotel room and be safe from every opportunistic gluten crumb out there. If you were a social person who enjoyed the company of friends and family prior to your dx and going out for meals with them was a joy... Then you need to think about that and maybe consider that you're in those bluesie justbeendx stages of a life changes disease. Depression is sneaky. Could you be showing signs and symptoms of that that your family is trying to counter? :unsure:

KaitiUSA Enthusiast

I would bring stuff along and eat before you go out with them. You could always just order a drink then and not eat because of cross contamination. They may not understand but don't let them pressure you because you will be the one who pays if you get glutened and that just would not be good.

If you do want to eat there I would definitely make a call ahead of time to see if they can accomodate you and have a good policy.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



PicturePerfect Explorer

Thanks for the help, guys! I'll try your suggestions!! It sucks though because I do WANT to eat with them. I would be happy if I could just heat something up before and then just have a drink at dinner, but we will not have a microwave. <_< Do you think that the hotel will let me use their kitchen???? I guess it can't hurt to ask! :D

celiac3270 Collaborator

I think that it's entirely understandable that you wouldn't want to eat out--I didn't either. Now I have everything under control and no gluten in my regular, everyday life. Three months in, you're still learning, cutting, etc. It is often suggested (by support groups, others) that you not eat out until you've completely healed and such. This way you'll know if you mess up and you'll feel more comfortable. I would eat out now, but not two-three months into the diet.

PicturePerfect Explorer
I think that it's entirely understandable that you wouldn't want to eat out--I didn't either.  Now I have everything under control and no gluten in my regular, everyday life.  Three months in, you're still learning, cutting, etc.  It is often suggested (by support groups, others) that you not eat out until you've completely healed and such.  This way you'll know if you mess up and you'll feel more comfortable.  I would eat out now, but not two-three months into the diet.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wait.. do you mean two-three months into feeling better.. or actually having the diet?

celiac3270 Collaborator

I meant the diet, but it could be either. Seven months in I didn't want to eat out, either, because I still felt just as sick. So at least a few months, maybe more if you don't feel well yet.

jkmunchkin Rising Star

I'm not a teenager but I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.

I don't think you need to be so scared of eating out. I've been gluten-free for less than 2 months and I eat out in one form or another every day. Part of my job is being social and going out for lunches. The people I work the closest with are all aware of my situation so while they have started to jokingly refer to me as Meg Ryan I just make sure to ask plenty of questions before ordering and go with what is most likely the safest items. For instance if we are just grabbing something from a deli I make sure we go to a deli that has Boar's Head cold cuts and have them wrapped in lettuce (making sure they prepare it on paper rather than just the counter). Or if we go to a restaurant I'll order a burger with no bun (and make sure they don't add breadcrumbs).

Ofcourse you need to be careful, but in my experience so far most restaurants are very accomodating and very careful once you tell them that you have a food allergy and are not just being a pain in the butt. (I know it's an intolerance but I find people understand better if you describe it as an allergy).

SandraNinTO Rookie

Really? Every time I tried describing it as an allergy they were afraid they'd kill me and closed up. If I tell them it's a digestive disorder they were less afraid and more willing to help.

Has anyone out there got tips on carrying food in the backpack or purse? i.e. spill proof bottles for gluten-free soy sauce or salad dressing?

Also, just a comment re: the bread basket. It's getting easier to say "no bread for me thanks". Wait staff seem to hear it all the time from the low-carb crowd.

KaitiUSA Enthusiast
Ofcourse you need to be careful, but in my experience so far most restaurants are very accomodating and very careful once you tell them that you have a food allergy and are not just being a pain in the butt. (I know it's an intolerance but I find people understand better if you describe it as an allergy).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, in my experience people take it more seriously if you describe it as an allergy.However, I learned that saying an autoimmune disorder will get their attention too. Alot of times I will say that gluten will tear up my intestines and can put me at high risk for cancer and other things and that I will die prematurely. That pretty much gets their attention if I say that and some have questions about it and some don't

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,780
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Momma Kai
    Newest Member
    Momma Kai
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • nanny marley
      Hi I've been told I need a MRI on my bowels , I was booked for a colonoscopy, but because of my sever back issues and trapped nerve it can't be done , the nurse told me I will have to have a manitol drink a hour before the scan , I'm just a bit worried has I have issues with sweeteners like even a little,  I get a weird throat and ears and I've read it is a similar substance , not sure if anyone has had one of these scans or could give me some advise on the drink prep thanks in advance 😄
    • Colleen H
      Ok thank you.  Me either 
    • Colleen H
      Hi all ! Can a celiac attack be so intense that it causes your entire body to work in reverse? Meaning really bad pain,  neuropathy and muscle,  jaw pain,  the stomach issues , Horrible anxiety and confusion??  I had a Tums and you would think I ate poison. My jaw and stomach did not like it . Not the norm for me. Things that are simple are just out of control. Anyone ever have this happen??  I'm trying to figure out what I ate or did to bring on a celiac like attack. I had an idea before but yesterday I didn't have any gluten unless it was in a medication ?! Any positive suggestions ??  Thank you 
    • Scott Adams
      The following two lists are very helpful for anyone who is gluten sensitive and needs to avoid gluten when shopping. It's very important to learn to read labels and understand sources of hidden gluten, and to know some general information about product labelling--for example in the USA if wheat is a possible allergen it must be declared on a product's ingredient label like this: Allergens: Wheat.      
    • trents
      Tammy, in the food industry, "gluten free" doesn't mean the same thing as "no gluten". As Scott explained, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) allows food companies to use the "gluten-free" label as long as the product does not contain more than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. This number is based on studies the FDA did years ago to determine the reaction threshold for those with celiac disease. And the 20 ppm figure works for the majority of celiacs. There are those who are more sensitive, however, who still react to that amount. There is another, stricter standard known as "Certified Gluten Free" which was developed by a third party organization known as GFCO which requires not more than 10 ppm of gluten. So, when you see "GFCO" or "Certified Gluten Free" labels on food items you know they are manufactured with a stricter standard concerning gluten content. Having said all that, even though you may read the disclaimer on a food item that says the spices may contain wheat, barley or rye (the gluten grains), you should be able to trust that the amount of gluten the spices may contain is so small it allows the total product to meet the requirements of gluten free or certified gluten free labeling. I hope this helps.
×
×
  • 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.