Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • 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

Doctor's Note For My Trip?

Celtic Queen

Recommended Posts

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted

Hi all,

 

I used to post here quite a bit but have been off the boards for a while.  I have a question.  I am leaving for Poland in about a month.  It will be the first time I've travelled overseas since my diagnosis.  I am flying Lufthansa and have ordered my gluten free meal.  I also plan on packing some snacks to carry on the plane.  Do you think I should get a note from my doctor in case airport security gives me a hard time about my snacks?  The rules about what they accept on board seem to change daily and I have seen some personnel be much stricter than others about carry on items.

 

I've heard good things about Lufthansa's gluten-free meals, but I am worried that there could be a mix up.  And I don't want to be stuck on a plane without food.  DH doesn't want me to be stuck without food either, as I become very, very grumpy :(    Do you think having a doctor's note would help me, or should I even bother?

 

I'm not worried about the food when I get over there, as we'll be staying with some friends who can give us the skinny on where to eat. Plus the Polish Celiac Society has a free restaurant card in Polish on the English version of their website for visitors and I've printed a bunch of copies to hand to waiters.  It's mostly the plane ride that worries me.

 

What do you guys think?  Do you get a note from your doctor before you travel?  Or am I just being paranoid? :P

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I have a note.  Its on the prescription pad.  I keep it in my wallet.  I have never had to use it.  I have offered it but never had to use it.  I say - get one.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  Mine is just a brief note that I have Celiac and must not eat wheat, rye and barley.  As those can be in many foods, I should bring my own food.  I just get the doc to make a new one every year, so the date isn't too old.  People may think that celiac disease gets healed.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I have a note.  Its on the prescription pad.  I keep it in my wallet.  I have never had to use it.  I have offered it but never had to use it.  I say - get one.  It doesn't have to be fancy.  Mine is just a brief note that I have Celiac and must not eat wheat, rye and barley.  As those can be in many foods, I should bring my own food.  I just get the doc to make a new one every year, so the date isn't too old.  People may think that celiac disease gets healed.

 

 

Same here. Note from GI doc..in my wallet. Never had to produce it, but I like to have it JIK.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Same here. Note from GI doc..in my wallet. Never had to produce it, but I like to have it JIK.

Mine is from my primary care doctor. I bet my OB/ gym would write one, too if that was the next doc to see.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Mine is from my primary care doctor. I bet my OB/ gym would write one, too if that was the next doc to see.

 

yes, I would think any one of your regular docs would be willing to write one. 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Wow!  How fun!  It's been a decade since I've been to Poland.  We have family and they live near Krakow (the village of Lisia Gora near Tarnow).  I'm hoping to take my daughter when she gets to High School.  Just received another email regarding the Wieliczka Salt Mines.  If you haven't  been there, you've got to go!  

 

 

 

Hummm.....I'm going to get a doctor's note to carry too.  

Dugudugu Rookie
Dugudugu
Posted

I think you don't have to worry about your snacks, it's the liquids you should be worried of. Everytime I fly, I travel with my gluten free snacks, and I passed quite a lot of very secure airports. Enjoy your stay!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted
  • Author

Wow!  How fun!  It's been a decade since I've been to Poland.  We have family and they live near Krakow (the village of Lisia Gora near Tarnow).  I'm hoping to take my daughter when she gets to High School.  Just received another email regarding the Wieliczka Salt Mines.  If you haven't  been there, you've got to go!  

 

 

 

Hummm.....I'm going to get a doctor's note to carry too.  

We are going to stay in Krakow and have been planning on going to the salt mines.  My husband saw them last time he was there and said they were a must see.  My must see thing is Auschwitz.  Not a pleasant tour, but I feel compelled to see it, especially since we'll be so close.  And I want to see the Schindler Museum.  Other than that, I'm game for visiting anything or anywhere in Poland.

 

I hope you get to take your daughter when she gets older.  It's great to be able to see family and your heritage.  DH and I honeymooned in Ireland and it was very special to me when I got to see the town my great grandfather was born in, even though it was a tiny hole in the wall with only a pub and a post office :D

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted
  • Author

Okay, now I don't feel so paranoid for wanting to get a doctor's note.  Thanks for your help everyone.  I'm going to call the doctor's office and get one just to have on-hand.  Better safe than sorry.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

.  DH and I honeymooned in Ireland and it was very special to me when I got to see the town my great grandfather was born in, even though it was a tiny hole in the wall with only a pub and a post office :D

 

Same here!! both my great grandmother and hub's grandparents --both sets--came from Ireland and we spent our honeymoon traipsing all over and seeing the counties they came from. We went back 3 more times, we loved Ireland so much..

 

BabsV--a member on here--lived in Poland for a while. 

She has not been very active lately, but she may see a PM if you send her one! She's a doll and may have some tips.

Just a thought!

 

Have a wonderful trip! :) 

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted
  • Author

Thanks IrishHeart, I just sent her a PM.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Thanks IrishHeart, I just sent her a PM.

 

you bet, hon!

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

We are going to stay in Krakow and have been planning on going to the salt mines.  My husband saw them last time he was there and said they were a must see.  My must see thing is Auschwitz.  Not a pleasant tour, but I feel compelled to see it, especially since we'll be so close.  And I want to see the Schindler Museum.  Other than that, I'm game for visiting anything or anywhere in Poland.

 

I hope you get to take your daughter when she gets older.  It's great to be able to see family and your heritage.  DH and I honeymooned in Ireland and it was very special to me when I got to see the town my great grandfather was born in, even though it was a tiny hole in the wall with only a pub and a post office :D

Yes, you must visit  Oswiecimiu.  My husband's family is there.   They lived just outside the walls of the original camp.  If you tried to help you were killed.  To hear their account was horrifying! In Tarnow, my Great Aunt's husband was in the resistance and "disappeared" early on.  Her parents hid her in the cellar, along with her baby, since the Nazi's were rounding up young women to work as housekeepers in Germany (aka slaves).  

 

We plan on going to Great Britain in two years (daughter is a fan of Harry Potter).  We'll visit Ireland.  Both my hubby and I  have a little Irish in us, but I don't think there is any family that we can trace.  

 

It's been fun chatting about this!

love2travel Mentor
love2travel
Posted

My doctor's note has never been used, either. I use restaurant cards in the language of the country as well as memorize words in that language for things such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, gluten, etc. This comes in handy with label reading in the shops. We travel internationally regularly and have never had problems with snacks.

Lufthansa does not have the greatest gluten free meals. They are sort of alright. My last one was in May. Let's just say I had to pull out my snacks. Just be prepared for that possibility as well as flight delays which always happen to us at Frankfurt. I have not been to Poland yet but have been to tons of other European countries and have always eaten safely. Don't worry about it much - go and ENJOY!!!

Contact Lufthansa again the day before you leave. A few trips ago they did not have my special meal on a very long flight. Thankfully I was prepared.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I'd have some GoPicnics with me on the flight.

Celtic Queen Explorer
Celtic Queen
Posted
  • Author

Yeah, I was going to pack some GoPicnics and a bunch of Larabars and Kind Bars.  Plus I was going to lurk on the "Favorite Emergency Food" thread to get some ideas of a few other things.

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Jif to go cups and crackers are good too !!  yes, go check that thread!!  :) good stuff!!

cap6 Enthusiast
cap6
Posted

I have a dr note and had to use it once on a flight from Washington to idaho (can you believe that!!).  Handy to have.

julissa Explorer
julissa
Posted

I just flew El Al to Israel and got stopped both ways due to the food in my carry on. they were going to take it away, I got out my note, and they let it go. I am so glad I had the note with me.

Archived

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

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      128,253
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    MI-Hoosier
    Newest Member
    MI-Hoosier
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.1k
    • Total Posts
      70.8k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Test uncertainty

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @MI-Hoosier! You are operating on a misconception about your "mixed" test results. You only had two celiac disease diagnostic tests run out of six that could have been ordered if your doctor had opted for a complete celiac panel. It is perfectly normal to not test positive for all possible celiac disease diagnostic tests. That is why there is more than one test option. It is the same way with other diagnostic testing procedures for many or most other diseases. Generally, when diagnosing a condition, a number of different tests are run and a diagnosis is arrived at by looking at the total body of evidence. The tTG-IGA test is the centerpiece of celiac disease blood antibody testing and the one most commonly ordered by doctors. You were strongly positive for that test. It was not an unequivocal result.  Having said that, it is standard procedure to confirm a positive celiac disease blood antibody test result with an endoscopy/biopsy which is still considered the gold standard of celiac disease diagnosis. Had your tTG-IGA been 150 or greater, your doctor many have opted out of the endoscopy/biopsy. The absence of GI distress in the celiac disease population is very common. We call them "silent celiacs". That can change as damage to the lining of the small bowel worsens. Elevated liver enzymes/liver stress is very common in the celiac population. About 18% of celiacs experience it. I was one of them. Persistently elevated liver enzymes over a period of years in the absence of other typical causes such as hepatitis and alcohol abuse was what eventually led to my celiac disease diagnosis. But it took thirteen years to get that figured out. Within three months of going gluten free my liver enzymes were back into normal range. Thank goodness, there is more awareness these days about the many long fingers of celiac disease that are not found in the classic category of GI distress. Today, there have been over 200 symptoms/medical conditions identified as connected to celiac disease. It is critical that you not begin a gluten free diet until your endoscopy/biopsy of the small bowel is over. Doing so before that procedure will invalidate it because it will allow healing of the small bowel lining to begin. Here is a link to an article covering celiac disease blood antibody testing:  
    • MI-Hoosier
      Test uncertainty

      By MI-Hoosier · Posted

      Hi,  I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 NASH and doctor is concerned something is caused my disease to progress quicker than they would expect.   During blood tests a celiac screen was pulled as my mom is a celiac. My ttg was a 49.4 (normal >15) but my endomysial antibody was negative. I have never had gluten symptoms and no issues with bread and am 54. Do I need a biopsy to rule celiac in or out with this mixed test? Any thoughts are appreciated.  
    • Sunshine4
      Neurologic symptoms - Muscle Twitching and Hand Tremors

      By Sunshine4 · Posted

      Many apologies for somehow changing your first name Scott! 
    • Sunshine4
      Neurologic symptoms - Muscle Twitching and Hand Tremors

      By Sunshine4 · Posted

      Mark, do you have suggestions as to celiac centers that could be helpful? Oklahoma/Texas neurologists have only offered me the “eat gluten free” advice and then when I ask about the hands or muscle twitching they said they just don’t know. I appreciate your great information on supplements, thank you for your help!  Scott, do you have suggestions as to celiac centers that could be helpful? Oklahoma/Texas neurologists have only offered me the “eat gluten free” advice and then when I ask about the hands or muscle twitching they said they just don’t know. I appreciate your great information on supplements, thank you for your help! 
    • Scott Adams
      Neurologic symptoms - Muscle Twitching and Hand Tremors

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging journey since your celiac diagnosis, especially with the unexpected neurologic symptoms like muscle twitching and hand tremors. While celiac disease is primarily known for gastrointestinal issues, it’s important to recognize that it can also manifest in non-GI ways, including neurological symptoms. Research has shown that celiac disease can sometimes be linked to conditions like gluten ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, or even myoclonus (involuntary muscle twitching), which might explain what you’re experiencing. The fact that your symptoms have fluctuated with dietary changes suggests a possible connection, even if it’s not yet fully understood by your local neurologists. It might be worth seeking out a specialist who has experience with celiac-related neurological issues or consulting with a celiac-focused research center. In the meantime, staying strict with your gluten-free diet is a good step, as even small amounts of gluten can trigger immune responses that may contribute to these symptoms. You’re not alone in this—many with celiac report similar struggles, and connecting with online communities or support groups could provide additional insights and reassurance. The most common nutrient deficiencies associated with celiac disease that may lead to testing for the condition include iron, vitamin D, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.  Unfortunately many doctors, including my own doctor at the time, don't do extensive follow up testing for a broad range of nutrient deficiencies, nor recommend that those just diagnosed with celiac disease take a broad spectrum vitamin/mineral supplement, which would greatly benefit most, if not all, newly diagnosed celiacs. Because of this it took me decades to overcome a few long-standing issues I had that were associated with gluten ataxia, for example numbness and tingling in my feet, and muscle knots--especially in my shoulders an neck. Only long term extensive supplementation has helped me to resolve these issues.      
×
×
  • Create New...