tennisman

Sorry for going a bit off topic but has anyone worked on a cruise ship before ? I really want to but apparently they are super strict on medical problems and I wonder if celiac disease would effect my chances of getting a job .

I went on a cruise in 2008 with my family , my Mum also has celiac disease and we all had an amazing time . Royal Caribbean were very helpful I think we e-mailed them many times about needing gluten free diet . 1st night on the cruise at dinner we met a very friendly head waitress she told what we could and couldn't have . They even baked fresh gluten free bread for breakfast and dinner . Every night at the end of the meal the head waitress gave us the dinner menu for the next night which was cool . We choose what we wanted to make sure it would be gluten free . I even remember 1 night I really wanted mussels but they weren't gluten free , but our amazing waiter got the chefs to cook me some mussels without the gluten

Get too know your waiter well as they will be very helpful . A few times there was no gluten free starters and as our waiter knew I liked prawns he always bought me a few plates over . 1 night I ate 50 prawns for starter lol . Also if there is a dish you really like ask you waiter for 2 . 1 night as a joke I asked the waiter for 2 steaks and he bought me 2 steaks Also for a Joke my Dad asked for every dessert 1 night and he bought every dessert on the menu.

I hope you have a great time the cruise ships are amazing

In the past I have met many people who have been negative about celiac disease . I once had a chef moan to me about Celiac's being the biggest pain in his life . A few weeks ago I went to a supermarket , I was with my Dad and he asked the person at the fresh chicken place do you have anything gluten free . She said NO nothing is gluten free with a huge smile on her face . I got so angry

I had doctors laugh about celiac disease and make jokes

At a party , I was talking to someone about having celiac disease and not being able to have beer , later I found them pouring beer on my food .

So many stupid people in the world !

Men get more IMO especially young men. Whether you have a disease or not sitting around the pub with vodka and lime while your 10 peers drink beer is unmanly and undignified and the focus of much gentle ribbing.

Have you tried Cider ? There are some really good brands and it kinda looks similar to beer .

Someone else above mentioned family members eating gluten-free to support someone. Well my husband eats gluten-free with me at home and he often will eat gluten-free with me at restaurants too. However, he doesn't go around telling people he is on a gluten-free diet, because he's not really. He tells people he likes to eat gluten-free to support me, but he can have gluten whenever he wants. That's different than telling people, "oh I can't have that bread because I'm on a gluten-free diet," and then eating a (non-gluten-free) cookie for dessert. Or a tennis player that abstains from gluten in order to play well and then brags about having a gluten feast on purpose after his match is over. Those people send mixed messages to the general public about gluten free and are the reason (IMO) that some people may not think gluten is a serious health risk to anyone and is just a fad. Again, I don't care about people doing it for a fad so long as they admit they are doing it for a fad and that other people have serious health reasons for avoiding gluten. If fad gluten-free dieters want to have gltuen every now and then they shoudl not say they are on a gluten-free diet but should say they eat a "low gluten diet" or something else besides a gluten-free diet.

Very good post The examples you mentioned about can't have bread but than eat gluten are very annoying . I have talked to some people at parties about being celiac and gluten free and they say quickly well I can't have dairy in a way that makes there food problems sound worse than celiac , and than later on I see them eating dairy food , I find it very strange . Also the tennis player who brags about eating gluten is a very annoying player , I agree they send out the wrong message to the public . The fad dieters annoy me the most that would be a good idea calling it a low gluten diet . I think I might just tell people I'm on the celiac disease diet instead of gluten free diet .

I get So annoyed when people eat Gluten Free when they don't have to. I guess it's kind of a Fad Diet thing right now. I get irritated because restaurants don't seem to take the "Real Celiac people" as serious now. Also, it's irritating to think that when I go to Whole Foods, and they are out of stock of my favorite food, it could be because of someone who doesn't really HAVE to eat it. I know it's crazy, but that's how I feel. I even get mad at my own family when they eat my food because they can eat ANYTHING in the whole pantry, and I have one little shelf. Gosh....I feel like an angry, selfish Celiac.....just venting! I feel better now.

I agree 100 % it makes me very angry lol . Sure people can eat what they like but if they are so desperate to eat gluten free they can have my celiac disease and than be gluten free forever . I have had a friend go gluten free because they thought it may help and they just complained about it not tasting nice . The people that annoy me the most are the ones who see an athlete on a gluten free diet and start the gluten free diet thinking they are going to have the same results LOL . I think it's annoying because we are forced to go on the diet yet someone fading can easily quit it and most fad dieters are only 50 % gluten free probably . I think people without celiac disease eating gluten free for no reason make the disease look like a joke.

But I think of all the health problems I had since being a celiac and think the people who eat gluten free for no reason will pay for it with deficiencies and stuff so eventually it should catch up Than they will know they shouldn't mess with the gluten free diet

Wow that's very stupid joke Really no need for something like that .

I think celiac disease is treated as a joke , with all the celebs and athletes going " 50 % gluten free " . Makes it worse . Hopefully know more pathetic jokes will be made about gluten free . I find a lot of tv programs joke about gluten or give the idea to the public it's not serious .

If only we could pass on celiac disease to the people who make fun it would be great

His fame is making us look bad, lol. Did you notice any improvements on the court after going gluten-free?

Well he makes it look like gluten free diet turns you into a super human lol . I meant him saying he is gluten free but still eats gluten is bad for celiac's . Unfortunately I haven't been able to play tennis for 6 years due to back and other stomach problems . But before I was diagnosed I won a few tournament and after I was diagnosed I didn't have enough energy to play lol . Has being gluten free helped you ?

Right. Maybe he was joking about eating gluten?

No , I don't think so , but a lot of people were saying on blogs comments like , " eat as much gluten as you like you deserve it " etc . He doesn't do any favour's to celiac's . Sure it's up to him what to eat but know need to brag about it . Now people think Djokovic eats gluten so I should also eat gluten and I don't because i'm just being fussy by eating gluten free .

I bet he goes 100% weeks before a Grand Slam and also he probably had gluten before he lost to Federer back in France

I bet he doesn't even know what 100 % gluten free means lol . I'm no fan of Federer , but Federer completely outplayed him at the French Open. It had nothing to do with if Djokovic ate gluten before the match lol . I don't believe Djokovic has got a problem with gluten after hearing that interview. He should just go back to normal food and stop making the only treatment for celiac disease look like a fad diet.

During a recent interview he said this. Q. We know you have changed your diet from the end of last year. I was wondering what you ate last night and what you ate this morning right before the match, and what are you going to do tonight?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I'll give you a simple answer: last night I didn't have any gluten, and tonight I will have a bunch of gluten ? and alcohol.

Open Original Shared Link

So Djokovic is not really 100 % gluten free , thanks to people like him our disease will mean a fad diet , oh well hope he the gluten he ate will make him lose everything he won . Del Potro beat him a few days after that interview I can't stand 50 % gluten free fad dieters !

I would like to add that alcohol can definitely cause digestive distress, and that isn't something that you need to have in your life right now. After initially going gluten free, I dropped my nightly habit for drinking wine so that my small intestine could begin healing. Also, vitamins such as folic acid, which celiacs can become deficient in, can be lowered by drinking alcohol. Your body needs to heal...and it will heal faster without the alcohol. You can always add it back in later when you're feeling better.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we have very supportive organizations and casual groups that get together at restaurants and coffee shops on a regular basis. If you're in my area, let me know...and maybe we can hook you up with some support.

I have been celiac for 8.5 years surely my intestine should have recovered by now I would have hoped . I'm waiting for results from my latest endoscopy . How long did your intestine take to heal ? Alcohol usually has good affects on me if I have alcohol my stomach pain improves My Mum says my great grandad used to get stomach pain and a shot of alcohol improved his stomach pain .

Cool sounds great Thanks for the offer but I live in England

I agree with the idea of taking a break from the alcohol for a while. Maybe a month or two to see how it affects you. It may have negative effects you won't recognize unless you go off it for a while and see the difference.

I'd be spittin' nails at a "friend" who tried to poison me. They wouldn't get the chance to do it again that's for sure.

There are plenty of different symptoms and reactions that food intolerances can cause in us. Our bodies are complicated things and there are a lot of interactions between stuff inside us. If you look at my signature you can see most of the things that I have learned to avoid to keep from feeling sick. You may have a similar list but haven't identified the bad foods yet. As long as you are eating a food that your body reacts to you will feel the negative affects. I keep my diet pretty simple for the most part so I don't have to spend a lot of time worrying about ingredients. Simpler is better for me at least. That means very little processed gluten-free foods, mostly home cooked meals from whole ingredients. And not eating out at restraunts much.

The thing is they messed with my food when I got up to get a drink luckily for me I could see what they were doing otherwise I may never have known and eaten the food

How did find out what foods affect you badly ? I have been working with a dietcian flr a year we have done plenty of food diary's but find nothing , my dietcian even gave my food diary's to colleagues of his who know a lot about food intolrences they didn't find anything I might have a problem with . I have tried eliminating foods like nightshades , dairy etc but no improvements .

I can completely sympathize with you. I fight this almost daily.

What keeps me going? Basic desire to live I guess.

After being diagnosed in March and the rest of the crap I've been through this year I can say I will be stronger now.

I also offer my help. If you ever need to talk or live close, Message me or anything. Anytime.

It sucks doesn't it

Thanks

I think a lot of people that have a chronic disease or condition suffer with a bit of depression? It's also normal to greive the loss of some foods or activities...BUT it sounds like you self medicating with alcohol? That's not good!

I wonder if the "friend" who poured gluten on your food was "under the influence" or just an XXX? A person like that is not your friend!

You could start a new hobby..cooking fresh and wonderful foods. Maybe take a cooking class? Look for a celiac support group?

Some of the gluten-free versions of prepared foods are awful..so don't use them! Make your own.

It would be a good idea to seek some counseling or see your Dr about the depression...and we are here if you have questions, answers, or need to vent.

Good luck!

(((hugs)))

My doctor did say depression does come with a chronic disease , I just don't get why I was ok for 8 years and now I hate celiac disease . Like I mentioned above alcohol helps my stomach pain and back pain as well as my mind . By the way I haven't drank all day and have terrible back pain I took pain killers but they do nothing , a drink or 2 of cider really helps my back I think the person is a XXX lol.

My Mum is also a celiac so we eat lots of fresh foods . I don't have a local celiac support group I tried counseling it helped a little . I think I will tell my doctor how I feel and see what he suggests .

Thanks

I would have to agree too. That is just cruel. At least whoever did it could have offered you $1K-10K. Then you may have been in a position to 'gluten' yourself for their entertainment.

All the best though. I, thankfully, have really understanding friends who I'm sure would never do such a thing.

Lol I don't think 10 K , would be enough maybe 10 million and I would think about it

I am glad you have understanding friends

If you read you will realize there are thousands of people giving up gluten and grains for health reasons and they are empowered by their decisions. Maybe if you looked at it as a personal decision instead of a disease it might help. You could think of it as Paleo eaters do as an empowering personal choice instead of constantly thinking of it as Celiac disease that it is destroying your life. Lot's of people eat as if they are Celiac because they choose to. There are Carnivores, Paleo's, Cave Men, Low Carb, No Carb, who mainly eat meat and vegetables by choice. Granted you would have to watch cross contamination and they do not. But I think it is very empowering to read that some people are beginning to realize that a healthy diet isn't what we used to think it was. Dangerous Grains...indeed. I personally like to read Marks Daily Apple.com. I'm not perfectly paleo...but I do like to think I will get there someday soon.

I am not rcommending the Paleo/Cave man diet so much as I am recommending taking control of the personal choice to eat gluten free. Drop the alcohol, you need some good friends and a new commitment to yourself.

That's a good way at looking at the gluten free diet . But if I had the choice I would give up the gluten free diet today , I just have had lots of health problems since going on the diet . I think I am worse now than I was before being diagnosed with celiac disease I will look into the cave man diet , thanks for the advice

Your description of your "friends" is frightening. I cannot fathom the absurdity of their trying to force you to consume gluten! That is NOT normal.

Others have offered excellent advice. I echo the notion that gluten-free food can be absolutely amazing. Many of the best dishes one can enjoy are naturally gluten free, anyway. It is true that there are some products out there that are absolutely deplorable. Do not feel that is all that is available! This is an entirely new opportunity to take care of yourself physically, mentally, spiritually, etc. It sure would help if you had support, though. Do NOT give up hope.

Hopefully I will find some nicer friends in the future

Yes there has been a lot of great advice and i'm thankful for all the great advice offered

(((hugs))) it's rough sometimes! it's ok to come on here and vent - nobody understands like we do, trust me. but if you need to get help to get over this bump in the road then get somebody to counsel you. NOT your "friends" - jeez... who the krap would do that... :mad:

Thanks I tried counseling it helped a little . I know it's really frustrating someone tried that it's things like that , which makes me wish I could pass celiac disease on to other people lol

Tennisman,

Where do you live? I think you need an intervention! If you're nearby, I'm willing to come by and discuss how to make your life happy...or at least bearable. Eating Gluten free can be wonderful! People who say gluten-free food is disgusting haven't eaten a great, home-cooked, gluten-free meal. Processed foods don't need to be eaten at all--whether they are gluten free or contain wheat.

So....how can we help you?

I am from England . Thanks for the offer that's very nice I know gluten free foods are nice my Mum is also celiac so we always eat home cooked gluten free foods I'm just bored of most foods these days even my favourite foods I don't find exciting , all I think about is foods I can't have

I'll add another voice to that call for new friends.

Even one good friend would be better than a whole bunch of "friends" who don't respect you.

My advice to you in no specific order would be:

1. Counselling to deal with both the depression surrounding your celiac and the drinking.

2. Possibly treatment for the alcohol abuse, if you are drinking a lot because it's the only thing that makes you happy then you have a problem. This piece of advice comes from 8 1/2 years of sobriety. Life without drugs and alcohol is great. I did it and you can too.

3. New friends. It's hard to make new friends but perhaps a Celiac support group, a sports club, dance/language/art/fitness classes at the rec centre would be a good place to start.

4. Find ways to make yourself happy that don't involve food or booze. Hobbies are therapeutic and satisfying. I knit, spin, kayak, read, garden, take care of my chickens and bake.

5. Make a plan. Get online and get on the phone and find restaurants in your area that either have gluten free menus or have confirmed with you online that they can come up with gluten free foods. It's nice to walk into a restaurant with friends and be able to order a good meal.

6. Find at least one supportive person in your life and lean on them. Whether it's your wife, child, parent, grandparent, friend, neighbour, counselor... everyone needs someone who really understands them.

Good luck, we're all behind you. Hope things get better soon.

I agree 1 good friend who understands celiac disease would be great .

As mentioned above I tried counseling it helped me a little . Alcohol I use to help my back pain and stomach pain as well as too feel more happy . Also I think I drink alcohol because I like it and find it helps have I can something nice while missing out on foods .

I don't have a local celiac group , I hoped to join my local tennis club to meet new friends but I can't join due to stomach and back problems , I will look into the other places you suggested .

Cool , I have tried to find some hobbies , I am a magician so that's kinda hobby / job but reading magic books and practicing doesn't interest me anymore unless I have been drinking . Basically everything I used to enjoy I don't enjoy anymore . I enjoy baking cakes but my back doesn't so I hardly make any cakes anymore

Some local restaurants do some gluten free but i'm usually ill after I don't trust them anymore . It's kinda frustrating I always doubt what they tell me .

I usually talk to my Mum the most she is also a celiac .

Thanks again for the advice

I'll third it.

Friends may not always be as supportive as you wish, but they certainly don't try to harm.

Would they purposefully add sugar to a diabetic's food?

No , it's a really bad thing to do . Especially when I had just minutes before explaining that I was a celiac and what eating gluten does to the body .

I am sorry you are feeling down in the dumps. I am recently diagnosed so we are on opposites ends but I am looking forward to the gluten free diet.

Maybe you could start learning to cook some awesome food for your friends. What can be less boring then grilled steaks with some spices and a side of baked potatoes? I made baby back ribs last night with Ken Davis BBQ. Salmon? Grilled Chicken? I am not really thinking of making the pre-made gluten-free food part of my diet. I am thinking of more of a fresh food diet. For snacks there's nuts, hard boiled eggs and Cheetos's (not fresh food but... nothing boring about Cheetos's!!!)

I agree giving up drinking for a month or 2 might help get you out of your funk, it can be a major depressive. If you are using it to make yourself feel better, it's not going to work.

Good luck and hope you feel better.

I hope the gluten free diet helps you

I am quite bored of steak now it's basically all I have been able to eat when going out for the last 8 years lol . But it's a good idea trying to cook more . I do already cook some things , and my Mum also has celiac disease so we eat a lot of fresh food , meats , vegetables etc . I just want to eat chinese food but my local chinese restaurants don't understand the word gluten

I will have to try giving up alcohol , I remember I had to give up alcohol a few years ago because I had to take some tablets , it wasn't too bad but now I drink alcohol to help forget problems and also to calm my stomach and back pain down.

Thanks

Perhaps some counseling would be your best route right now; be sure you give it a chance and then be discerning in terms of getting a good "match". (It can take SOME trial and error to find a counselor who's right for you.)

I am a super sensitive celiac who has lived gluten (AND soy, and corn and egg and nightshade and legume and dairy...blah, blah, blah...) free for several years before being able to put most foods (NOT gluten) back in my diet and who also feels strongly that, while this disease CAN be inconvenient and occasionally a freaking pain in the butt, it is not cancer- which is what I was sure I had when very sick- or a host of other diseases which one cannot really mitigate- hence, I try to be thankful that it's one where what I do makes a difference. It can take a while to come to this point of view, of course, and I do realize that some people's travails with celiac seem to be more far-reaching than others but, after 35 years sick and undiagnosed, I was happy to learn I could make some changes and feel better.

On the other hand, occasional venting can be helpful, too!

Hope you get some support and feel better very soon!

lisa

I mentioned above about counseling it helped a little . But after my sessions finished I went back to normal Part of my counseling was talking about celiac disease and it helped me I think maybe it wasn't a good idea though , because my councillor said it made more unique but really that didn't help for long . It's true though celiac disease isn't as bad as some serious illnesses.

Thanks

Hi there,

Listen, it's not easy living the gluten-free lifestyle and I think its ok for us to have a little pity party every once in a while. It sounds like it's getting to you though. I agree with raven, you should talk to someone. Maybe quit drinking for a couple weeks, it isn't helping with the sadness and it might help you clear your head a bit. Keep your chin up, it's going to be ok. Oh and as far as the person who tried to poison you goes? Never speak to them again! Sorry you are having a rough time. This too shall pass.

Thanks for the advice