Amy’s Story: Doesn’t Lick The Glue

Here is Amy’s personal story via her answers to my list of gluten free questions for the Mary’s Gone Crackers contest.

What are your favorite restaurants? Are these different than before you followed the diet?

My favorite restaurants are ones that I know are very aware of the gluten-free diet.  I enjoy Maggiano’s because the chef always comes to your table and talks to you.  I also like P.F. Chang’s.

Are food industry workers knowledgeable about Celiac disease?

I think they are becoming more knowledgeable about the disease.  I always have questions regarding the menu when I go out to eat and it seems like more and more servers are aware of what items contain gluten, if they don’t know, they go and ask the chef.

Do you trust that the food you receive from restaurants/friends/family members is gluten free?

NO!  I can’t tell you how many times I have been out and have gotten sick from eating     food that was supposedly gluten-free.  My stomach is really sensitive to gluten so any little bit that I digest will affect me.

What were some things you believed about Celiac disease that have proven false?

The glue on envelopes contain gluten!  I still wonder about Modified Food Starch.  When I was first diagnosed with Celiac, I read that it does contain gluten, however now I understand that it does not.

What precautions do you take when eating at family and friends’ houses?

My friends and family do a great job accommodating my allergy.  I usually will call and find out what food will be served and if there is a lot that I can’t eat, then I will just bring my own food.

What is the biggest difficulty with having Celiac Disease?

This may sound silly but I get embarrassed a lot!  When we go out to eat with people I always get embarrassed when I have to question the serve about everything on the menu.   I also find traveling to be difficult.

What are the foods you missed the most?

Pizza and Bud Light
Does your significant other/friends eat gluten free with you?

My husband eats gluten-free at home.

If you initially did not follow the gluten free diet.  What made you change your mind?

I have always followed the diet!  I can’t live with the stomach pains!

Has Celiac Disease affected aspects of your life other than your diet and health?

Not really