School starts in a month, and I am apprehensive

[Padams]

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been gone for a while -- some personal matters popped up.

I was formally diagnosed the 14th of June, 2005. My college year starts around the 23rd or so of August and I am somewhat confused as to what I should do. Should I talk to my counselor and advisor, telling them about my disease.? Should I just let it be a secret? I suffered greatly last semester due to my ALWAYS being in the bathroom. I tried to explain, but they would not listen. Now that I have a formal name for my problem, maybe they would be more accomodating?

What the heck, I'll give it a shot. The worst they can say is, "Suffer with it." I've been doing that for quite some time.
_________________
Patrick
06/14/05
I love Danna Korn

[aklap]

Hi Patrick,

I would say you have reason to be apprehensive! If I felt like that...I would be too!

I definately talk to your councelor/advisor 1st and then the head of your food service to see what can be worked out. DO NOT be silent about this. Think of it this way...what if someone else has CD and by you doing speaking up...you made things better for that person (or persons. Since 1 in 133 have gluten issues - there's a good chance there's more than just you).

I also would not wait until school started to do it. By then, they will be busy with getting things ramped up for school. I would call them now so they have some time to figure things out.

I would also print out and take in the dining card I have posted here (in the Travel Forum). It explains in detail, things that are acceptable and unacceptable. http://celiacforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=376&sid=4c4aadec518b66b931c13b4ccc0a6b7c

Good luck! Let us know how things go!
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Jeannine]

xxx

[strawdog]

Hi Patrick!
Do we go to the same university? The one nicknamed "University of No Opportunity" here in town?
I ask because I've emailed the director of food service there to ask about Gluten Free food choices in the food court. This was his reply:

"Sorry it took so long to get back to you but I've been working on a food labeling project that would possibly help with your request.
We previously have had dietitians analyze our menus with regard to other things and I hope we can get something going for fall.
Right now the cost is a little prohibitive but we are working on that.

Sorry I can not be more helpful but if things change I will get back to you..."

(I'm posting on the general board instead of PMing because I think others might find his answer vedddy interrrresting!)

I think if someone else came to him with a doctor's note, the "cost prohibitive" nature of the project would cease to exist. I urge you to take a meeting with him and also with the disability office, so you can get formal accomodations for things and force your profs to make allowances for your absences. I haven't done this, because I don't have the wonderful "gold star" diagnosis that you do, and thereby don't have a case. I would be greatly indebted to you if we do go to the same university and you get them in some way to acknowledge the gluten free diet. Please know, if you need backup, I'll be there in a shot.

Cheers! and good luck!!