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I started a new job last week.  There's a biopsy diagnosed celiac there.  I
had a chance to chat with her about our common malady.  She says she
followed the diet for 10 years and felt great, but then gave up.  Now she
"cheats" all the time.  She says she just makes sure she's near a bathroom
everywhere she goes.  Today there was a catered luncheon for employees that
included a green salad, three pasta dishes and French bread.  Of course, I
declined all but the green salad.  My celiac co-worker said, "You can be a
good girl, but I'm going to eat some."  Which she did.  30 minutes later, I
passed her in the stairwell, she held her stomach and jokingly said, "I'm
working on a huge blow out!"  Her walk was awkward as she was trying to make
it to the bathroom in time.

I couldn't believe it.  I was so shocked that someone would intentionally
make themselves that ill and especially at work!  She treats the whole thing
like a big joke.  Amazing!

Earlier in the day she came up to me and said she had found an article that
showed a connection between celiac disease and osteoporosis.  She asked,
"Did you know they were related?"  I said I did, but that I would like to
read that article.

This poor gal is ignorant as a fence post.  I feel so sorry for her.  Her
teeth have severe and obvious decay & she probably doesn't have a clue that
celiac has anything to do with this as well.  No telling what other problems
she'll face down the road because of her non-compliance.  I'm going to try,
ever so gently, to introduce her to little bits of educational materials a
little at a time.  I'm hoping she'll want to do better.  I feel so bad for
her.  If anyone has any suggestions, links, materials or such they would
like to share, I would love it.  She knows how to cook GF, because she did
it for 10 years, so it's not recipes I'm seeking.  She needs information on
the importance of sticking to the diet.  I want to help this gal, but I
don't want to blow her out of the water with too much information.  I'm
afraid that would only inspire more rebelious self destructive behavior.

Valerie in Tacoma

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