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Hi Everyone, 
I had 54 responses to my post (I will add the original post to end of the summary for those with short memories – like me). 

Interesting breakdown (total responses: 54).

OK:  26 (48%) 
Not Okay:  24 (44%) 
Depends:   4 (7%)

Summary:
Of those “OK”, many expressed that being called a “Celiac” was a small price to pay for getting the word out about CD. Others expressed the relief at a diagnosis and glad to have something to call it. Many stated that they did not like to use the word “disease” or to think of their condition in that way. 

In the “depends” category respondents expressed more concern on whom and under what circumstances they were called a celiac. 

In the “not okay” category were many healthcare providers who were sensitive to labels for people. Others were like me, not quite sure why the label bothered them. 

This question certainly stirred things up; most responses were polite and objective. A few people attacked me personally, this surprised me as I only asked a question, and from the response I can see the group is about equally split in how they feel about this. Nonetheless, I think we need to be aware of individual opinions on this topic and realize there is no right or wrong answer.
 
Happy Holidays to all!
Marge (who has GSE: gluten sensitive enteropathy)  

Original Post:
Hi everyone, 
I have a question for the group. As a healthcare professional I have avoided referring to patients by their diagnosis or medical condition.For example: A patient with diabetes would not be referred to as a "Diabetic" instead they would be referred to as "Mr. Jones who has diabetes"; the idea is that the person is much more than the particular label and comes first. Anyhow, I have noticed that people with Celiac Disease often are referred to as "Celiacs" (by others and within the group). As a newly diagnosed "Celiac" I find I don't mind the label within our group but don't particularly like it being used by "outsiders" (people who don't have CD).  Any thoughts on this?

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