Dawn wrote:
>
> Specifically, I'm finding the work environment to be far less than
> understanding.

Most people have no understanding because they have not experienced the
pain or itch or inability to breathe.  It's like telling someone that
just lost a baby that you understand when you never have actually lost a
baby of your own.  You don't understand, but can sympathize.

With friends, coworkers and family I just tell them that no means no.  I
always carry food with me.  If a party is coming up, I bring food.  If a
visit is coming up, I bring food.  I should have been born Italian!
Several friends kid me to no end about our 'snack bag' (an old purse
that holds snacks for the kids and adults alike).

We are only occasionally asked out for dinner because of our dietary
restrictions, but we have several 'okay' food lists prepared for people
who do invite us out.  It is easier to follow than the "can't have this
or that" list so people find it isn't quite so bad.  I usually get
phone calls about little condiment issues, but nothing major.  No one
likes to spend two hours in the grocery store trying to figure out what
to serve a guest who is constantly saying "I can't eat that".  We also
have a can't have list for each of us, but we don't give that out very
often - it is just to long and depressing.

--
Kathy Wentz                        unschooler, n. one who never swims
[log in to unmask]                   with the crowd