When my son was transferred from the hospital to rehab following a car accident 2 months ago, we were assured by the dietitian that they could handle his gluten free diet (as well as the mechanically soft foods he required due to a severely broken jaw). But (as I shared previously in another post ), his diet was handled inadequately.  

Once my son was home and I was finally able to rejoice in what was the only thing that had been important – his recovery – I was 'free' to exert some emotion in another direction.  I sent a letter to the rehab facility, sharing my extreme dissatisfaction with the way they handled his diet. I included a copy of Adam’s Gluten Free Surprise as a way to communicate the strict requirements of this diet. It was originally written as a means to reach family and teachers and offer a view through the eyes of a child as to the meaning of a gluten free diet and the extent of care required; label reading and cross contamination.   

It was awesome a couple weeks later to receive a letter stating that my letter prompted a reevaluation of their menu system and software; to properly flag food that is or isn’t gluten free.  They revised menu options to ensure gluten free entrée options are always offered.   

My letter to the facility included names and contact information for local gluten free bakeries after stating, “I challenge anyone responsible for the way patients are fed to eat their three daily meals using the options my son was given.”  They stated that they passed this info on to their dietitians.  I sure hope this means that they use these wonderful local resources.

Just trying to make a difference.  Through the time it took to write one letter, maybe others will now be fed appropriately.  If each of you who reads this would also send just one letter (including some sort of resource, be it 'Adam' or another book, or pamphlet or whatever your local support group provides - how many others will benefit?)  Step out and make a difference :)

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Did you ever hear anyone complain about one health issue after another (either during one conversation or over a period of time) - and the alarms go off because it all sounds so familiar - and you try to give them info about celiac /  gluten intolerance - and they consistently try to find another 'answer' -  anything at all (even if it means surgery!??)   OMG! It is SO  frustrating! Its even harder when they do actually get tested and test  negative.  Trying (in round-about ways) to present the fact that it could be gluten intolerance "please give a gluten free diet a try" (after testing has been completed) is avoided completely by the person.  UGH!!    When you go through years and years of health issues, find yourself with a 'new life' at the age of 40 - just by removing gluten - and then hear amazing story after story from others throughout a decade of involvement in the celiac community - it is SO DARN FRUSTRATING to hear when others who have seemingly obvious symptoms cannot allow themselves to consider a 2 week trial.  Or -
even worse yet (and yes I've heard this from some) - are those who DID try the diet, found remarkable improvements in health - but went back to eating gluten because "my doctor told me I don't have celiac".....  UGH!!!  REALLY?!??    O.K.... Enough of my rant. 
Please  "Like" us on Facebook - and share copies of "Adam" with those who need to understand those who require a gluten free diet.  (This isn't a 'pitch' to sell books - This is a request to spread awareness :)    Because I am SO FRUSTRATED by those who 'refuse' to listen - and the fact that there are still SO MANY suffering needlessly. And when its kids - this REALLY upsets me! (especially when there IS knowledge of the possibility of gluten intolerance and the ongoing damage that could be occurring.
O.K. - This is either me with cross contamination - OR - this is me with my emotions getting unscrambled after the frightening month we had with my son's accident in February.  Whatever
it is - I'm feeling very emotional these days - and when I get this way - words fly. So there it is. If you know someone who should be gluten free but aren't - smack em in the head.  (not literally, of course, haha)

I posted previously of my son's experience with eating in rehab this past March following a severe car accident mid February.  I won't repeat what I wrote in a past blog, (which you can go back and read if interested), but his gluten free needs were not treated appropriately.
Once he was home, I sent a letter, along with a copy of 'Adam's Gluten Free Surprise', expressing my incredible dissatisfaction with his lack of a proper diet during his stay - and their need to be educated and aware of gluten free (and other) special diets. 

Today I got a wonderful call from the rehab letting me know that they have reorganized the way they handle special diets, managed through the course of special meetings to make this happen.  And this they did just through the awareness brought about by the letter I sent.
And yes - I expressed my appreciation.  :)    This was AMAZING!

Our conversation was cut short as I needed to answer another phone call, but I will call back in order to learn (and share) their new process for treating special diets. 
How awesome! This was amazing to hear.

I will follow up here later with more information on their process.   I will also include a letter similar to the one I had sent for you to personalize and send to your local hospitals.  We never know when we (or a loved one) will require a stay in the hospital or other medical facility.  Now is the time to make a difference.

My son, by the way, is doing fabulously.   We are SO extremely blessed.  God has listened to the thousands and thousands of prayers.  Thank you!