As this is the only place I can vent without repercussions, here goes.
I work in the automotive industry as an imaging specialist in a metrology lab for an interiors design and engineering company. We recently acquired a state of the art laser scanner last May that recreates scanned parts into a CAD model that then can be compared to math data to verify the components we produce are within required tolerances. Last Thursday around 3:30 in the afternoon I found out Ford had its assembly shut down as they were having problems with an interference between the door and the instrument panel. The door wouldn't close as there was a crash condition. Anyway, I had to drive this new equipment down to Louisville that night and have it set up Friday morning ready to take measurements. I didn't even have time to go home to pack a bag. Had to go to Walmart to pick up everything I needed for personal use (socks, underwear, shirts, makeup, etc.) arrived in Louisville at two a.m. Caught 4 hours sleep then worked at the plant for 12 hours. Caught 4 1/2 hours sleep then drove all the way home and arrived back home yesterday at 4:00 p.m. I wasn't home for an hour before I got a call from my boss telling me i have to go back down on Monday. I can't really say no as my group is championing this new technology, and I am the one responsible for it. I told him I couldn't leave before 3:00 p.m. As my daughter has a GYN appointment on Monday that I can't miss. Her last pap smear has changed compared to the most recent on file and the vag ultrasound showed enlarged ovarys.
I'm still trying to overcome this last flare I've been in and have been very strict with what I eat, but traveling combined with little sleep and the fact that if I want a meal that is cooked I have to put my faith in restaurants. So he asked me if I could leave after her appointment which would put me in Kentucky around about midnight. He wants me down there until Thursday. Sigh......... I don't want to go back, but this is an unusual situation that costs our company for every hour an OEM's line is shut down. Severe financial penalties to the company. I think I'm going to print up 'notes to the chef' cards explaining my situation and ask them to be extra careful in the preparation of my food. Explaining what would happen if I get contaminated. I thought of even asking to speak with the chef and manager directly. There is a Ruby Tuesdays close to the hotel that has a gluten free menu and I know that their New Orleans seafood dish is safe for me. I don't mind eating the same food every day as long as it will prevent me from being sick. Does anyone else have suggestions? I will be going shopping today to get some foods that I can have in the hotel, but most foods I can think of that are transportable are usually high in carbs and empty calories. Any suggestions would definitely be appreciated.
Linda
Time for a good old fashioned b&@$h session
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
HI LindyLou,
My first thought when I read your post was that this seems like the conditions that could potentially bring on a flare. Others on this board are more versed in traveling with food than I am, but in terms of a protein source that you can take, I found Justin's Nut Butter in individual packages at my local grocery store, both sunbutter and hazelnut butter. I recently took 2 trips where I packed them and they are very handy. I took dried apricots, sunflower seeds, and some rice chips to munch in the car. I also found Lara's fruit and nut bars are gluten free, soy free, etc. You'd want to read the labels to make sure it has nuts and fruits you can tolerate. If I can take a lunch bag or small cooler with me I'll pack deli turkey, usually Applegate Farms or Oscar Mayer brands. I've been fine with both of them.
I think your research on the restaurants in the area is very smart and will allow you to plan ahead. Your idea of cards to the chef could be a lifesaver.
This is a stupid comment on my part but why aren't they flying you to Louisville? It might be less physically taxing than driving yourself there, and it might allow you time to relax or grocery shop after your arrive.
Take care. I'm sure others will have better suggestions. Hang in there.
My first thought when I read your post was that this seems like the conditions that could potentially bring on a flare. Others on this board are more versed in traveling with food than I am, but in terms of a protein source that you can take, I found Justin's Nut Butter in individual packages at my local grocery store, both sunbutter and hazelnut butter. I recently took 2 trips where I packed them and they are very handy. I took dried apricots, sunflower seeds, and some rice chips to munch in the car. I also found Lara's fruit and nut bars are gluten free, soy free, etc. You'd want to read the labels to make sure it has nuts and fruits you can tolerate. If I can take a lunch bag or small cooler with me I'll pack deli turkey, usually Applegate Farms or Oscar Mayer brands. I've been fine with both of them.
I think your research on the restaurants in the area is very smart and will allow you to plan ahead. Your idea of cards to the chef could be a lifesaver.
This is a stupid comment on my part but why aren't they flying you to Louisville? It might be less physically taxing than driving yourself there, and it might allow you time to relax or grocery shop after your arrive.
Take care. I'm sure others will have better suggestions. Hang in there.
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Hi Lindy,
Your job sounds interesting but believe me I can relate to the business travel issues.
Some options that may or not work for your situtation.
Generally I do a combination of the following on business travel in car (not air)
1. Protein: I bring packs of soy free salmon packs, tuna packs and tins of sardines. (I generally have extreme weather issues (heat) in Florida and I'm afraid of packing chicken in cooler.) I'll cut up a lemon put it in a tupperware, squeeze some lemon on the fish and it tastes better. I eat it straight out of the pack or tin.
2. Sweet potatoes---I bake sweet potatos at my house. Take off peel. Mash the sweet potatos with some spices...cinnamon or something, I put the mashed sweet potatos in small ziplocks, freeze, then I pack in my cooler and will eat cold sweet potatos at rest area or my hotel room.
3. I normally don't eat sandwiches or even bread but for business travel I'll make a stack of almond nut butter sandwiches on Udi's bread. I freeze the sandwiches then put in my cooler.
I used to just bring a jar of nut butter and and a loaf of Udi's but found my time was so limited I didn't have time on the road to deal with it plus once my Udi's bread got soaked in my cooler and was not usable so now I premake the sandwiches and freeze them and it seems to work better.
4. Apples--I usually bring these. Bring a peeler if you can't handle the peel.
5. Avacados--I just started eating these--never had them before...Use the apple peeler.
6. Veggies---you may not have the time before this trip but I'll throw it out there. I'll precook my veggies....carrots....asparagus.....broccoli.....cauliflower etc. Don't overcook unless your stomach needs it. Cut everything in bite size pieces.....drizzle with olive oil and squeeze of lemon......sprinkle a lot of herbs......put in ziplocks in your fridge then put in your cooler. I'll eat these at rest areas or hotel rooms. It is kind of like a salad but cooked. Very tasty.
7. Rice--I prefer to bring sweet potatoes but I have brought rice in the past. Cook at your house, freeze in single serve tupperwares or small ziplocks then throw in your cooler. I eat this cold on the road.
8. Eggs--I don't like eggs but if you eat eggs you could make some hardboiled eggs.
9. Bananas
10. 1 plastic fork and knife...I eat out of my ziplocks kind of like the astronauts. I find it better to bring extra food so I don't run out.
11. Also if you can tolerate this stuff: blueberrie, nectarines cherries are all in season now.
Hopefully this will give you some ideas. A lot of my on the road biz travel is in Florida so I have cooler issues so I find prefreezing as much as possible is helpful and means I have less ice/cooler issues.
I printed up Ants chef card and modified it a bit, have it in my purse but have not used it yet. Keep us posted on how things go.
Best wishes, Brandy
Your job sounds interesting but believe me I can relate to the business travel issues.
Some options that may or not work for your situtation.
Generally I do a combination of the following on business travel in car (not air)
1. Protein: I bring packs of soy free salmon packs, tuna packs and tins of sardines. (I generally have extreme weather issues (heat) in Florida and I'm afraid of packing chicken in cooler.) I'll cut up a lemon put it in a tupperware, squeeze some lemon on the fish and it tastes better. I eat it straight out of the pack or tin.
2. Sweet potatoes---I bake sweet potatos at my house. Take off peel. Mash the sweet potatos with some spices...cinnamon or something, I put the mashed sweet potatos in small ziplocks, freeze, then I pack in my cooler and will eat cold sweet potatos at rest area or my hotel room.
3. I normally don't eat sandwiches or even bread but for business travel I'll make a stack of almond nut butter sandwiches on Udi's bread. I freeze the sandwiches then put in my cooler.
I used to just bring a jar of nut butter and and a loaf of Udi's but found my time was so limited I didn't have time on the road to deal with it plus once my Udi's bread got soaked in my cooler and was not usable so now I premake the sandwiches and freeze them and it seems to work better.
4. Apples--I usually bring these. Bring a peeler if you can't handle the peel.
5. Avacados--I just started eating these--never had them before...Use the apple peeler.
6. Veggies---you may not have the time before this trip but I'll throw it out there. I'll precook my veggies....carrots....asparagus.....broccoli.....cauliflower etc. Don't overcook unless your stomach needs it. Cut everything in bite size pieces.....drizzle with olive oil and squeeze of lemon......sprinkle a lot of herbs......put in ziplocks in your fridge then put in your cooler. I'll eat these at rest areas or hotel rooms. It is kind of like a salad but cooked. Very tasty.
7. Rice--I prefer to bring sweet potatoes but I have brought rice in the past. Cook at your house, freeze in single serve tupperwares or small ziplocks then throw in your cooler. I eat this cold on the road.
8. Eggs--I don't like eggs but if you eat eggs you could make some hardboiled eggs.
9. Bananas
10. 1 plastic fork and knife...I eat out of my ziplocks kind of like the astronauts. I find it better to bring extra food so I don't run out.
11. Also if you can tolerate this stuff: blueberrie, nectarines cherries are all in season now.
Hopefully this will give you some ideas. A lot of my on the road biz travel is in Florida so I have cooler issues so I find prefreezing as much as possible is helpful and means I have less ice/cooler issues.
I printed up Ants chef card and modified it a bit, have it in my purse but have not used it yet. Keep us posted on how things go.
Best wishes, Brandy
Things that I like to keep in my desk at work in case I want a snack. We don't seem to have a lot of options for non perishable foods.
I like the little 4 packs of fruit. If you read the labels you'll be able to find the ones with no added sugar and nothing artificial added. My favorites are plain applesauce or cinnamon applesauce, and fruit cocktail. Actually, those are the ONLY ones that I have found without additives.
I also pack zip loc bags with almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Zip lock bags of Rice Chex cereal if you want something crunchy. I don't mind eating dry cereal.
I am going to look for the individual packets of nut butters that Carol mentioned.
I'll be watching this post for other ideas.
After this trip, I think your company owes you a vacation to relax.
Marion
I like the little 4 packs of fruit. If you read the labels you'll be able to find the ones with no added sugar and nothing artificial added. My favorites are plain applesauce or cinnamon applesauce, and fruit cocktail. Actually, those are the ONLY ones that I have found without additives.
I also pack zip loc bags with almonds, walnuts or sunflower seeds. Zip lock bags of Rice Chex cereal if you want something crunchy. I don't mind eating dry cereal.
I am going to look for the individual packets of nut butters that Carol mentioned.
I'll be watching this post for other ideas.
After this trip, I think your company owes you a vacation to relax.
Marion
Brandy,
HI! I appreciate seeing your ideas. My travels are occasional, usually to see family so I'll have a kitchen when I get there... but in early November I'm going to a 3 day conference on School Law in Omaha, Neb. Your suggestions will come in very handy then.
thanks,
Carol
PS-- I made a snack mix of chopped dried apricots, chopped dates, sunflower seeds and Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips. My family loved it and it packed well and was filling.
HI! I appreciate seeing your ideas. My travels are occasional, usually to see family so I'll have a kitchen when I get there... but in early November I'm going to a 3 day conference on School Law in Omaha, Neb. Your suggestions will come in very handy then.
thanks,
Carol
PS-- I made a snack mix of chopped dried apricots, chopped dates, sunflower seeds and Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips. My family loved it and it packed well and was filling.
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
OMG you guys! Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions!
Brandy, it really is an interesting job. Something that sort of fell in my lap and I find myself fortunate but there are times like this where I really wonder if this is a position that is going to adversely affect my health in the long run. Work crisis like these do not happen often thankfully, however the last one happened in April when my mom died. That was one of the most stressful times I've ever experienced in my life but the good thing is it made me less complacent about my health and am now actively pushing for results. Been through a lot of medical testing but haven't posted results yet as I want to present it as complete as possible. As of now, I do know that I have an IGA deficiency and elevated ana. Negative on the promethus test for celiac and Chrons. Won't be in to see the doctor until August 22 as she is out of the country but at that time I'd like to have her order a mast cell count on the biopsies she had taken. I also found out I actually have CC instead of LC. Yeah, my last doctor was pretty much a waste of time and money.
I'm driving because it is the quickest way of transporting the equipment. It really isn't designed to be moved out of the lab as the counterbalance for the scanning head is 90 lbs. I actually am driving a cargo van....... Sigh....
Thank you all for the suggestions. I'm off to the grocery store now.
Linda
Brandy, it really is an interesting job. Something that sort of fell in my lap and I find myself fortunate but there are times like this where I really wonder if this is a position that is going to adversely affect my health in the long run. Work crisis like these do not happen often thankfully, however the last one happened in April when my mom died. That was one of the most stressful times I've ever experienced in my life but the good thing is it made me less complacent about my health and am now actively pushing for results. Been through a lot of medical testing but haven't posted results yet as I want to present it as complete as possible. As of now, I do know that I have an IGA deficiency and elevated ana. Negative on the promethus test for celiac and Chrons. Won't be in to see the doctor until August 22 as she is out of the country but at that time I'd like to have her order a mast cell count on the biopsies she had taken. I also found out I actually have CC instead of LC. Yeah, my last doctor was pretty much a waste of time and money.
I'm driving because it is the quickest way of transporting the equipment. It really isn't designed to be moved out of the lab as the counterbalance for the scanning head is 90 lbs. I actually am driving a cargo van....... Sigh....
Thank you all for the suggestions. I'm off to the grocery store now.
Linda
Ok, back from shopping. I'm bringing Kirkland beef strips - dried but tender beef that is good on the tummy and full of protein. Some tuna pouches with lemon. A can of Progresso lentil soup (the hotel does have a microwave.) I will make turkey and advocado lettuce wraps for lunch. Some cherries, grapes and bananas. An assortment of Lara bars. For dinner I will probably go to Ruby Tuesdays or Outback as I have had success with avoiding any adverse reactions with some menu items.
Carol, you are very right that this is a high stress situation. On Friday there were too many people in the room I was working trying to look over my shoulder and I finally had to tell everyone to leave the room to reduce the tension. If I can avoid that type of stress then it will only benefit me in the long run. My boss is very aware of my medical condition and as long as I get the answers they are looking for, I set my own ground rules. Within reason of course. I have never tried any nut butters other than peanut butter - will experiment on those when I get back. But I have a tin of pecans and some pistachios. Also, for breakfast i picked up some glutino bars. I know this might not be the ideal menu. But I think it will work for me for this short term.
Mim, it's funny you mentioned time off. For the month of August I was supposed to be taking every Monday and Tuesday off as when a new vehicle starts production there is usually a lull in the workload - that is unless there is a problem with a vehicle such as in this case. I will be taking some time off once this issue is resolved.
Once again, thank you everyone. Your suggestions have been very helpful.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Carol, you are very right that this is a high stress situation. On Friday there were too many people in the room I was working trying to look over my shoulder and I finally had to tell everyone to leave the room to reduce the tension. If I can avoid that type of stress then it will only benefit me in the long run. My boss is very aware of my medical condition and as long as I get the answers they are looking for, I set my own ground rules. Within reason of course. I have never tried any nut butters other than peanut butter - will experiment on those when I get back. But I have a tin of pecans and some pistachios. Also, for breakfast i picked up some glutino bars. I know this might not be the ideal menu. But I think it will work for me for this short term.
Mim, it's funny you mentioned time off. For the month of August I was supposed to be taking every Monday and Tuesday off as when a new vehicle starts production there is usually a lull in the workload - that is unless there is a problem with a vehicle such as in this case. I will be taking some time off once this issue is resolved.
Once again, thank you everyone. Your suggestions have been very helpful.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Good luck Lindy. You can eat lentil soup? I'm jealous :) Lettuce is also "touchy". Sounds like you have a plan and are ready to go.
I too have IgA deficiency. One day, when things get less crazy, you may want to look into getting a medical alert bracelet or necklace because there is a chance of going into anflactic shock if you ever need a blood transfusion and you are not conscious to tell them that you are Deficient. I fought it at first, but I found a web site that has very nice looking ones and now I am pretty use to having it on.
Again, take care and try to keep the stress level down.
Leah
I too have IgA deficiency. One day, when things get less crazy, you may want to look into getting a medical alert bracelet or necklace because there is a chance of going into anflactic shock if you ever need a blood transfusion and you are not conscious to tell them that you are Deficient. I fought it at first, but I found a web site that has very nice looking ones and now I am pretty use to having it on.
Again, take care and try to keep the stress level down.
Leah
Leah,
I still do not know what all my tolerances are but I think my diet has been good. I entered this recent 'flare' in December of 2010. Finally Diagnosed with MC in April 2011. GI doctor was worthless other than for diagnosis so I found this group and trying to get a handle on things with educating myself. After my mom died in April, I ended up getting really bad with a whole host of new symptoms that included peripheral neuropathy, heart palpitations and some pretty bad back pain. I met with my 4th GI doc in May of this year. She did both a EGD and a colonoscopy and so I know she found acute gastritis along with C/C, but she has also run a myriad of blood tests. I got to the point where they were puncturing the same vein 4 separate times. Felt sort of like a human pin cushion. I really like this new doctor. She might not know it all, but will listen to me and has told me that if she can't figure out what is going on, she has no problems sending me to the University of Michigan for specialized care. I will find out more come August 22, when I see her next. She has been out of the country. Actually I think I got one of her last appointments before she left as she didn't want to wait too long for us to get these results. But in the meantime, I'm seeing marked improvement these last two weeks. BM's are D to Soft serve but it's been two weeks since I have had secretory. A new record!
I agree about the medical alert bracelet. I know that I need washed blood to have all the IGA taken out and my husband also knows that. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I probably should leave the soup out as it has been a month since I have had lentils and a bad reaction while away will do me no good.
I still do not know what all my tolerances are but I think my diet has been good. I entered this recent 'flare' in December of 2010. Finally Diagnosed with MC in April 2011. GI doctor was worthless other than for diagnosis so I found this group and trying to get a handle on things with educating myself. After my mom died in April, I ended up getting really bad with a whole host of new symptoms that included peripheral neuropathy, heart palpitations and some pretty bad back pain. I met with my 4th GI doc in May of this year. She did both a EGD and a colonoscopy and so I know she found acute gastritis along with C/C, but she has also run a myriad of blood tests. I got to the point where they were puncturing the same vein 4 separate times. Felt sort of like a human pin cushion. I really like this new doctor. She might not know it all, but will listen to me and has told me that if she can't figure out what is going on, she has no problems sending me to the University of Michigan for specialized care. I will find out more come August 22, when I see her next. She has been out of the country. Actually I think I got one of her last appointments before she left as she didn't want to wait too long for us to get these results. But in the meantime, I'm seeing marked improvement these last two weeks. BM's are D to Soft serve but it's been two weeks since I have had secretory. A new record!
I agree about the medical alert bracelet. I know that I need washed blood to have all the IGA taken out and my husband also knows that. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I probably should leave the soup out as it has been a month since I have had lentils and a bad reaction while away will do me no good.
-
MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
-
Deanna in CO
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 220
- Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2012 2:16 pm
- Location: Colorado
Gloria,
I know you generally make your own tortillas at home. Do you actually do OK buying packages of corn tortillas? Any particular brand you've had better success with?
I've been looking at packaged tortillas and wondering if they were goin to be safe for me. I grew up in Latin America and tortillas are a "comfort food" for me! :-)
Deanna
I know you generally make your own tortillas at home. Do you actually do OK buying packages of corn tortillas? Any particular brand you've had better success with?
I've been looking at packaged tortillas and wondering if they were goin to be safe for me. I grew up in Latin America and tortillas are a "comfort food" for me! :-)
Deanna
I prefer white corn tortillas, but can't find any without added ingredients, so I made my own. However, I was glutened, I believe, by the white corn flour I was using to make my own, so I've begun using El Milagro yellow corn tortillas. They have just three ingredients: corn flour, water and lime. I called the company and they assured me that there isn't any gluten in their corn tortillas. They grind their own corn flour from whole corn kernels. I tolerate them and they are certainly more convenient, plus they only cost 29 cents for a dozen. They are very fresh; sometimes they're still warm when I buy them.
I have tried finding simple-ingredient tortillas when I've travelled, but it's very difficult to find any w/o preservatives.
Here's a link to the El Milagro site: http://el-milagro.com/main.html
I don't know if you'd be able to find them in Colorado; hopefully another similar product is available. You can make them, too, but I'd be very careful to only buy corn flour that clearly states it's gluten-free.
Gloria
I have tried finding simple-ingredient tortillas when I've travelled, but it's very difficult to find any w/o preservatives.
Here's a link to the El Milagro site: http://el-milagro.com/main.html
I don't know if you'd be able to find them in Colorado; hopefully another similar product is available. You can make them, too, but I'd be very careful to only buy corn flour that clearly states it's gluten-free.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.