help please

[Shelby101]

I have to go to a training seminar for my job next week for three days. I know the hotel my company have booked does not have fridge or microwave. The lunches during the seminar will be provided, but breakfast and supper we will eat out. I am so worried about this. I don't really have the ability to request special needs for myself. Does anyone have ideas about how to handle this. One of the evenings I know we are going out to eat, but I don't have anyway of finding out where in advance. I don't really feel I can share my problem with the executives that I will be eating with.

[dyno]

Just try to keep it simple. If you can tolerate eggs, that is easy for breakfast. I also do ok with oatmeal.

For suppers, request dressings on the side. Again, keep it simple. Baked potatoes work for me, plain meats and chicken. You will just have to take it as it comes. Oh when possible I would request bottled spring water. I am telling you this from experience.

Have fun and try to enjoy this.

[Sally939]

I deal with this exact same situation. I am in sales and go to meetings about once a quarter. My manager does know about my bladder situation but, I still try to keep it from higher ups and the entire district. Below are some of the ways I make it through the travel and the meetings. The below might strike you as a little strange but, I do what I have to do.

I have only been dealing with IC for about six months. I have been very strict with my diet and am just now really trying things. I do not eat the lunch. This food is usually catered by the hotel. The food is usually normal lunch food with a twist. Since I have no clue what they have added to make the food fancy I just stay away. I pack snacks like pretzels and other safe IC foods (safe for me since we are all different). If I am starving and get a sec during the meeting to run to my room during lunch (not usual) I order a quick plain egg. My meetings are usually at very nice hotels. I make it a point to talk to the head cheif and explain the importance of my food request when ordering room service.

As I said my manager knows about my IC. I would consider telling your manager. The nice thing about him knowing is I can expence all of my room service. Now, I would never take advantage of this but, I do have to eat. I try to order resonable things for breakfast and lunch. I also pack some meal foods like instant oatmeal. I do spluge on my dinner and order lamb at least once.

When it comes to dinner it depends on the situation. If I should attend a nice dinner I do. I try to call the resturant and see what is on the menu that is safe for me. I personally bring my own water bottle in my purse. I then excuse myself to go to the restroom. Instead of using the restroom, I go to the front of the resturant (where no one from my party can see me) and ask for the manager. I explain to the manager about my ic diet resriction. I also mention that I would like to keep this from the others in my dinner party. It has been my experience that most resturants are more than happy to assist me.

One more thing, if you call the hotel you can usually pay a small fee and get a small fridge in your room. However, I personally can get by with out one. Good luck!

[GriffsMommy]

I have never had the type of job where this is an issue but I can understand your concerns. You have already received some great advice, espically from curl. Lunch is going to be tough but like Curl said maybe run up to your room and get something IC safe from room service.
Dinner can be much easier because you can just ask for certain things to be left out of your meal. If they have grilled chicken with seasoning on it tell them you would like it completely plain, you don't need to explain to everyone why. There are usually at least one or two side dishes that are safe no matter what place you go to eat. I wouldn't stress about it too much because then you won't have a flare from diet you'll have a flare from stress. I would try some of the things Curl mentioned and I'm sure you'll be able to make it work.

[ICNDonna]

I agree that it's best to keep it simple. If you have to make any explanations at all, it's okay to simply say you have some food allergies --- since the definition of an allergy is that ingestion can cause adverse effects, you are being truthful --- and nearly everyone understands about allergies.

Donna

[Shelby101]

Thanks everyone,
I never even thought about room service or speaking to the restaurant manager out of sight of co-workers. My manager does know, but you are right that I don't want the attention from the higher ups. The food allergy is also a great idea. Why is it we feel comfortable with saying food allergy and not IC? I guess I just don't want to explain the whole thing to exec's who would just think I was strange. Anyway, thanks for the great ideas, I really appreciate you guys.

[kadi]

Yes, I also say food allergy & it doesn't elicit the flood of questions that IC does... I also shrug right after I say it (like it's boring) & then change the subject immediately ("So, how long have you worked for ________?"), so no one gets the idea it's open for discussion.

If I have to eat in restaurants, I usually get a hamburger with nothing on it except burger, lettuce, bun or plain steak & a plain baked potato with butter. Breakfasts I'm usually okay with oatmeal or eggs & toast.

Wishing you a successful trip!

[Claredale]

I used to travel with my job and I ate out quite a bit. I did much like the girls said and even thought I don't travel with my job anymore, I use the "allergy" word quite a bit.

Have a good time!

Tracey

[SharonA]

The "allergy" thing is always good. Most people won't even question it. :)

[theclownster]

Hi there! I wish I could offer some good advice. I am someone who is very open about my IC and have always been a picky eater so I guess I'm just used to being different. I often order things from restaurants and minus many items, change the cheese, put the sauce on the side, etc. and I've never explained myself in those situations - I just do it. I guess maybe I'm comfortable with that because I have always been like that even before IC. If people pry, I'm honest.

One thing I would say for certain is I always order any dressings, sauce, or toppings on the side, that way I can somewhat control possible flare foods. If I don't feel like getting into the ins and outs of IC, I just say I have a medical condition that prevents me from eating whatever it is. No one questions that either. I do drink bottled water at home, but can tolerate regular water at a restaurant in moderation as long as I make sure it doesn't have lemon in it. Sometimes I have to tell the waiter that I'm allergic to lemon because sometimes they forget and then take the lemon off the glass but the pieces of lemon are still floating in my water.

I hope this helps. Best wishes on your trip and I hope you are able to find a way to eat IC safe.

Take care,
Jennifer