How do you handle food and parties?

[rgilbert92]

Hi, I would love to here how other people handle this. We just got back from a neighborhood party and there were many things I could not eat. I knew that would probably be the case, so ate something before we went. But well meaning people were trying to get me to try the pickled eggplant and chocolate chip cookies. My one neighbor talked about her chili and wanted to make it for us sometime. Ic is new to me and I am a pretty private person and didn't want to try and explain why I wasn't eating.
I am sure most people with IC have been in this situation and would love some feedback.
I have a work party next weekend and the host is all ready talking about his lasagna:confused:
What do you say to people?

[leelee88]

In the beginning it was hard. But I finally just started telling people the truth! And why I decided this is because I felt that the more people who are informed the more the word about our disease would spread. SO I never keep the name IC or Intestitial Cystitis hidden from anyone and I always tell them exactly what it is. And how it effects me. Most people really understand and now at the outings or gatherings I go to there is usually a dish I can eat.. But I also always bring one just in case..And another tip you can always bring some prelief for the iffy things..

Now if you choose not to go this path you can always just tell them you have food allergies this would prevent you from any quesions and that would be easier for them to understand..

[VickiB]

It sounds like you did well at your neighborhood party.

Yep, I think we all have to deal with this situation. I'm not one to discuss my health issues with others unless/until I know them well. I go with the allergy line with most people. Of course, then you always have those who think you're just throwing out an excuse to avoid their offering. But they probably would be the type to also see your explanation of IC as just an excuse then too!

Vicki

[NewLife]

I either tell people that I am allergic to the ingredient or that I have ulcers. I don't specify where. When people hear ulcers they seem to back off :)

[kadi]

I actually had to practice the allergy line with a friend, I was so uncomfortable at first.

At work, I still say allergy, but if it's social, like church or friends' homes & not likely to get back to coworkers, then I say I have to be careful what I eat because I have an autoimmune disease that causes bladder inflamation & I have to eat bland foods to reduce irritation as possible. Depending on the reaction & my own mood that day, I leave it at that & change the subject or I explain. Since I've become more open, I've learned that a LOT of people have health problems....

[Briza]

I often eat something before going to parties and hope that there is a veggie tray or undressed salad that I can nibble on. My good friends know my situation and diet restrictions, so they are usually very considerate when planning a dinner that I can eat, if not everything then at least a couple of things. They don't dress the salad anymore if they remember, or I ask for them to set aside a portion for me before throwing on the dressing, since they know vinegar and other dressings are one of my main triggers. Luckily my friends are all very good creative cooks!:) In other situations where I don't feel the need to disclose the details of my condition and why I can't eat certain things, I just say I have a restricted diet, (and cannot eat acidic foods if they press for more info). I must say though, that I have not found a really good way to get out of eating a spaghetti dinner, and some people are so very proud of their spaghetti sauce I feel so bad, especially since that pretty much is the meal...I ask for little sauce and just try to eat around it best I can.

[ICNDonna]

In a party situation, I use the word "allergy" --- there are some foods that cause a painful reaction in my body --- which is what an allergy is! I say it with a smile and nobody questions it. I do routinely snack before going to a group dinner unless I know exactly what's on the menu. My close friends are aware of my IC and many make special things for me.

Donna

[Claredale]

I went to my mom's a couple weekends ago. They have a huge group of friends that "live on the bluff" as I call it and they have Bunko every Saturday night. Always a theme, etc. The night I went of course it was Italian night, so my mom fixed me some baked chicken and potatoes. I have gone to a number of these Bunko parties and most of them know I have "allergies". But that Lasagna looked and smelled so good. The hostess always makes the main course and everyones else brings a side. Anyway, the hostess kept pressing for me to taste the lasagna. She was older and had a little too much scotch by then, so I just told her that since I was so full, that if she would wrap me up a piece to go, I would enjoy it the next day. That tickled her to death.

T

[angie1962]

food is one issue...a few weeks ago I went to a party and they had specialty drinks...which I love!!!!...well can't drink anymore....so I basically took up 1/2 hr of their time and told everyone what was going on...after that...I got to sit back and watch everyone drink the drinks I use to love :(

[judy45]

Too funny! I do the same thing! Allergies or ulcers and that usually shuts them right up! I also take prelief before anything I eat and I have even started to take a pre-mixed bottle of baking soda and water and I just keep it in my purse or the car and drink it after we are done eating. I have been very successfull with these strategies and it takes the anxiety out of social gatherings. I have also noticed that I can drink carona lite beer and it even seems to calm my bladder allowing me to be even more free with what I eat. Wierd isn't it? But wierd in a good way.

[rgilbert92]

Thank you all so so much for the advice. I think since all of the people going to the party this weekend, know me and that just a short time ago, I was eating all foods, I will go with the truth and keep it brief. Ulcers, bladder, can't eat it, done.
The pre-relief is always in my purse. I like the small bottle of baking soda and water idea. Thanks again!