Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body mistakenly attacks itself. Interestingly, there are over 80 autoimmune diseases and unfortunately, for a reason science cannot readily explain, women are at more risk of having these disorders.
Are you a woman that struggles to keep it all together while coping with celiac disease and/or related health issues while maintaining a career?
What is your biggest obstacle? What related autoimmune disease or chronic illness situation are you dealing with? What words of living wisdom do you have to share?
Most of us have read about how celiac disease may be found in combination with other autoimmune diseases, but I'd like to hear from those of you that are living it.
Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!
The authors, Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander, would like to randomly give away one copy of their inspirational new book to one of our readers. The winner will be chosen from the comments section.
Thank you for sharing, us chicks need to stick together!
Please sign up for our Email Newsletter. We promise that spam is not on our diet!
Sounds like a great read!
Wow! This book looks SOOOO interesting! I look at my Celiac Disease diagnosis as a blessing since it basically saved my life 1.5 years ago and on top of that a couple of months earlier I was diagnosed with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). I’ve continued to work (SO FAR), although RA can be quite debilitating and is notorious for the numbers of people that end up out on disability, and think that my work continues to give me that something extra in my life that I’ve always enjoyed, although the Celiac Disease has added an interesting challenge unto itself with completely relearning how to cook and eat again at nearly 40! I love my life and wouldn’t trade it for anything, regardless of the challenges I’ve faced. I can’t wait to read this book. I hope I win it!!!
After I was diagnosed it was very difficult for me to adjust to the new lifestyle, especially when faced with office parties or business lunches. Sounds like a great book!
Sounds like a great read. I too found it difficult with company holiday parties and other gatherings. This will definitely be added to my wish list.
I have had celiac for over 30 years and cope with colds that last for 4 weeks or more which really drag me down. I try to keep going because I can’t stand to just lie about but some days I just have to stop whatever I am doing and pamper myself. Usually that means curling up with a cup of tea and reading a good book.
Re: Coping with Autoimmune Diseases
I was diagnosed with Celiac almost 2 years ago, and just a month ago I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which many people with Celiac also get. The thyroid problem is simple to cope with, I just take the medicine prescribed.
If only it was that easy with Celiac. I rely on wonderful websites like this one to see me through this disease. People are always posting new recipes, and I think the whole community is extremely supportive of each other. Also, meeting others with the disease when I can helps me put the whole thing into perspective.
Sounds like an interesting book. I don’t think of myself as “ill” because going gluten free has made me so healthy- yet I am reminded from time to time of how precarious this healthiness can be. All it takes is one mistake to kick me back down!
Pick me Pick me! Sounds very interesting, this coming from a person with multiple autoimmune diseases since childhood. And if we’re reading her blog…don’t we all?
There was an article in the Nov-Dec Arthritis Today magazine(published by Arthritis Foundation)about who/why some people choose to tell about their health problems and who they do not tell…in their places of work.
My opinion: The psychology of dealing with our health problems has a huge impact on your actual health.
I have been looking for a book like this ever since there was a potential for a Celiac diagnosis. On top of 2008 being a terrible year for me with several deaths in the family (starting with my grandmother and great aunt on Jan. 2 and 3), strung along with other close deaths including the loss of my boss’ 5 month old daughter last night, Celiac has really been the icing in the *gluten free* cake. I’ve struggled with my company saying they understand yet did not support me working from home while being put on a gluten diet for 4-6 weeks leading up to the biopsy. I’ve had many a difficult day keeping it together and find very few outlets of understanding. I cannot wait to get this book and get comfort from someone who gets it!
I can’t wait to see this book! I’m with Dana (post #1) on how CD was a blessing in disguise. I was very, very sick when I was finally daignosed a little over 5 years ago. I had been to several gastros with no relief. Finally I was admitted to the hospital and PRESTO! I found out I had CD. I was amazed how different I felt in just a couple of days. I have always wondered though what other autoimmune diseases I am suscpetible to. I think I have found the answer. This book!
I was diagnoised 6 years ago. Social gatherings have been the hardest GF issue for me to deal with. This sounds like a great book.
Hey Kelly — I’m so interested in this topic and have been doing lots of research on it (everything from seminars to autoimmune physiology). As you know, there’s a comorbidity with celiac and other autoimmune conditions. I’m working on a holistic protocol for healing (nutrition therapy, movement, mind/body solutions). Love it that these ladies are inspiring us to keep on working and lovin’ life! Good message and I’m glad you’re blogging about it! Yes, us girls have to stick together.
In good health,
Melissa
I can’t wait to read this book. I just know it will lift my spirits. I was diagnosis w/ Celiac 5 years ago, and it has really change my life, especially cooking. We used to have a little cafe but closed it 7 years ago. People are still asking me for recipes, and I now tell them its all change to cooking gluten-free. Not only do I have Celiac but also found out that I now have Fibromyalgia and Thyroid problems also due to the Celiac. But hey””’each day is a gift and we learn to go on. This is a whole new season in my life, and my husband and kids and the grandkids have been great. Especially the grandkids, saying Nanny don’t touch that, it has gluten in it. Thank you for writing a book, that will give Inspiration for all of us. Be Blessed today””
I was diagnosed Celiac a little over 2 years ago. What a challenge for someone who grew up with 2 working parents and was fed from a box (you know it…hamburger helper and the likes). A few weeks ago I found out I was pregnant. Another challenge for me. My first pregnancy (7 years ago) I could barely get through the day at work. But this time around…I feel like a champion. I don’t even know how I functioned then. Now my life is plan…plan…plan. I can’t leave anything to chance, and yes, work luncheons, holiday parties and like are a lot different for me now than they used to be. But they are still great social functions.
This book looks amazing! I would love to read this great find!
This book would give me a good chance to think about how I am going to be a Celiac woman in the workforce after I graduate from college!
I’d love to read what others have to say on this subject. The personal transition to being gluten free was not difficult. But staying healthy in a work environment where others have no consideration for your special needs is difficult. The hardest part for me is functioning, at home or at work, when I have DH flare-ups that effect my appearance as well as my emotional state.
This sounds like a great book. It is such an effort to keep my energy level high enough to not only be successful at work but also be a good working parent to a 12 month old. I can’t wait to read this book!
As the list of members for the support group goes we are getting more and more people who cannot come to the meetings because the have to work but still need support. I am working to develop a library/lending systems for the community and would love to add this to the resources. Marilyn McCall, RD.LD, Jones County (Iowa)Celiac Support Group.
Sounds like something I need to read!
My friend has celiac and is trying to re-educate all of us! I’d love to win the book so I could give it to her!!! Keep up the good work.
This book sounds great. I especially find the office situations stressful. So many things revolve around food…monthly birthday cakes, business lunches, etc. I handle it pretty well…but it’s still tough!
This looks like a great, positive read! In those moments when we’re searching desperately for something to eat that won’t make us sick, but are too busy or tired to get into the kitchen and cook, we need this kind of encouragement to get us through. In the two years since my celiac diagnosis, I’ve had SO many of these moments – I can’t even count them all. It can be so depressing and maddening.
It sounds like some of us are really struggling to cope with our chronic illnesses, so I wanted to point another book that you might be helpful – The Chronic Illness Workbook. You can find out more at http://www.patriciafennell.com/books/0935891072.htm
After 15 years of struggling with chronic health problems, I was finally diagnosed this year with Crohn’s disease. I saw doctor after doctor that couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. They all told me the same things, it’s stress, it’s IBS, eat more fiber!! Of course with a digestive disease, fiber only made me feel worse. Over the past year I’ve been hospitalized 3 times, I have doctor’s visits at least once a month and have to have blood drawn once a week. My immune system is being suppressed and therefore I am highly susceptible to infection. I miss a ton of work and am fortunate to work with my family. They definitely won’t fire me! I read everything I can get my hands on that will help me cope with this disease so this book would be really valuable to me. It’s been very difficult but I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Of course with an autoimmune disease there’s never really an end to the tunnel, but as long as there is light I will keep moving forward.
I thought your last recommended book was a great suggestion (a chronic dose) and can’t wait to read this one!
I could use this book. It looks like it would be a good read.
My diagnosis came when I was 105 lbs, nursing a 5 month old newborn baby and working full time. I was exhausted. My diagnosis was not a surprise since I had the symptoms when I was 2 but 39 years ago doctors did not know much about CD. I was lucky and was diagnosed very quickly. I also developed Reynaud’s Syndrome after my pregnancy. As one doctor put it, pregnancy really messed up your immune system. Business functions are always the hardest with breakfast meeting being bagles or donoughts. I always make sure I eat at home!
I never thought I would need or want this type of book. Guess life is always full of surprises! I too am so brimming with health now that it’s hard to ever be upset about staying on the celiac diet.
I can’t wait to read this new book. I’m putting it at the top of my Christmas wish list. I have hypothyroidism, acid reflux, IBS, arthritis, and celiac disease among others. I think this book will be a breath of fresh air for all of us.
Sounds like a wonderful book, especially for someone who is newly diagnosed (me). I’ll be looking for it!
Sounds like a great resource! I forget that celiac is autoimmune and that I need to be kind to whole self in order to feel well
.
I am so thankfull to have been diagnosed with Celiac. I finally know why I’ve been so sick my entire life. Since I went for 30 years eating the deadly gluten, I have also developed Chron’s disease…which “they” think is related. Dealing with both these diseases has been life altering…and not in a good way. The Chron’s still dictates my life, but thank God I know not to eat gluten now! My best friend Helene one day said “I’m going to cure you some day!” And go figure…she was the one that said “I think you’re allergic to wheat!” Bless her heart….
To all of you suffering from Celiac and Chron’s…hang in there…I know how much it hurts and how depressing it can be, but we have to keep going!
Keep me out of the drawing, I am a stay at home Mom and don’t need this book, as much as the others.
But what a great book, and give away, it looks like a fabulous resource.
Danielle
I think the book looks great!! Particularly before I was diagnosed with celiac, I was so sick and constantly running to the bathroom and completely miserable. I had a job where no one knew what was going on and I could hide it, but it isn’t always that easy. This looks like a celiac must read!
This book seems great! I was diagnosed with CD about five years ago after the birth of my first son. Praise God my son was healthy and full term as I didnt know that I had CD the whole pregnancy and was not eating G-free. Since then I have struggled mainly with neurological disorders (maybe dysautonomia)and anxiety as well as several hernia surgeries due to a weak intestinal structure…BUT! I am a full-time working mother of two very busy little boys and I have to “WORK IT ON OUT GIRLS!”
I have found that when we eat at work and social events I am given the opportunity to spread the word about CD and educate others which at first felt strange but now it really makes me feel like I am blessing others. Im not saying it is easy at all but God has His plan and I will do my best to continue on! 
I was just diagnosed a week ago with Celiac Disease. I’d love to be a winner for this giveaway. Fingers crossed!
If I had not found out that I have celiac disease, I would never have been able to do the job I do–I work at the entrance station to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. It is 12 miles from anything, I am out there by myself, with only a port-a-potty across the parking lot. Before I knew I could not eat gluten, I was having serious bowel accidents in my pants on a regular basis. I could not have worked in an isolated location if that was still happening. Finding out about what my problem was truly opened up my options for gratifying, satifying, exciting employment opportunities. Being able to live and work at the Grand Canyon far outweighs being able to eat bread, any day!
I am knewly dianosised, and currently struggling with it. I am so thankful for the support from my husband, friends, family and support groups like this. This book looks like a wonderful edition to my collection.
I’m a nurse and I cope with having Celiac’s by helping others identify the foods (especially treats, lol) that they can safely eat and obtain in our area. I live in Southeast Louisiana and resources are slim here. I share my recipe book with them and recommend the better brands of products I’ve tried over last 12 years or so since my diagnosis, as well as the dietician that literally helped to save my life!
This sounds like a good book! I think the hardest part for me was when I was sick and had NO IDEA what was wrong with me. Even though there are limits to what I can eat now, at least I can put a name on it, and I know that if I am careful I will never feel that horrible again. I am only 24, and I know more and more people around my age who are finding out they have autoimmune diseases. This is a great book I’d love to share with them.
Hi All,
I was diagnosed with celiac disease about 5 1/2 years ago and have been living gluten free. Due to other medical issues and 10 spinal surgeries I have not worked in almost five years and am broke. Recently I volunteered for two candidates in the 2008 Election. I’ve made some contacts who may be able to help me find work, it is difficult being hired as a disabled person. My motto is “Persevere”. Your book would go a long way to helping me achieve my goals. Thanks for caring and sharing.
Best of luck.
Kathy
I was only recently diagnosed, as my condition was lumped in with my depression (of all things) for so long. This site has been incredible with taking a lot of the mystery out of living with this disease. Working is difficult, as eating in general is inconvenient…hopefully this book will help!
Wow, I would really love to read this one. I was diagnosed with celiac disease three years ago and just diagnosed this year with two other autoimmune illnesses : endometriosis and GERD. I am also lactose intolerant. I am having a hard time coping living away at school in a dorm but I am learning everyday and the chef’s are willing to take care of me. I can’t wait to pick this one up!
This is exactly the book so many women need to read out there. I currently work long hours on Wall Street in a very competitive job. All my life I’ve worked hard and have been dedicated. When I was diagnosed with Celiac a few years ago, it really put the breaks on my life. Right now I am having bad flare ups, felling tired and sick all the time. It is so difficult to accept that I can not do what I was capable of before the disease took over my life. I am only 29 and I feel as though I am 69. It is certainly a different life I need to start leading, I just need to figure out how. This book sounds like a good start.
How timely! I work from home and have an 18 mo daughter. (The pregnancy or her birth triggered my CD.)This book would be perfect for me.
Sounds wonderful! I’ve often found business lunches/dinners to be a challenge. Even “safe” foods like salad are mixed with croutons and unsafe dressings. I look forward to reading this book!
I’m a “new” celiac (my one year anniversary is next week), and about to enter the workforce in January. What an amazing book! I will be reading this one.
Can’t wait to read this book!
Books like this one are needed for all working women as well as their loved ones. Thanks for taking the time and dedication in publishing it.
Best of luck
I have a dear friend who is suffering with multiple autoimmune diseases — celiac, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogrens, alopecia areatta and now alopecia totalis, and she had her thyroid removed because of an autoimmune thyroid issue — besides being gluten free for ten years, she now has to be casein free. She also has asthma and breaks out in pressure hives all over her body. I would really like to see her receive this book as she has such a hard time. She has probably been celiac since birth, but was not diagnosed until she was in her late 40′s, so she has had a lifetime of needless suffering. She needs all of the encouragement that she can get. Thank you for considering her.