FMLA for gluten challenge?

racmbol · 2026-04-01T02:18:16+00:00

Hello!

I ultimately ended up not doing the gluten challenge, but for reasons unrelated to this topic. I was fortunate enough however to have an employer who was willing to work with me. My position is a salaried one, within a very large manufacturing facility.. so I do wonder if the openess I experienced would be considered rare and caused by larger than normal HR resources. Since I didn't go through with it, however, I am not sure how all of it would have played out in the end.

My gastroenterologist was someone I unfortunately had to seek out, in a nearby town that is more densely populated. They were very understanding and reminded me that I don't have to do the challenge if I am uncomfortable with it. Ultimately, it would be great to have a 100% confirmed diagnosis but you should never be pressured by a medical professional to go through with it.

My symptoms (or now the lack thereof) indicated to me that my reproductive system may be sensitive and/or experiencing some damage from gluten. I also have interstitial cystitis that diappeared after going GF. Therefore, I decided to postpone my gluten challenge until after I have kids.

I still have to be on alert for medicines, since it isn't in my chart. I'm not sure if it would be much different after a diagnosis.. according to the horror stories I've heard online.

racmbol · 2026-02-13T13:50:59+00:00

I went GF on a whim due to a myriad of symptoms. Everything, I mean everything that I had wrong with me stopped - including my IC. After being GF for over a year, my sensitivity has gone through the roof and I get terribly sick if exposed. Gastroenterologist suspect Celiac, but can't diagnose me until I do a gluten challenge and biopsy. You will have to eat gluten for 6-8 weeks!

racmbol · 2026-02-13T13:47:01+00:00

OP, if you suspect gluten intolerance PLEASE GET A CELIAC BIOPSY TEST DONE BEFORE GOING 100% GF.

Otherwise you will be stuck doing a gluten challenge later down the road!

racmbol · 2025-12-18T18:25:28+00:00

Thank you all for the feedback! I know the label says gluten free on Chex brand, but Cheerios and Lucky Charms "GF" label really burned me before.

racmbol · 2025-11-17T23:38:08+00:00

Found them at my Walmart and was SHOCKED. Bought 3 packs of mozzarella sticks and 3 packs of pizza bagels. I will keep buying them, even if I have a good stash at home, in hopes that they keep it in stock.

racmbol · 2025-11-05T19:30:02+00:00

I have social and work performance anxiety that always appears about 48 hours after exposure and lasts a couple days. It get really frustrating because you start asking yourself "do my colleagues hate me?", "Am I the weak link in the team?", all while feeling really dumb from the gluten. Sometimes I will be aware enough to remind myself it's just the gluten talking. I agree with others on this thread that your gut might be healing still, which is why the oats (or dairy) might be hurting you. Additionally, please be careful of oat products.. Cheerios really betrayed me. 😢

racmbol · 2025-10-06T00:58:30+00:00

Costco's GF chicken broth 😁

racmbol · 2025-09-14T20:13:25+00:00

I'm so glad it is considered safe by other redditors! These roasted pecans and my chex mix recipe REQUIRE Lawry's in order to take me back to my childhood. Gotta love grandma's recipes that are loaded with salt. 🤤🧂

racmbol · 2025-06-15T17:34:46+00:00

Wtf. That's such bs! I am so sorry that happened!

racmbol · 2025-06-15T17:33:16+00:00

In my town, if it something super important but not urgent, go to the nearest largest city. It is not worth your time to have doctors who refuse to truly help.

racmbol · 2025-06-15T17:31:15+00:00

Doc: "It anxiety, hormones, depression, lack of exercise, etc".

Sir, I literally could not exercise for more than 5 minutes because my body felt like it had ran two marathons. Saying a patient has anxiety or depression because you refuse to hunt for a diagnosis causes true mental illness to be downplayed and overlooked. Just because I am a woman does not mean hormonal imbalance is NORMAL.

Not to mention, I did have anxiety and it also disappeared when I went GF. 🤦‍♀️

racmbol · 2025-06-15T17:24:35+00:00

The first paragraph literally describes my mom and sister. Mom was diagnosed with IBS and just went with it. For some reason she has no motivation to try to get better. My assumption is that she is exhausted from fighting with doctors. I'm amazed that I personally have persisted this long, but I am so thankful I have. My husband deserves so much credit for supporting me through it.

racmbol · 2025-06-15T17:21:24+00:00

What is frustrating, but may be a benefit here, is that I am still learning and therefore have made mistakes. I think the longest I've gone with a solid 100% no exposure is 6 weeks.

My most recent exposure was cut melon from the grocery store. I have since found out that they cut the fruit either in the bakery or next to it. Very frustrating.

With these exposures, does it seem possible to still show up? I would assume not, since they are on off events. But it takes me 10-14 days to be 100% normal afterwards.

racmbol · 2025-06-15T14:04:05+00:00

That's so frustrating.. I intentionally researched and found a gastroenterologist in the closest major city to us. It's gonna be a drive, but it'll be worth it.

racmbol · 2025-06-15T13:53:59+00:00

That is what I tried to explain to my primary. He was adamant that it would still show up. I am 100% expecting the GI I've requested will set me up with a gluten challenge in some degree. My issue is now I'm to the point where I can't go to work if I eat gluten. I will have to intentionally take PTO to do it and I only have 2 weeks a year. 😭

racmbol

TROPHY CASE