Re: answer fro non A people

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

The rare time I get that question (since with most people it seems to be more "about them," than me,) my answer might vary depending upon the situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I might say that "I just need more time to eat," or "I have a digestive disorder," or "I like to savor every bite," or "I need to drink a lot with my meal," or "what's it to ya buddy?"

I can't recall the last time there was a followup question to my response. Perhaps, also, with the "digestive disorder" response, more people are interested in a followup question if the person is female, just due to social issues in that connection.

, from the Island of Long.

In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, ykosworks@... writes:

Here might be another question to ask everyone.When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is your answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable with. Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong with it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or you end up with the whole medical thing happening.Intriqued

[Guest guest]

Here might be another question to ask everyone.

When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is your

answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable with.

Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong with

it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or you

end up with the whole medical thing happening.

Intriqued

>

> Hi,

>

> You asked a question about how folks with A cope with work. I have

wondered about the

> same thing, so I set up a poll on this site about this awhile back.

>

> Most folks here reported only a mild-moderate amount of

interference with their work

> day. I've had somewhat more distress than that, I guess because I

have had A for 27 years

> and it's progressed pretty far. I also have a very demanding job

with long hours--there

> just isn't any way to get through days this long without the A

raising its head somewhere

> along the line.

>

> Mostly I've coped by eating very small meals during the day. This

works pretty well, but it

> means I'm really hungry by the time I get home--and it isn't such a

good idea for those of

> us with this problem to eat large meals in the evening.

>

> My biggest work-related problem is that I have several fairly

formal meals as part of my

> work life each week (lunch meetings, banquets, etc.). There is

often a lot of wonderful,

> tempting food at these events, but I have learned the hard way to

limit myself to tiny

> portions.

>

> This does cause some social discomfort sometimes when curious

people just have to get

> nosy and ask me about these puny portions. They usually just think

I'm on a diet, though,

> so that's not so weird!

>

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

You are right. That is something we all have to try and learn to deal with. I have found that the best way is to deal simply with it, by saying something like: "O I just have this medical condition when food can only go down slowly, so I have to eat really carefully all the time. It's a nuisance but I get by. The best thing you can do is to ignore it."

Anybody with an ounce of discretion will not pursue it any further, the magic word is "ignore". At that point they realise you want to be left to your own devices.

It's a different matter with close friends because they are genuinely interested. That can be a lot easier because you can answers their questions. Just as if they had something you didn't understand you would want to know and help.

But that was a great question . I think we have to learn not to be too self-conscious about our little portions.

And what a good Book title that would make on this subject: "IS THAT ALL YOU'RE HAVING?" (lol)

Keep smiling, across the globe, love from Ann in the green and pleasant Land. xxxxx> >> > Hi,> > > > You asked a question about how folks with A cope with work. I have > wondered about the > > same thing, so I set up a poll on this site about this awhile back.> > > > Most folks here reported only a mild-moderate amount of > interference with their work > > day. I've had somewhat more distress than that, I guess because I > have had A for 27 years > > and it's progressed pretty far. I also have a very demanding job > with long hours--there > > just isn't any way to get through days this long without the A > raising its head somewhere > > along the line.> > > > Mostly I've coped by eating very small meals during the day. This > works pretty well, but it > > means I'm really hungry by the time I get home--and it isn't such a > good idea for those of > > us with this problem to eat large meals in the evening.> > > > My biggest work-related problem is that I have several fairly > formal meals as part of my > > work life each week (lunch meetings, banquets, etc.). There is > often a lot of wonderful, > > tempting food at these events, but I have learned the hard way to > limit myself to tiny > > portions.> > > > This does cause some social discomfort sometimes when curious > people just have to get > > nosy and ask me about these puny portions. They usually just think > I'm on a diet, though, > > so that's not so weird!> >>

[Guest guest]

MY AUNT told me I did not have this problem> She said I simply have

acid reflux. She knows it. She thinks I AM IN DENIAL> TRUE STORY!!!

Dawn in cold OhiO....awwe spring....mowing twice a week!!!!!!!

>

>

> Hi ,

>

> The rare time I get that question (since with most people it

seems to

> be more " about them, " than me,) my answer might vary depending

upon the

> situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I might

say that " I just

> need more time to eat, " or " I have a digestive disorder, " or " I

like to savor

> every bite, " or " I need to drink a lot with my meal, " or " what's

it to ya

> buddy? "

>

> I can't recall the last time there was a followup question

to my

> response. Perhaps, also, with the " digestive disorder "

response, more people are

> interested in a followup question if the person is female, just

due to social

> issues in that connection.

>

> , from the Island of Long.

>

> In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> ykosworks@... writes:

>

> Here might be another question to ask everyone.

> When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is

your

> answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable

with.

> Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong

with

> it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or

you

> end up with the whole medical thing happening.

>

>

> Intriqued

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Dawn,

Have you shown her this site? Does she think we are all in denial? Would she like to have a look at my x-rays? I feel annoyed on your behalf. Love from your friend Ann (I believe you anyway sweetie) xx> >> > > > Hi ,> > > > The rare time I get that question (since with most people it > seems to > > be more "about them," than me,) my answer might vary depending > upon the > > situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I might > say that "I just > > need more time to eat," or "I have a digestive disorder," or "I > like to savor > > every bite," or "I need to drink a lot with my meal," or "what's > it to ya > > buddy?" > > > > I can't recall the last time there was a followup question > to my > > response. Perhaps, also, with the "digestive disorder" > response, more people are > > interested in a followup question if the person is female, just > due to social > > issues in that connection.> > > > , from the Island of Long.> > > > In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, > > ykosworks@ writes:> > > > Here might be another question to ask everyone.> > When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is > your > > answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable > with. > > Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong > with > > it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or > you > > end up with the whole medical thing happening.> > > > > > Intriqued > >>

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

I just wanted to say I am sorry your Aunt hasn't been more

supportive. I have an aunt and a cousin who said I was over-

reacting to knee problems that I had (even though I was on crutches

and in extreme pain for 4-5 months before my first surgery and was

on crutches and in a lot of pain for several months after my second

surgery). I was not pleased by their implying I was exaggerating my

situation. I have not told them anything about my new " A' diagnosis.

It can be hard for some people who haven't had serious medical

problems to realize how difficult they can be.

Maybe you could send your aunt a copy of test results indicating

you have " A " (such as a manometry test result if you've had one) and

explain more about the condition to her. And suggest she read

online about it etc.

Vicki from CA

-- In achalasia , " dawn " <rirey20@...> wrote:

>

> MY AUNT told me I did not have this problem> She said I simply

have

> acid reflux. She knows it. She thinks I AM IN DENIAL> TRUE STORY!!!

> Dawn in cold OhiO....awwe spring....mowing twice a week!!!!!!!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> >

> >

> > Hi ,

> >

> > The rare time I get that question (since with most people

it

> seems to

> > be more " about them, " than me,) my answer might vary depending

> upon the

> > situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I

might

> say that " I just

> > need more time to eat, " or " I have a digestive disorder, " or " I

> like to savor

> > every bite, " or " I need to drink a lot with my meal, "

or " what's

> it to ya

> > buddy? "

> >

> > I can't recall the last time there was a followup question

> to my

> > response. Perhaps, also, with the " digestive disorder "

> response, more people are

> > interested in a followup question if the person is female, just

> due to social

> > issues in that connection.

> >

> > , from the Island of Long.

> >

> > In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> > ykosworks@ writes:

> >

> > Here might be another question to ask everyone.

> > When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is

> your

> > answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable

> with.

> > Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong

> with

> > it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases

or

> you

> > end up with the whole medical thing happening.

> >

> >

> > Intriqued

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ann, thanks so much for your suggestion. I like the idea to tell

people it is best if they just ignore it.

I am a law student and worked at various law firms during my

summer breaks. As a summer associate, I was taken out to lunch

almost every day as a way to meet people from the firm (the summer

is basically a long job interview to see if you can get a permanent

job offer from them). Every day, I got comments about why I wasn't

eating more, whether I was sick, why I didn't like the food etc. I

tried to just make up excuses (since I didn't want the firm to know

about my problems). I finally decided to mention my swallowing

problem to my fellow summer associates so they would stop asking me

about my eating habits. But, one guy kept asking me about it. I

even mentioned the swallowing problem again, which only helped

slightly.

As one suggestion, I found that it was helpful if I asked someone

a question right before I took a bite to eat. That way, it was more

likely that I would be done swallowing the bite before it was my

turn to speak again.

I also try to view eating out as more of a chance to see people

rather than a chance to eat a lot. So, I just eat a little and

bring the rest home (or back to work) to finish in private. Some

people just assume I am dieting and don't ask about this.

Vicki from CA

> > >

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > You asked a question about how folks with A cope with work. I

have

> > wondered about the

> > > same thing, so I set up a poll on this site about this awhile

back.

> > >

> > > Most folks here reported only a mild-moderate amount of

> > interference with their work

> > > day. I've had somewhat more distress than that, I guess

because I

> > have had A for 27 years

> > > and it's progressed pretty far. I also have a very demanding

job

> > with long hours--there

> > > just isn't any way to get through days this long without the A

> > raising its head somewhere

> > > along the line.

> > >

> > > Mostly I've coped by eating very small meals during the day.

This

> > works pretty well, but it

> > > means I'm really hungry by the time I get home--and it isn't

such a

> > good idea for those of

> > > us with this problem to eat large meals in the evening.

> > >

> > > My biggest work-related problem is that I have several fairly

> > formal meals as part of my

> > > work life each week (lunch meetings, banquets, etc.). There is

> > often a lot of wonderful,

> > > tempting food at these events, but I have learned the hard way

to

> > limit myself to tiny

> > > portions.

> > >

> > > This does cause some social discomfort sometimes when curious

> > people just have to get

> > > nosy and ask me about these puny portions. They usually just

think

> > I'm on a diet, though,

> > > so that's not so weird!

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-It seems to always happean to me if I make a brush of remark, I

still end up trying to get out of explaining more. All my friends and

family that count know and understand. Maybe it is a guy thing you

can get by it. Many guys often don't want to go to a doctor and admit

they are sick or associate with it. You guys excluded. My husband

actually will rush to the doctor more readily than me which is less

common here.

I might keep the " I need more time to eat " in mind and hope I can

leave it. Or " that does not agree with me. "

Thanks for your thought .

-- In achalasia , cynmark24@... wrote:

>

>

> Hi ,

>

> The rare time I get that question (since with most people it

seems to

> be more " about them, " than me,) my answer might vary depending

upon the

> situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I might

say that " I just

> need more time to eat, " or " I have a digestive disorder, " or " I

like to savor

> every bite, " or " I need to drink a lot with my meal, " or " what's

it to ya

> buddy? "

>

> I can't recall the last time there was a followup question to

my

> response. Perhaps, also, with the " digestive disorder " response,

more people are

> interested in a followup question if the person is female, just

due to social

> issues in that connection.

>

> , from the Island of Long.

>

> In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> ykosworks@... writes:

>

> Here might be another question to ask everyone.

> When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is your

> answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable

with.

> Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong

with

> it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or

you

> end up with the whole medical thing happening.

>

>

> Intriqued

>

[Guest guest]

Isn't it funny, other peoples responses. I think I am pretty poitive

person. I tend to try and soldier on and keep life as normal as

possible. I was told by a someone that really doesn't get it when

someone in a household gets really sick how it effects the family,

that coming to this group is so negative for my recovery!!!

How did you like that one. It really upset me at the time.

> >

> >

> > Hi ,

> >

> > The rare time I get that question (since with most people

it

> seems to

> > be more " about them, " than me,) my answer might vary depending

> upon the

> > situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I

might

> say that " I just

> > need more time to eat, " or " I have a digestive disorder, " or " I

> like to savor

> > every bite, " or " I need to drink a lot with my meal, " or " what's

> it to ya

> > buddy? "

> >

> > I can't recall the last time there was a followup question

> to my

> > response. Perhaps, also, with the " digestive disorder "

> response, more people are

> > interested in a followup question if the person is female, just

> due to social

> > issues in that connection.

> >

> > , from the Island of Long.

> >

> > In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> > ykosworks@ writes:

> >

> > Here might be another question to ask everyone.

> > When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is

> your

> > answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable

> with.

> > Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is wrong

> with

> > it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases or

> you

> > end up with the whole medical thing happening.

> >

> >

> > Intriqued

> >

>

[Guest guest]

-I know where you are coming from Vicki. I have surgeries on my knees

3 times. I have been on and off my feet constantly graduating from

wheelchair to crutches to a walking stick since November 2004. It has

been a slow battle. I am on the " home run " to speak. I can drive and

walk alone. Still working on getting full motion. Where are you at

now? I can now ride a bicycle but only for very short time.

with knees and A.

-- In achalasia , " Vicki " <vickismiles@...> wrote:

>

> Dawn,

>

> I just wanted to say I am sorry your Aunt hasn't been more

> supportive. I have an aunt and a cousin who said I was over-

> reacting to knee problems that I had (even though I was on crutches

> and in extreme pain for 4-5 months before my first surgery and was

> on crutches and in a lot of pain for several months after my second

> surgery). I was not pleased by their implying I was exaggerating

my

> situation. I have not told them anything about my new " A'

diagnosis.

>

> It can be hard for some people who haven't had serious medical

> problems to realize how difficult they can be.

>

> Maybe you could send your aunt a copy of test results indicating

> you have " A " (such as a manometry test result if you've had one)

and

> explain more about the condition to her. And suggest she read

> online about it etc.

>

> Vicki from CA

>

>

>

>

>

> -- In achalasia , " dawn " <rirey20@> wrote:

> >

> > MY AUNT told me I did not have this problem> She said I simply

> have

> > acid reflux. She knows it. She thinks I AM IN DENIAL> TRUE

STORY!!!

> > Dawn in cold OhiO....awwe spring....mowing twice a week!!!!!!!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi ,

> > >

> > > The rare time I get that question (since with most people

> it

> > seems to

> > > be more " about them, " than me,) my answer might vary depending

> > upon the

> > > situation or the degree of familiarity with the person. I

> might

> > say that " I just

> > > need more time to eat, " or " I have a digestive disorder, "

or " I

> > like to savor

> > > every bite, " or " I need to drink a lot with my meal, "

> or " what's

> > it to ya

> > > buddy? "

> > >

> > > I can't recall the last time there was a followup

question

> > to my

> > > response. Perhaps, also, with the " digestive disorder "

> > response, more people are

> > > interested in a followup question if the person is female,

just

> > due to social

> > > issues in that connection.

> > >

> > > , from the Island of Long.

> > >

> > > In a message dated 5/6/2006 4:09:09 A.M. Eastern Standard

Time,

> > > ykosworks@ writes:

> > >

> > > Here might be another question to ask everyone.

> > > When you are questioned about the way you are eating, what is

> > your

> > > answer. I still struggle with a simple answer I am comfortable

> > with.

> > > Most people will ask if it is cooked OK or if anything is

wrong

> > with

> > > it. It is far to difficult to say what you have in most cases

> or

> > you

> > > end up with the whole medical thing happening.

> > >

> > >

> > > Intriqued

> > >

> >

>