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Hello everyone,
I need your advice, I have a client dinner tomorrow night and after having a flare up yesterday during lunch with my client, I ended up going home ill after I told me boss what happened. I tried my best to order something bland, but whatever it was, it caused a flareup and diarrhea. My boss has arranged for a dinner tomorrow night with my client for her last night. I have told her I have IBS & IC but I dont think she cares nor understands what it could be. I just started this job 6 months ago and ironically its at a natural supplement company. Being that I'm home ill today, I debated how she would take that email, and also being that this is MY client who brings in 75% of the company business, what to do?? I dont want to sit there for three hours at a Mexican food restaurant seeing my co-workers drinking and eating while I cant enjoy even a bite.
When I did so during lunch yesterday, I had to smile politely while my stomach and bladder hurt, in pain, listening to stories about their drinking and the fact that most of the woman dont care for kids (really urked me). She is my client so any advice on how to handle this situation would be great. I already back out of a week's conference in Vegas... Fearing I will lose my job... or maybe I'm over-thinking things. Being laid off once and in today's economy, my family cant afford for me to lose this job.
this is tricky.
It's very difficult to navigate social and professional events with IC. But since they are sometimes avoidable, I think it's best to learn to handle them as best you can.
Explain you're on medication and cand can't drink at the moment, ignore the commentary, and call the restaurant ahead of time to see what you can eat. Maybe there is some grilled salad you can eat? Fajitas? Things that you can assemble on your own are easiest. Find out what cooking oil they use and if you can't eat it, explain that you have an allergy and ask them to cook your food in butter.
All of the above I totally
All of the above I totally agree with and have had to do before. Most restaurants will work with you just say ALLERGY, don't even bring up IC.
As for the drinking, I order a soda water with a lemon garnish in a small glass so most people think I am drinking vodka tonic. Most people are so busy ordering or talking they don't even notice I didn't say vodka. But maybe that has just been my luck. One time I found the waitress beforehand and told her I couldn't drink but didnt want others to know and she went ahead and got my "drink" order. Just throwing out ideas, may not work for this situation but will help with others. Good luck!
Thanks for the advice..
So I will go and eat a little beforehand just to play it safe since dinner isnt until 6pm. At the risk of already having a 3rd flareup, I will see if there is white plain rice and grilled chicken/salad with no dressing. As for drinks, I like the idea of that.. sounds great! Thanks again.