Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Holidays at Relatives Homes (long post)

I tried to post his a few days ago but my computer and I did not get it to the board.
We just returned from our "Family Christmas" party weekend out of town.
Like last year, I eneded up eating salad and a bite of dessert (brownies from a mix full of who knows what). I am IBS-D.
I did have a few edibles in the car which I periodically sneaked out to eat. I forgot to bring some of my favorite canned Salmon which I can eat. I bought another brand at a local store and my dogs will love the other 2 cans because they were too fishy.

Usually when I go to a restaurant I can quiz the manager/cook etc. and get an OK meal. How can I do that with a relative who is not savy?

"No I do not want her to open me a can of green beans" because she knows that for some reason I cannot eat green bean casserole. Excuse me but canned anything may be full of flavor enhancers and preservatives which set me off in minutes. (She is intelligent and thinks it is all in my head probably to get attention.)

I am also sensitive to lunch meats no matter how they say they are organic and msg free. Canned tuna also sets me off. I finally ate the whites of a couple boiled eggs in frustration to stop hurting her feelings.

It makes me want to stay at home.
Next year maybe we will stay in a hotel with a kitchenette that accepts pets and I will use my dogs as an excuse to not stay at their house. I'll eat in the hotel room and fill a plate and push the food around like a child............
I am frustrated and angry. I hate having to explain over and over that I have digestive issues and cannot eat normal food..HOW MANY WAYS DO I HAVE TO SAY IT??

I just started to see my therapist who I have a previous sucessful relationship with, but we did not start in time to cover this.
What does everyone else say and do at relatives homes??
G

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