hospital food

[keekus]

Not sure where to post this... Hello all, I'm a new vegan of about 6 wks and unfortunately expect to enter a detox hospital for alcohol withdrawal tomorrow. I would really like to maintain my new-found veganism while in hospital, but am not sure if this will be possible. I understand that the hospital offers a vegetarian meal plan, but no vegan option. I am not feeling good about this, but I am very physically/emotionally damaged right now and I don't feel prepared to create a stir by "demanding" a vegan diet.
I'm wondering how others might have dealt with any sort of similar hospital experience. I guess I am looking for a little reassurance that I won't be a monster if I end up consuming some eggs/dairy while in hospital. I don't want to, but at this moment don't see a viable alternative. I would of course revert to veganism immediately upon discharge. Any suggestions, ideas?
Are there any other recovering alcoholics/vegans on this forum?

[fredrikw]

I'd say first things first. As with all medical situations, being 100% vegan is really hard considering all the animal ingredients in medicine and the animal testing involved. You'll have the rest of your life to be vegan and do good things for the animals.

Having said that, I do think you should ask about vegan food, chances are that it isn't a big deal and just because you're asking doesn't mean you need to create a stir about it.

[mabli]

Hi

I have never had any problems with getting vegan food in UK hospitals, they even gave me a vegan anaesthetic once. Folk are generally quite accomodating and often enjoy doing something that takes them out of their routine slightly.

Best of luck with it all.

[xrodolfox]

When my wife had out two kids, she just specified that she's vegan and she got vegan meals throughout at the hospitals. It worked out well, but it was still pretty bad quality hospital food.

-rpl

[keekus]

thanks all for your input. I will definitely ask for, but not insist on vegan food while in the hospital. Wish me luck!

[keekus]

Hey all, just an update about my hospital experience. The first day was hard, because obviously I hadn't been able to order my food in advance, so I ate dry cereal... no soy milk... bananas, and PBnJ's. I guess I "cheated" once when I ate pancakes, but it was that or nothing. But once I was able to talk to a dietitian and explain what I could and couldn't eat, they were very accommodating. The food was far from good, but at least they made an effort.

I was also surprised by the mellow reactions I rec'd from my fellow patients. No one batted an eyelid when I said I was vegan - although I was disappointed no one seemed particularly curious either ... no vegangelizing opportunities presented themselves

The only person who was curious was my veggie psychiatrist who couldn't understand the juxtaposition of vegan and f*cked up alcoholic. Anyway, I am doing well now and wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year.

[mabli]

Hooray, Im really pleased for you.

[Linnéa76]

Wishing you a happy new year and best of luck in your recovery as well as with veganism!

[JuicyJ]

so good that you are replacing old habits with healthy new ones

I hope everything goes smoothly for you
Take good care

Juicy

[Hiking Fox]

The only person who was curious was my veggie psychiatrist who couldn't understand the juxtaposition of vegan and f*cked up alcoholic.

Keekus - don't put yourself down like that, please. Alcoholism is a physical illness, not a sign that you are weak or fucked up. It is difficult going out socialising with friends and not being able to drink because of what it does to you; I can sympathise with your struggle.

I used to go out clubbing with some recovering alcoholic friends and I deliberately abstained from drinking anything when with them because they found it so hard to watch others drink, knowing that they couldn't join in. Because if they did join in, they drank like it was water and lost all sense of restraint, so became tough to be around.

People really misuse the word 'alcoholic' in our society and imply that alcoholics are just people who drink too much and behave antisocially, but it's much more complicated than that. One of the key things right now must be boosting your self-esteem and knowing that you can beat your problems and leave your past behind you, so please don't put yourself down. Stay strong.

[keekus]

Thank you all so much for your support... it means a lot to me. I am just four days sober today, but I already feel like a new person.

Hiking Fox... a special thanks to you for your encouragement! When I referred to myself as a f*cked up alcoholic, I really didn't mean to be self-disparaging. I know all too well that alcoholism is a disease and I feel no shame in wearing that label. The "f*cked-up" part more referred to the condition of my health and life and not so much to me as a person.

As a matter of fact, I am now proud to call myself a recovering alcoholic - this to me implies a level of commitment to my health as well as a commitment to becoming a more ethical and aware person. And for me at least, recovering alcoholic and vegan go together perfectly... love and concern for myself as well as all other living beings!

[divergirl]

keekus! welcome & congrats on being sober and also vegan! your body will be so excited to be so healthy - I bet you'll be feeling on top of the word soon.....

I just wanted to encourge you that you can succeed at being a recovering alcoholic - I like to say ex-drinker or non-drinker! My partner is now a teetotaler. It was difficult for him initially especially around his old friends as they just couldn't get it thru their thick heads that he could not and would not drink with them anymore. It's been probably 4 years now I reckon and he's all the much better for it. Totally in control and able to talk comfortably to friends and even complete strangers about why he doesn't drink anymore. It's an eye opener to people sometimes.

I wish you luck on your journey. It's not really luck tho it's determination and your hard work and persistence that will get you there. You can do it!!! I know that you have already come so far!

Stick around and keep posting!

Happy New Year to you too!

[helmut]

good luck in your recovery keekus