Mind the milk
A few years ago, when I first developed CFIDS, my symptoms included an attack of diarrhea every morning. Just as the doctor was getting ready to order a CAT scan,

I remembered that people who are sick or recovering from surgery sometimes become temporarily lactose intolerant.

I stopped drinking milk and milk products such as cheese and ice cream, and the diarrhea went away. After a couple of months, I was once again able to drink my daily glass of milk. The lactose intolerance still strikes occasionally when I’m sickest, but now I know how to deal with it.

If you can’t drink milk it’s important to get your calcium from pills or by loading up on calcium-rich foods.

Beth Kidder, Maine

Groceries on the go
Whenever I am doing errands, I make sure I shop for groceries at whatever store is nearby. Of course I would like to pick and choose at the PathMark or Grand Union — but sometimes the 7-11 or local deli will have to do.

Joan Ravallo, New Jersey

Airline security: Know your rights
The events of Sept. 11 have resulted in stricter safety standards at airports across the country. But people with disabilities still have important rights, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation:

• You can be accompanied by a friend or family member past security and into the main terminal. Assistants must present themselves at the airline check-in desk to receive a pass. They also must pass through all security checkpoints.
• You must be screened at security checkpoints like all other passengers. You may be patted down during a screening, and this is even more likely if you use a wheelchair and are unable to stand up. But people in wheelchairs must be given a private screening upon request.
• The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag does not apply to medical and/or assistive devices. In general, you are permitted to carry medical equipment into the main passenger compartment.
• Assistive devices such as walkers and canes are permitted on board. They are subject to screening for concealed devices.
• Personal wheelchairs and battery-powered scooters may still be used to reach departure gates after they are inspected to ensure that they do not present a security risk.
• Syringes are permitted on board once it has been determined that the passenger has a documented medical need for them. To avoid delays and/or denial, be sure to bring a letter from your doctor or other supporting documents to the airport.
• Personal wheelchairs that are folding, collapsible, or breakdown will still be allowed to be stowed in the passenger compartment of airplanes.

If you feel that your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint by sending a letter to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room 4107 C-75, Washington, DC 20590.

You can also send an e-mail to airconsumer@ost.dot.gov. (source: Office of the General Counsel, Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Labor)

One to One relies on readers to provide advice and ideas. If you have tips or strategies for coping with CFIDS and related disorders, please share them with fellow readers. Send your ideas to the Chronicle by e-mail at chronicle@cfids.org, or by regular mail to The CFIDS Association of America, PO Box 220398, Charlotte, NC 28222-0398, attention: Editor.