Celiac Disease: A Teenager's Perspective

I loved this article! I was 'officially' diagnosed when I was 17, so I know exactly what you're talking about. I, too, remember my first attempts at trying t find gluten-free food (Soooo Gross!). But now I know which ones to get and which to avoid. I definitely have a few gluten-free foods that I like WAY better than the 'regular' versions. Thanks again!

Thank you, Alexandra, for writing this article. I especially liked the very last sentence. It must have come straight from your heart. It is the same way I have felt the whole 46 years I have been on the gluten-free diet. I was diagnosed at 38 years of age and am now 86 years old. No wheel chair, no walking all bent over. No serious health problems. Just a little arthritis, and I don't hear so good anymore.

My best wishes to you, Alexandra, for a wonderful future!

Great article. I'm passing this to my teenage grandkids (none diagnosed yet, but I know they're concerned with their moms and grandmother having to be gluten free). Thanks!

Alexandra, Thank you for your encouraging article and positive attitude! You go girl!!

All three of my teen aged children and I have Celiac disease and I applaud your embracing of the situation. They too have experienced the type of nervousness you describe, especially when going out with friends or going to a friends house for an event. However, they have been quite pleased to find out that most of their friends have accommodated their 'weird' allergy and go out of their way to consider their needs. They also usually pack a snack or two in their backpack or bag 'just in case'. Generally, it's about the getting together, not about the food when you're with friends. Good luck! By the way, my oldest son went away to college and had no problem at all. The cafeteria created gluten-free food that was actually good tasting and other students chose the gluten-free food even though they didn't 'need' to eat gluten-free! Overcoming the fear that others have of the unknown is done one step at a time...rock on!

Thank you for this article. My daughter is a teenager and has been gluten free for 12 years and its so refreshing to hear these words from someone who knows first-hand the challenges of being a gluten free teen. You're very thoughtful. Thanks.

I have two children with celiac disease (age 10 & 17) who were diagnosed in 2000 and 2001. We have experienced all the same issues. Both my boys will throw up with the slightest ingestion of gluten. I think the most important thing we have learned is never stop doing the things everyone else does. My older son went to Quebec City with his school for 4 days when he was in grade 8. He brought a cooler on wheels with extra food and all the restaurants were forewarned about his disease. This spring he went on a 3 day outdoor ed camping trip. His whole group ate gluten free (except for pasta). The boys in his group decided it would be easier if they didn't bring any bread, cereal or bagels. The best part about this was that it wasn't my son's idea...but the groups! I have even watched some of my son's friends stick up for him when kids try offering him something he can't eat. My younger son has lived with this disease for almost his whole life. He used to get sad when he couldn't have some of the food other kids were having....but now he knows and understands how sick that food makes him. Also, growing up gluten free for them has gotten easier and easier over the years. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus. Leory Selmans in Florida even offers gluten-free beer! We live in Ontario Canada and one of our large pizza chains now offers gluten-free pizza at every store.

I really enjoyed reading this article. I am 17 years old, and though I have not been officially diagnosed with celiac disease both my GI doctor and I are confident that I am gluten intolerant (as of late fall of 2007). Sadly yes this does makes it difficult to eat out with friends, but I manage to do pretty well at it, and thankfully they are pretty understanding. I think the hardest part for me is going to be at meets and such during cross country and track season. I am actively involved with these two sports and when we travel, I don't have a choice in where we eat. Hopefully I will be able to bring my own food perhaps. Our coach also pushes us to carbo load. Every night before a meet we would chow down on a ton of pasta, breadsticks, etc. I am guessing that this may have contributed to my development of gluten intolerance. I am not sure how everything will work out yet, but I am hopeful. I look forward to reading more articles like this from others my age. I have yet to meet someone who is gluten intolerant or celiac who is about my age. It can be quite lonely at times...

I too know what it is like to live a gluten-free lifestyle. This was a very well-written article, and your inspiring words moved me deeply. This has helped me turn my life around. Thank you.

In writing your recommendation, I came across your entry for celiac.com, so I thought I would read your article. I continue to be proud of who you are. Your honesty, humor and sensitivity shines in this article. Thank you for sharing it with me and all of the teens who could benefit from your insight and the responses that followed.

Holy cow. I read this and I was like wow that's exactly how I feel haha. I was diagnosed freshmen year of high school on spring break fantastic time eh? Well I also had that whole this is nasty why me I hate this it sucks it will never get better for bout 3 months afterward. I was depressed and angry and just indifferent! Finally people started helping me and now I help people I'm so proud to help but I also still sometimes feel like ugh why me and get down, but I remember when I get older to help many people because I know what it feels like to be 15 (at the time) and have to worry bout everything you do because of a dumb "allergy". Thanks for writing this article I wish actually that someone my age was at my school who had it but so far only me. It would be nice to connect with someone on this level then they really could "know how I feel"!

I'm glad that other teens feel the same way that I do! I was diagnosed when I was 13 and now I'm 17. It's been really hard and I've had several trips to the hospital. My mom also has it and so do two of my friends. People sometimes tease me about it and put food in my face that I can't eat. But some of my friends buy me food all the time which is really cool.