New to Celiac Disease

[Mickayla Weymouth]

Hello, my name is Mickayla, I am 19 years old and I was diagnosed with celiac in November of last year. I am the first of anyone in my family or ever extended family and friends to have this disease. I was sick for about two years, had horrible acid reflux and lost 50+ pounds.  I struggle a lot with knowing exactly how to cope with celiac. I have went completely gluten free now, but I am a college student who works as well and it is hard for me to find things while I am out to eat that I know for sure are gluten free? I also feel like I constantly eat the same things all the time. Also how bad can this get and what exactly are symptoms that come with celiac reactions? I guess I just need some general information. I am doing this all alone it feels like and it is not easy lol. Anything else you guys would like to share with me would be so greatly appreciated! 

[Zodi1993]

Hi Mickayla, 

Well this forum is a wonderful site to help you through your journey. My daughter was diagnosed four years ago just days before her 20th birthday.  She was a junior in college so it was a struggle with two other roommates.  Everyone has different symptoms so be aware of what triggers yours. She also tends to eat at a lot at the same places too. Keep Gluten Free and healthy snacks with you so that you will not be tempted to break your Gluten Free diet. Talk to your friends and family and let them know what you need from them to stay healthy.and how much their support means to you.  I would suggest getting tested for other food  allergies. My daughter found out that she was allergic to yeast, shrimp & sesame seeds.  Knowing this helps her choose foods that won’t make her sicker. Get into the habit of reading labels as there is a lot of foods out there that claim they are Gluten Free but are also produced in a facility that uses wheat. 

My daughter is also the only one in our family that is Celiac so it is not that uncommon. You will have lots of  good days and some bad days.  But know that staying true to yourself will help you navigate the Gluten Free road to a happier you! 

Welcome to the forum!