confirmed via biopsy, quite depressed

[wellthatsfun]

i'd just like to preface this by saying i have an extremely supportive and talented boyfriend who is amazing at cooking, and he's willing to go gluten free with me. i am much more privileged than a lot of coeliacs for this reason.

it's just so depressing though. i turned 18 in april and was basically diagnosed via a blood test in february. i had an endoscopy two days ago, got put to sleep, and woke up to the doctor immediately telling me i absolutely have it. what lovely news. i tried to prepare mentally before the endoscopy after my gp said he was 95% sure i had it, but it's just so hard finally going on this diet and saying goodbye to so many of my favourite foods. so hard watching others eat maccas and stuff knowing it's like poison to me when it smells. so. fking. good. i wish i was diagnosed as a toddler so i never remembered eating gluten.

just had to vent.

[knitty kitty]

Welcome to the forum, @wellthatsfun!

Count your blessings that you were diagnosed so young.  Your boyfriend sounds like a keeper! 

Some of us old farts went undiagnosed for a long time and we're a bit more life worn, but there's a wealth of wisdom here.  

Do know that many people go through a period of grief after diagnosis that's normal.  Look into the five stages of grief.  You'll adjust, but for now, venting is understandable.   

Sending {{{hugs}}}

[Scott Adams]

I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way—your emotions are completely valid. A celiac diagnosis, especially at your age, is a huge adjustment, and it’s okay to grieve the foods and conveniences you’ve lost. Even with a supportive partner (which is wonderful!), the mental toll is real. Many of us have been there, staring longingly at ‘forbidden’ foods while feeling isolated or frustrated. It does get easier with time, though. The initial shock fades, gluten-free substitutes become more familiar, and you’ll find new favorites. But please be gentle with yourself now. If the sadness feels overwhelming, talking to a therapist or joining a celiac support group (online or in-person) might help. You’re not alone in this—we’ve all had those ‘why me?’ moments. Sending hugs (and solidarity) your way.

[cristiana]

We've definitely all had such thoughts.  But as Scott says, it does get easier with time.  I'm not sure where you are posting from but in England where I live, over the last ten years or so most things I missed at first now have gluten free substitutes.   I still miss Twix bars, and chocolate Penguins (a type of biscuit) but I'm hoping sooner or later someone will create a decent substitute for them!

One thing that I remember my husband said to me when I was feeling down one day  was: "Why don't you try to think of all the things you can still eat, rather than the things you can't?"  The list is long, and it did help - sort of!  

[wellthatsfun]

thank you all for the kind words and support. it truly means a lot. i know i will adapt, it really just is a grieving process right now though. looking forward to feeling healthier!

[wellthatsfun]

On 6/17/2025 at 7:04 AM, cristiana said:

We've definitely all had such thoughts.  But as Scott says, it does get easier with time.  I'm not sure where you are posting from but in England where I live, over the last ten years or so most things I missed at first now have gluten free substitutes.   I still miss Twix bars, and chocolate Penguins (a type of biscuit) but I'm hoping sooner or later someone will create a decent substitute for them!

One thing that I remember my husband said to me when I was feeling down one day  was: "Why don't you try to think of all the things you can still eat, rather than the things you can't?"  The list is long, and it did help - sort of!  

i am australian. we do have plenty of substitutes, but most are very expensive compared to the originals. i believe i'll just stick to home cooked meals and not have many treats at all. it's sad but it's just so much easier. also, ive heard far too many horror stories of people ordering gluten free food from restaurants and cafés, explicitly telling servers and kitchen staff that cross contamination is a strict no go, and they still get very sick. until i find a reasonably priced fully gluten free kitchen somewhere, i am not eating out for my safety and sanity.