Stubborn Father Of Celiac Daughter

[DianaH]

I was diagnosed in June with Celiac at age 44 after many years of fatigue (low iron, most recently, low ferritin) and brain fog. My only brother (age 41), only son (age 7), and mother have tested negative for celiac. My dad refused to be tested because he "feels just fine, thank you." All of his life, he has had increased mucus production in his throat after he eats wheat bread, and this causes him to have to clear his throat a lot. I always remembered hearing it during our church service. He thinks that he must needs to avoid bread - that other forms of wheat don't bother him!!! His favorite candy is Twizzlers. This week I read the label and learned that the second ingredient is wheat. My mom told me that last night at dinner, he ate a burger with out the bun (he had never done that before), but then came home and ate some Twizzlers. My dad is a PhD Biochemist, but he refuses to think that he could have Celiac and refuses to get tested. He is 72, and he is a very stubborn man. Has anyone else heard of throat clearing after ingesting wheat as a symptom of Celiac? I can't seem to find that in a Celiac symptom list. I've tried to convince my two nieces to get tested too. Thanks for listening.

[Spirit of the Home]

Has anyone else heard of throat clearing after ingesting wheat as a symptom of Celiac? I can't seem to find that in a Celiac symptom list. I've tried to convince my two nieces to get tested too. Thanks for listening.

Hi DianaH

I am new to the Celiac message board but I am gluten free for about 5 years. for over 50 years I was congested and would check for kleenex first thing on entering a room. I found after the first year of gluten free I was experiencing a lot of relief but untill I also gave up corn, dairy, and chocolate I was not totally congestion free. But I am breathing easy for the first time in my life and loving the freedom. i sleep a lot better also.

Spirit of the Home

[DianaH]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me. If only I could convince my dad to try going wheat free. I'm so glad that you have been experiencing better health, but I'm sorry to hear that you had to give up so many types of food.

[Josina]

I was diagnosed this year as well and my entire family will not go and be tested. Both my parents show signs and my brother is with no doubt Celiac. From my experience, you cannot help someone who is not willing to be helped. It drives me completely crazy that they will not go for a simple blood test. You can suggest, but if they do not wish to go, there is nothing you can do!

I am finding alot of people out there who do not even believe that Celiac disease is real. I have been told that I can outgrow it by ingesting more of the foods "that don't agree with me"

I think some parents do not wish to be tested because deep inside, they are afraid that they made their child sick. You and I both know that is not the case. Give him time.

[maryjk]

I hate to be the wet blanket here, but have you thought about maybe he doesn't want to be tested because he wouldn't change his diet anyway?

Think about how much trouble we all went through the first month or two. I completely cleaned my kitchen. Scrubbed everything down, sectioned off gluten and gluten free, and gave away loads of food. At 72, would he go through that. What about your Mom, she would have to change the way she has cooked for over 44 years.

He is 72. Think of his quality of life.

And no I am not getting this on my own. Dr. Alessio Fasano, the Medical Director of the U of Md Celiac Research center says the same thing. He would seriously question a 72 year old that wanted to be tested. Having him tested would only tell you where it came from.