Concerned About Uncle

[nikky]

My Uncle as been quite ill for a long time now, he's even ended up collapsing and being hospitalised before now. A few weeks ago his doctor suggested that he cut out wheat to see if it made him feel any better. Last night i went to my cousin's wedding reception, when the food was opened he went to get some and came back with a plate full of wheat containing foods. He addmitted that he had felt better when he reduced his wheat intake (he apparantly never cut it out completly, he was still having normal bread at lunch time ) but that he wasnt going to stay on the diet because his illness "wasnt that servere".

He wasnt tested for coeliac, but his improvement suggests that he at least has a problem with wheat which he even acknowledged -"clearly it was doing something because i felt better off it". I dont think he really understands how ill he could potentially get, wetaher he has coeliac or an intollerance to wheat (personally i think it would be coeliac), i tried subtly hinting at some of the problems when i was talking to him last night but it just went over his head.

I know its probably not my place but i really think he should listen to his doctor for his own sake. Ive already told him and my auntie to come talk to me if they want a heads up on good brands and eating out.

Any suggestions? Or should i just keep out?

[ShayFL]

Unfortunately you cannot make someone get medical care. They have to want it for themselves. And if you interfere you may get alienated. Best to let him take care of his own health.

[ang1e0251]

We care but we are not the food police. Adults must make their own decisions just as you make your life choices. I think once you give the information & offered your support, then it's time to love your uncle. Stand by him and when he's ready or has a "light bulb" moment, he will come to you. You're a good person to look out for him with such concern.

[nikky]

thanks for your replies so far. By the way, im not trying to force my uncle to change, i just want him to hear his doctor out but i cant see him doing that at the moment