Just Diagnosed

[Shelley327]

Hi, my name is Shelley and I'm 17. I was just diagnosed with Celiacs a few days ago and it's already been a challenge. I'm still getting used to knowing what foods I can and can't eat and having to read labels ALL the time. My school cafeteria is only providing me with nachos and salad as gluton free alternatives and none of my friends really understand the disease. They all think I'm being dramatic by following the gluten free diet so religiously. I don't think they really understand what I've been though. So i was browsing the web and happened to come across this website and thought it would be awsome to meet some other teens going through the same thing ..since i don't know anyone else who can really relate to my problems

[K-Dawg]

Ok - so I"m 34...not even close to being a teen! But I wanted to welcome you to this forum. I know you'll find good advice here as well as support.

Your good friends will support you.

KDawg

Hi, my name is Shelley and I'm 17. I was just diagnosed with Celiacs a few days ago and it's already been a challenge. I'm still getting used to knowing what foods I can and can't eat and having to read labels ALL the time. My school cafeteria is only providing me with nachos and salad as gluton free alternatives and none of my friends really understand the disease. They all think I'm being dramatic by following the gluten free diet so religiously. I don't think they really understand what I've been though. So i was browsing the web and happened to come across this website and thought it would be awsome to meet some other teens going through the same thing ..since i don't know anyone else who can really relate to my problems

[Tessa]

Hi, my name is Shelley and I'm 17. I was just diagnosed with Celiacs a few days ago and it's already been a challenge. I'm still getting used to knowing what foods I can and can't eat and having to read labels ALL the time. My school cafeteria is only providing me with nachos and salad as gluton free alternatives and none of my friends really understand the disease. They all think I'm being dramatic by following the gluten free diet so religiously. I don't think they really understand what I've been though. So i was browsing the web and happened to come across this website and thought it would be awsome to meet some other teens going through the same thing ..since i don't know anyone else who can really relate to my problems

Wow! Can totally relate to your problems. I'm 19 and almost every time I go out with a group of people, some of them bug me about not eating enough or not eating something. I explain my allergies and they don't seem to grasp it. They look at me like I am an alien or something. What I do is tell myself that yes I have celiac's disease, but pleasing my body is the only thing that matters right now. I will not let the teasing bother me.

Also, you can always come on the forum whenever you need too!

Good luck with everything and just remember that everyone has problems to deal with and you are not alone.

Tessa

[kareng]

Hi Shelley!

I have a 17 yr old son. He does not have celiac disease, I do. He has a friend that has it. Unfortunately, she lets others comments bother her and change her eating habits. This drives my son nuts! For example, for school dances the kids all go to dinner in groups. If she spoke up and said the best place for her is PF Changs, everyone would go there (they love PF Changs). But she doesn't & then sits and doesn't eat or eats and gets sick before the dance is over. She won't eat in the school cafe but won't bring her lunch. My son said that when he had the same lunch time as her, he would get her to get a yogurt and a piece of fruit. She is just my son's type but he says he can't date her. She isn't taking care of herself and that is not a mentally healthy person.

Your close friends will get used to it. Just like the kids get used to who is a vegetarian. You might explain that the gluten causes your intestines to destruct and eventually they will have holes in them and you might die. They may still tease you, but if not your food ...then it might be your hair.

Good luck. It takes a few months to get used to it and not have to think all the time about what to eat.

[Shelley327]

KDawg, tessa, and kareng, its really great to know I'm not alone!! Just in this past week or so I've seen so many changes in my health. My stomache pains have decreased significantly and I've started to gain some weight. My body is definatly loving this new diet! Oh, and not to mention, the gluten free pasta is exceltent!

And kareng, i think its great that your sons is encouraging his friend to be healthier. He obviously cares about her, and I hope everything turns out okay for her.