lizbeth

That's a tough one. If he doesn't seem interested in learning the things that will help him lead a more normal life, then I'm not sure what you can do. On the other hand, he is 21 when being "normal" is pretty important to people, so having something like celiac would be pretty tough.

If he's not in the dorms, could you get him a nice little grill or something? What man doesn't like to grill meat! Plus a grill is quick and easy. Or one of those little foreman grills? I used to use those for grilling chicken quite a lot.

Most of the guys that I knew at that age didn't really cook much. Mainly quick meals-either preprepared, pizza, or speghetti. Could you stock him up with gluten-free pasta?

You also might want to point out that girls love a guy that can cook!

Also, if all of his tests are coming back normal, is it possible that he's having problems with something else in his diet?

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, thanks for your reply. I have gotten him a George Foreman grill and he will use it some. I am trying to coach and teach him. I wish he would get interested in eating healthier. He doesn't care about fat grams or healthiness of what he eats. I have tried to find a cooking school for celiacs but have not been able to find one. Have pointed out the "girl" factor but to no avail yet. I guess alot of this is normal for a 21 year old.

He is definitely having problems that are undiagnosed. He is scheduled for a colonoscopy and endoscopy on Monday to see if that turns up anything. His gastro doctor is not a believer in food allergies, and while I respect him very much, we may have to go down that road with another doctor. It affects his life negatively as I know he worries about going out and having D when with girls and with other friends. He has alot going for him with looks and personality but I know this fear of having a problem really holds him back.

Lizbeth

I am the mother of a 21 year old young man who is a college student living away at school. He was diagnosed his senior year of h.s. with celiac. He is motivated to stay on the diet and blood tests/biopsy have come back with the information that he is adhering to the diet well. However, he continues to have digestive issues with frequent bowel movements, D and it affects his life as a young man who would like to lead a more normal life. He is not motivated to learn much more than he already knows about the disease, instead putting his hope in there being a pill developed which would enable him to eat gluten. He is not very interested in learning to cook altho he will cook some very basic things. If he does not have anything convenient around to eat such as a snickers bar or a ready made gluten-free meal such as mac and cheese, then he will just go hungry.

What is the best way to help him as a parent? I am trying to foster independence. I do cook for him a good bit when he is at home but am trying to help him take more initiative in this situation.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

The family is planning to be in Charleston, SC this weekend (Feb. 9) and we'd love to find a celiac friendly restaurant. Our kids are 6 (celiac disease) and 5 years old. We'll be in the Battery area.

Thanks for any info!!

Did you get any replies to your request? I would love to know as well! Thank you!