Coeliac Disease

By 5 children diabetes, coeliacs and… from 5 children Type 1 Diabetes… Published at January 27 Views 27

I don't want to be different from my friends.

Coeliac Disease has got to be one of the most harsh diets for a child.

Often, when you have Type 1 Diabetes in the family. Coeliac Disease is over looked. By that I mean the effect on the girls emotions. Like Type 1 Diabetes, Coeliac Disease is an Autoimmune Disease and is a mystery to the average person.

Whilst Claudia (goody 2 shoes) has taken it in her stride. Isabella has found living with coeliac disease very challenging.She never wants to tell anyone or talk about it. Yes she is a teenager,oh the joys.

Whilst Claudia's coeliac screen is clear. Isabella's came back in the twenties ! Her bloods have thrown up other issues and these are currently being investigated.

I find myself wondering what went wrong, what did I do wrong? At this point I am not really sure.

What I am sure of is Isabella can't continue down the road of having a "gluten party" when we are not around. Now Bella is at High School and more independent it's difficult to track what she has eaten.

I have always been open & honest with all the girls and in return they are fairly honest when questioned in true "parent style". So I had another chat with Isabella. I asked her if she understood what would happen if she ate gluten:

Malnutrition

Loss of calcium and bone density

Lactose intolerance

Cancer

Neurological complications

Poor Growth (in children)
(just a few of the delights it's associated with)

She answered yes mum, but the food is awful and I don't want to be different from my friends. At this point I had to stop myself from crying. I so understand how she feels. It is vital for children to "fit in & feel normal". On the other hand as a parent who loves her children dearly. I know that if the diet is not kept to the possible long term associated conditions are heartbreaking.

On Saturday we are both meeting a psychologist. She has come highly recommended. She works with teenagers. I am hoping that she will be able to support Isabella. I am also prepared to hear Isabella be honest and perhaps learn and accept that in Isabella's case I got it all wrong.

If anyone has any ideas or thoughts on how to get through to my lovely teenager. Please do post.