What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a lifelong Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune disorder of the small intestine. It is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a prolamin (gluten protein) found in wheat, and similar proteins found in the crops of the tribe Triticeae which are grains such as barley and rye). See my page C is for Coeliac for more info.
When were you diagnosed with coeliac disease?
What were your symptoms?
Weight loss, blood in stalls, diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, tiredness, anaemia.
What is a gluten-free diet?
A gluten free diet means avoiding eating gluten and sticking to a gluten free diet for the rest of your life.
What happens if I’m a diagnosed coeliac and I accidentally eat something with gluten in it?
It can vary, as some people are worse off than others if they do happen to eat gluten. With me, I get diarrhoea and I can become extremely tired. I also get quite bad throat ulcers.
How long did it take you to feel well again after you were diagnosed?
Quite a few years, but everyone is different!
What is an endoscopy?
If you have a positive blood test for coeliac disease, your GP will refer you to a gut specialist or gastroenterologist (comes from the Greek) for a biopsy of the gut. This will confirm whether or not you have coeliac disease. A biopsy involves a small camera called an endoscope being passed through your mouth and stomach into the gut. It is done using an anaesthetic spray to numb your throat, or with a sedative given by injection. Biopsies are collected and examined under a microscope to check for damage to the gut lining, which is typical of coeliac disease.
These tests for coeliac disease can be done on both adults and children. For youngsters, the endoscopy is performed under a general anaesthetic. In some cases though, an endoscopy might not be carried out on children.
Is the endoscopy painful?
It is not painful, just a little uncomfortable with the tube. I decided to stay awake for my procedure and it was over within 5 minutes. I had an anaesthetic spray to numb my throat and then I was soon up and literally pushed out of the door by the gastroenterologist! Some people choose to be sedated, but this of course will make your stay in the hospital much longer.
I think my child has coeliac disease what do I do?
Go to your GP. Do not remove gluten from your child’s diet until they are diagnosed by a healthcare professional. If you can, keep a food diary of what your child is eating and the symptoms they are having, as this could make it easier to diagnose the problem. If you are in the UK, check the Coeliac UK website for lots of information.
Where do I get a prescription for my gluten free diet?
Before getting your prescription, I would advise you to try different products first. If you sign up to certain companies, you can get free samples so it’s worth it! Once you have chosen what you like, your GP will be able to write a prescription for you.
Are prescriptions free?
Not usually, but depending on your circumstances you may be eligible so check the Coeliac UK website for more details.
Will I need to have an endoscopy to be diagnosed?
No, but if you want to be sure that Coeliac is the culprit, then I advise that you do.
What happens if I go to a restaurant that doesn’t have a gluten free menu?
Don’t panic. Simply tell the waiter/waitress that you are gluten intolerant and ask what is on the menu that will not have gluten containing ingredients. If the staff look confused, ALWAYS check the foods that do not have sauces or dressings as they most likely will contain gluten. A simple jacket potato with cheese and beans is something I opt for if out and about in a pub that doesn’t serve gluten free grub!
Why did you start your blog?
I wanted a chance to share my experiences of being on a gluten free diet and make it fun with reviews and quick and easy recipes that everyone can enjoy!
Can I advertise on your blog?
My blog can accommodate banners and featured images to help you advertise your company and product. Please bear in mind that I only like to feature initiatives that are related to the general themes within my blog.
Would you write up a post reviewing my product?
I am happy to review products that have anything to do with the gluten-free industry but please be aware that I will only ever post completely honest reviews to my readers.
How can I contact you?
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