Monday, June 5, 2017

Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Nate

Nate is 10 years old and was diagnosed with celiac disease at 3.5 years old.

What symptoms was your child having before being diagnosed?

His Vitamin D level was zero when we had him tested. He had never had "normal" diapers but he was our first child so we didn't know what normal was.

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

Some members refuse to be tested but those who have been have tested negative. It's hard with the younger two because we do not keep gluten in the house so they don't have the regular consumption they would need for testing.

How has your child’s life changed since being diagnosed?

Because he was so young the change was "easy" for him. I gave myself a month to get all the gluten out of the house but it only too 2 weeks to find alternatives and get things to be 100% gluten free.

What advice would you offer a parent who’s child was just diagnosed with celiac disease?

There will be setbacks both physically and emotionally on the journey. Honesty about the disease and it's process are vital for these kids to understand why it's so important to stay on a 100% gluten free diet. Especially when they get to the "testing the limits" age.

Nate, you're a handsome young man, eating healthy I can see, so keep taking good care of yourself kiddo! And, honesty is key for sure! Our kiddos will have some challenges on this journey, but as long as we are there to support them along they way, they will get through any challenges that come their way.



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