Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Maggie

Maggie is 3 years old and was diagnosed this past year. 

What symptoms was your child having before being diagnosed?

Maggie was alway small but over the last year she fell off the growth chart. Her belly was badly distended and she was severely constipated. Nothing helped.

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

After Maggie was diagnosed, something clicked with me about symptoms I (her mother) have been struggling with for years. I was diagnosed with celiac disease 3 weeks after Maggie. Her brother and sister are going to be tested within the next few months.

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

Maggie is significantly happier and healthier. Her distention has disappeared and her constipation has improved greatly. We are still very new and are learning more each day about CD. Certain things are a struggle since she is so young it is difficult for her to understand why she can't eat the foods she used to enjoy. As she gets older and can self advocate, I'm sure things will get easier.

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

It's ok to grieve. It's overwhelming to think that this is going to be a lifelong thing. But the fact that avoiding gluten can make such a significant change for the better in my child is worth the struggle at the beginning of the transition!

WOW, look at you Maggie! You're getting so BIG! I bet you're a big help to your mom and maybe you love to help bake gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?? Those are Jack's favorite! xoxo

Mom, what a blessing in disguise for YOU! Your sweet daughter led you to your celiac diagnosis. It's so crazy, isn't it?

And yes, it's TOTALLY okay to grieve! I remember after 2 weeks of googling and searching for info. - which 8 years ago, (there wasn't that much on children) - I cried! I just needed to get it out. But, Jack never saw me and I never asked, "Why?".

I hope you feel much better too! Having each other on this journey is such blessing. Jack's Dad was diagnosed after Jack's diagnosis as well. Here's my husband's story, if you would like to read it.