Today I am talking about something a bit different than I normally would. Today I'm talking about how my Coeliac disease effects me emotionally.
It can be hard being a Coeliac and being so young. Many people think I'm rather ungrateful that even though I have a disease it is not something that could kill me like cancer. Obviously I'm very grateful that I'm healthy and am able to live my life without worrying about my disease however people do forget that what I have to go through/what I've been through is still hard. For instance someone could say that they don't like some gluten free food (which is fine) and then say something like "I suppose it is nice for you because you haven't had the actual thing". This is not something to say to a Coeliac. I have always felt a bit left out of everything. I felt as if I was missing out on a whole other world that I would never be able to explore. When this feeling comes I often go a bit quiet and try to calm down. I have to tell myself that it is not their fault as they are just trying to be nice however I still can't help thinking sad thoughts that they will never understand what it is like and how it effects me. My disease does not just effect me through what foods I eat but things I can do! It throws cookery clubs, so many meals out with friends and even joining the army out the window! It is unfair. So many upset feelings in my stomach when people in my class would bring cakes into school on their birthdays. Even though it is a little thing, all of the little things start to add up after 7 years. Even worse was the line that was used everytime I had to refuse a cupcake: "I feel sorry for you". If this isn't supposed to make me feel like I'm missing out then nothing is! Again, I know it is not the person's fault and I have never told them not to say that. Some other things that have been said to me are things like "If I where you I'd eat it anyway" and worst of all "are you scared to have kids because you could pass it on?"
If I have kids, they will have a 50% chance of getting Coeliac disease. This should not stop me from having kids. Even if they were Coeliacs, I would be able to give them advice as I was like it at their age.
In conclusion, be careful what you say but treat Coeliacs as normal people because they are, spread awareness so there can be less 'what is wrong with you' conversations and be grateful that you can explore the world that I will never be able to.
Sorry this post was a lot more depressing than normal but it is another factor of the life of a Coeliac.
Best wishes
Beth x
