Nephew

Hi there I've not been here for a while. But today I remembered the group after being told my nephew has been told he has coeliac. He's 23 and healthy but this has come as a shock. Like most lads he loves his burgers and with the lads at the takeaway often. Loves his chapatti - another thing he'll have to give up. He'll need to learn quite alot and is obviously hoping il be able to give him advice. I'd love to help. I'm just wondering how to start off with telling him it's going to be ok if he follows the diet. And what simple positive advice to give

[honjen43]

He may have to give beer a miss too! Life will never,be the same - but it stabilises!

Am not celiac myself, but have watched my grandson's life change after being sick and diagnosed with celiac disease at age of 11.

That was 9 years ago now. He still has burgers but he knows which brand to buy. He doesn't drink beer, but can drink spirit mixes and wine. He reads every carton, package he buys to see the contents and check there is no gluten.

Tell your nephew he HAS to make a lifestyle change! It cannot be halfpie! Steak and chips can still be on his menu, but he will need to ensure they have not been coated in wheat flour to stop them sticking, and they must not be cooked in oil that has been used to cook wheat based fried food.

First year or so is difficult as you learn. His tummy will complain if he gets something wrong and ingests gluten. He is likely to have pain, wind and maybe diahorrea.

In the last 9 years I have seen so much more food available and knowledge has also improved, so it is much easier to find food that is prepared glutenfree.

PM me if you have more questions. Am happy to help if you can.

Hugs

Jen

[liver-bird]

Hi there - yes it is a big learning curve knowing what you can and can't eat/drink. Joining Coeliac.org.uk is important as they provide lots of information and support for a few pounds. I have just received an updated book listing all the supermarkets and branded food that is gluten free. You can also get some free packs of gf food. Good luck ☺☺

[Cooper27]

I think coeliac UK membership is a good place to start. They have an app he can use, and he'll find it a lot easier with the help.

Coeliac UK meetings would be a good place to get some tips.

Also letting him know places he can eat - he can get a gluten free burger in Frankie and Benny's and handmade burger company. He can also eat in Nandos.

[Marija04]

Hi, i am a coeliac for around 15 years and I have to say these days it is not to bad to be a coeliac as there are so many replacements for what he eat previously with a gluten but he will need to make some effort. Like there are gluten free bread or buns for burgers, he also need to watch out meet that he buys especialy susages as some of them contein gluten as well. What ever he buys he need to read ingridants. dont trust most of pubs as from my experiance usualy they dont no what is coliec an which food contain gluten. Toby Carvery are fine and Witerspoon.There are under section Free from in Tesco he is able to by for example gluten free bear if he wants to drink a bear. Bear like Stella cost £4 for 4 botles. All these things are going to be a bit more expensive as gluten free food is always has been. It is also very importan to give him support in that. Just let him know he is not alone there are so many players diagnised with coeliac. I found out for myself I am allergic to even gluten free oats. So let him know to be careful with those as well. Best whishes...MJ

[honjen43 in reply to Marija04]

Oats also contain a gluten-like substance, very similar to the wheat gluten. So if you are particularly sensitive you may well not be able to eat "glutenfree oats". Think all that has been done is to ensure any wheat gluten has been excluded. Doubt if you can lose the oat gluten.

Of my 2 grandchildren, 1 can eat one specific brand of 'glutenfree oats', the other cannot tolerate oats at all.

If you are game, you could try s different brand to see if they are any better! But then you might prefer not to bother!

Regards

Jen