A mother’s discovery of Coeliac Disease

A pale, unhappy child. Tummy aches, grey complexion, dark circles under his eyes and skin rashes.

Lethargic, not concentrating at school, unable to cope with any challenges whether physical, mental or emotional.

Stunted growth, bloated stomach, daily emotional melt downs…

A little boy who had been obsessed with football… no longer enthusiastic and only running around at the back of the pack, unable to keep up.

That was my son, Fraser, before his diagnosis of Coeliac Disease. Maybe it is your child, too. Maybe it is you?

We talked about the fact he was not growing, we worried that he was not happy – we thought maybe we just didn’t manage him well as parents? What was wrong? Then his Grandfather was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease aged 70, and we were advised to test the children. 

Melissa Weller says since being diagnosed with Coeliac Disease three years ago, her son Fraser has a renewed sense of enthusiasm and vigour.

Fraser’s diagnosis was the best thing that has happened to us.

First a simple blood test, then into day surgery for a small bowel biopsy.

Diagnosis was clear, Fraser was a coeliac.

Changing to a strictly gluten-free diet was a huge challenge at first and tough on a little boy of nine years old (he is now 12). But we cannot believe the difference in him. This once demanding kid… is now a delight; bright, happy, energetic, fun sense of humour – a great little halfback and now growing (he grew 13 cm in the first 18 months he was on the new diet).

So what is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac Disease is an auto immune disease, when a coeliac eats gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley, oats) an auto immune response is triggered and the lining of the small bowel is damaged.

Basically due to the damage you don’t absorb nutrients from the food you eat.

Long term, this can lead to severe health issues such as osteoporosis, thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis, anaemia, gastrointestinal cancers and can affect the liver, nervous system and lead to infertility.

Check out this website AND please if you think you have any of these symptoms ask your GP to test you for Coeliac Disease.

Unfortunately, Fraser lost his ‘coeliac buddy’ – his grandfather – just this Christmas to gastrointestinal cancer.

Thus I am passionate about helping the Coeliac Society to spread the word.

Many coeliacs go undiagnosed – symptoms are not always obvious. A major dietary change, especially for a child, is a daunting thing at first, but you do get used to it. If in doubt ask your GP for a test!

 – By Melissa Weller