18th month old diagnosed as coeliac - any advice?

[mossycat]

My 18th month old has just been diagnised as coeliac. wondered if anyone else has a similar experience? We've just had the results over the phone and seeing the consultant next week. we're pretty shell-shocked and it's taking a while to sink in as it's not something that runs in the family.

Would really appreciate any advice and tips for what to discuss with doctor.

Hi mossycat.

Can I suggest you repost this on the Allergies board (look under Health) here on Mumsnet. I know coeliac disease isn't strictly an allergy but this is where it tends to get discussed.

Don't worry - you are not alone and there's lots of good advice and support to be had.

sorry i have coeliac so wanted to respond to this. it is an allergy to gluten found in wheat, rye, barley and (some debate) oats. the good news is you have found it early and your child will start to get the correct nutrition. secondly there are lots of gluten free foods out there. also lots of home cooking for the whole family can be gluten free. apart from bread, pasta and pizza i eat he same as my husband and children. good luck!

I hope this thread comes across as supportive as that is my intent. I'm intolerant of something which we thought was gluten but it turns out to be a bit more complicated than that and its looking like I have to cut out all flour (ie I can't tolerate the gluten free alternatives, which is I think quite unusual).

However, I did spend a while on a gluten free diet. Once I got over it it was actually quite straightforward. Yes its a faff, but nowadays in the UK there are gluten free alternatives very readily available. Sainsburys stock the best range in my limited experience and a lot of it is very yummy.

My (not expert by a long way) understanding is that as long as coeliacs avoid gluten they shouldn't have any more risk of problems than anyone else.

Whilst I realise this has come as a massive shock, the reality could easily be a single dietary tweak and your dc will live a completly normal life and be healthy.

all the best

Katy