I was recently honoured to appear as a guest on “A Gluten Free Podcast”, with Ben Hampton. We chatted about the fight for a proper diagnosis, the emotions that follow, and the toll that coeliac disease takes on the whole family…

It was a great chat, and I hope it brings all families new to coeliac disease, a little bit of comfort that they’re not going through it alone!

Some of the things we discussed were:

My daughter’s coeliac disease symptoms, and what led us to seek testing.
My own gluten free journey.
The incorrect and misleading advice I was given by a health professional, prior to her diagnosis.
Her experience with the gluten challenge.
The gastrocopy process and results.
How her diagnosis impacted the whole family.
Adjusting to gluten free life, and how we worked to keep her safe.
How the family, both immediate and extended, embraced the diagnosis.
Our support networks, and how grateful we are for them.
Navigating the emotional toll that the diagnosis took on her.
The importance of looking after ourselves, and loved ones when a diagnosis comes.
Strategies and tips for parents navigating blood tests.
Tips and strategies for getting through the gluten challenge.
Preventing cross contamination in the home, and how we set up a shared gluten / gluten free kitchen.
Gluten free pantry staples – which ones we share safely, and which ones we keep separate.
How to approach coeliac disease at school, birthday parties, playdates etc.
Communicating and advocating at events for your child.
Online resources that I’ve developed to help parents new to coeliac disease get through the first year.
Advice on dealing with a new diagnosis, and how to cope with all the changes that you’re facing.

Want to listen? Press play below!