Ep 191 Different Generations Cope with Celiac Disease
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I speak with my daughter Deanna. She has been a guest on the podcast in the past, and I take this opportunity to ask her about some of her attitudes and coping skills dealing with celiac disease and how those compare to my approaches. I was a Mom of two beautiful girls when I was diagnosed, with Deanna’s diagnosis coming five months later, just in time for her fifth birthday. Having suffered from an unknown cause for some very diverse symptoms for many years, my diagnosis became one of questioning every food, not only for me, but for my daughter. In contrast, Deanna doesn’t remember her symptoms prior to diagnosis and has been raised to understand the diet completely and take it in stride. Hopefully, you will find some aspects of each of our perspectives in your approach to the diet and how it affects your life. I couldn’t resist the urge to include some of the bloopers from our conversation in a mix up at the end of the podcast. It was a joy to have such a heart-to-heart with my all-grown-up daughter.
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Celiac Kid Stuff – https://www.celiackidstuff.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
Something that became clear to me when I was talking with Deanna (and listening as I edited the audio) was that our attitudes towards the diet and celiac disease are formed by our initial experiences.
In my case, I suffered for years. Finding a diagnosis was a blessing, but I confess to feeling the anger of “why me?” and “why has the diagnosis taken so long?”. Like many adult celiacs, I lived through my childhood years, my school age years, my dating years, my early adulthood, my early married years, and motherhood before I found the key to health. The “key” unlocked the gluten free diet, but then I had to put in the work to not only understand the diet, but to master it.
In Deanna’s case, she was too young to really notice that her Mom was experiences any health issues. Once I received my diagnosis, there was a bit of a shake up in the family eating routine, but a young child rarely notices those differences. It was simple to explain to her that Mommy couldn’t have certain foods, and like most kids, it didn’t mean much to her. Once I received her diagnosis, so many puzzle pieces came together – multiple ear infections, what I thought were reactions to some medications, lots of tummy aches, low energy after eating – it was all making sense.
Deanna doesn’t remember a time in life before the gluten free diet. She was excited to try her first gluten free Oreo, never remembering she ate them until her 5th birthday. On the other hand, I remember everything: how I would meet friends at MMMuffins in the mall for tea and a treat; late night snacks at the only diner in town open after the clubs closed; attending gatherings and only remembering the people I socialized with; being able to just get in the car and go out for a day without a care as to what my next meal would be. My diagnosis solved the mystery, but added a new layer of complication to my life. In Deanna’s case, it was just a pivot – there was always a plan for her next meal, always gluten free foods on hand and I was there to ask the questions for both of us. Our conversation made this difference in our perspectives clear, but it took a bit of thought on my part to understand why. I think I’ve worked through that and am grateful for her unquestioning acceptance of the diet.