The Day And Life Of A Celiac

There was a teenager name Max, who was trying to adjust in his new school. Max and his family moved from Detroit to Birmingham Michigan early this summer.

However there is a bully by the name of Dillon that just won't stop harassing him, since the teacher briefly stated to the class that Max has food allergies, environmental Celiac Disease,

 so please be careful when having food around him. Dillon had a blank look on his face, it appears that he doesn't understand the meaning of food allergies or the severity!  

Once it's lunchtime Dillon looks for Max to welcome him with a grilled cheese sandwich, Max frantically backs away, then suddenly Dillon starts chasing Max around the lunchroom with a grilled cheese sandwich, and when he catches up to him, he hits Max right in the face with the grilled cheese sandwich. Dillon thought is was funny! How cruel!

The lunchroom got really quiet as they heard aloud thumb, everyone turned around and saw Max passed out on the lunchroom floor! The teachers ran over to assist Max, while calling 911. Max had to be rushed to the hospital.

The teacher contacted both parents, of course Max's parents rushed right to the hospital. Later that evening while Max's parents and the teachers that assisted him are at the hospital, Dillon and his parents walk in, Dillon jumped back when he saw Max's face because it was covered with rashes and big bumps, they were all over his body! Dillon shouted all over a grilled cheese sandwich? Max shouted back yes! Well duh! The teacher told you about my food allergies.

Dillon profusely started to apologize over and over again! And asked what can he do to make it better for him, so that this never happens again! Max said; I am allergic to wheat and gluten which was in your grilled cheese sandwich.

Footnote: There must be new rules and regulations to enforce how to handle others with severe food allergies.

*Although this is a fictional story, this does and can happen to anyone affected by Celiac Disease and not even realize that is the reason. (the author experienced a similar situation).

Author: Stephanie Lanier

Artist/Illustrator: Lashante Lanier

©2023

Delicate Touch Celiac Support: (3) Delicate Touch Celiac Support Group 

Living with Celiac

 Living with Celiac is not for the weak!

People don't understand how traumatizing, stressful, and hard it could be living with Celiac Disease especially when living with non-Celiac household members. Most times the immediate family is onboard with ensuring you stay healthy, but people that aren't in it with you in the beginning truly have no idea what it takes to be around you. So let's make it easier.

 

There is silent Celiac and Environmental Celiac, what is the difference, both are equally important however with silent Celiac it is not as invasive because you can still have gluten around them, eat whatever you want, touch, even kiss, and hug them and they won't experience any visible reactions whereas with environmental Celiac if they smell the gluten, yes smell it, it could cause an array of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, for some even breathing problems. Most everyone would prefer to have and be around the silent Celiac however remember over time if it could turn into a more serious condition, so it is best to still be careful. There is refractory Celiac disease as well, which will be discussed at a later time.

1. So making it easier for everyone involved: 
2. Have a designated area to store gluten food items, preferably away from the kitchen.
3. Have an area to eat the foods and without touching anything first, wash your hands and face. 
4. Keep your designated eating area cleaned at all times, crumbs for an environmental Celiac could be deadly.
5. Be mindful if it is an intimate relationship please brush your teeth, it's best to have a certain time to eat your foods, that is why there will be less chances of cross contamination.
6. Allow your loved one the opportunity to provide you with gluten free replacements that way everyone can enjoy each other and not feel left out.

--

Author: Stephanie Lanier

Bring Celiac Awareness