The Importance of Family

Family is important no matter what is going on in your life.  But when you have a chronic illness, you really depend on your family being there for you, understanding what is going on or, at least trying to.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the support of their family after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  I think a big part of the reason for this is that Celiac Disease is a very misunderstood disease.  There is nothing that modern medicine can do to treat Celiac Disease and there is no cure.  With the only treatment option being to live a completely gluten free existence, many people can't wrap their minds around the realities of it. 

I've heard people say that they think it is a made up disease or a fad because they've read about famous celebrities who went "gluten free" to lose weight.  Because not much is commonly known about this disease, it is easy for people to dismiss it.  They don't understand that the reality is that it is a disease that can wreak havoc with a person's health in many areas and can lead to other illnesses that can cause death.  In my case and others who also have the extreme symptom of anaphylaxis (an allergic-type reaction where the person's face swells up and their airway is cut off because of swelling in the throat) that can kill swiftly.

I feel blessed to have a very supportive and understanding family.  Even those who don't understand the complexities of my disease have shown me love and compassion and so much support.  I don't take that for granted at all.

For the families of someone living with Celiac Disease, ask questions.  Don't just assume that what your relative is living with is minor or made up or not important.  Celiac Disease has changed everything about their life!  Not only have they had to completely change how they relate to food and what they eat, but they've had to give up or become extremely limited at being able to participate in even the simplest social events, such as dining out with friends, attending a wedding reception, birthday parties, work functions, etc.  Having Celiac Disease can be very isolating.  People often assume that you can "just take the bun off" the burger or that "a little bit won't hurt you".  But that isn't the case.  A little bit - as small as a single crumb can do a lot of damage to someone with Celiac Disease.  It isn't just a bad stomach ache or flatulence or having diarrhea, there is so much more to it.  And whether you understand or not, know that the person you care about is going through something very serious and they need your unwavering support and unconditional love and acceptance.

If you are living with Celiac, remember that your relatives and friends are not necessarily facing the same health issues that you are.  They can only understand based on their own life experiences.  Gently educate them when they will let you.  Be patient with them not understanding.  Remember that after your own diagnosis, you didn't learn everything over night.  Neither will they.

**As for the Holiday Giveaway that I first posted about two weeks ago - sadly, there were no entries received, so there is no winner this time.  My next giveaway will be after the first of the New Year.**