My coeliac story

Simeon

Celiac disease is a challenge - accepting it will bring you relief

"My name is Simeon, I am 12 years old. When I was almost two, acute hives, joint pain, and my refusal to stand on my feet led to hospitalization. That’s how celiac disease first revealed itself. Joint pain accompanied me for 10 years of my life. Hospital stays, tests, analyses, and doctor consultations couldn’t explain where the sharp joint pain came from. It would strike suddenly, throw everything off track, and leave me unable to move.

In February 2024, during another pain episode, elevated ALT and AST levels were detected, which provided a clue toward the correct diagnosis. Antibodies to tissue transglutaminase and a biopsy with gastroscopy finally confirmed it.

After 15 months on a gluten-free diet, not only have my test results improved, but the sharp joint pain has become a thing of the past (now, even traces of gluten only cause mild joint discomfort). Headaches no longer bother me, I have more energy, and my memory has improved. During this time on the diet, I’ve found my favorite gluten-free sweets and a favorite sausage that I know for sure contains no gluten.

I love being active and traveling. In the summer, I climbed Hoverla. It would be wonderful if gluten-free products could be bought at an ordinary store in Ukraine. That would allow me to be even more mobile, independent, and travel more."

Story is written by Simeon's guardian

Note: We do not publish photographs of minors out of respect for their privacy. For this reason, we use illustrations instead.