My coeliac story

When you can't be like everyone else, you learn to be yourself

"Since early childhood, my life has been closely connected with illnesses. I suffered from asthma, anemia, atopic dermatitis, and many related issues, and I was often treated in allergology sanatoriums and pulmonology departments. These were familiar places to me — with hospital walls, special routines, and constant restrictions.

At the age of 10, after another medical examination, I was told to follow a gluten-free diet. It sounded strange, unusual, and, to be honest, frightening. And just two years later, I heard a word that changed my life forever — “celiac disease.”

My teenage years became a real test. While others carefreely enjoyed sweets, pizza, and baked goods, I constantly faced a choice: my health or forbidden pleasure. And while it may seem like a small thing — in reality, it's a daily struggle.

But the most important thing that helped me get through it all was support. It pulled me out of moments when it felt like life with such restrictions had no meaning. The support of loved ones helped me cope with anxiety, with the fear that “things will never be the same again.” And it's true — they won’t be.

But that doesn’t mean it will be worse. Now I’m 20. Yes, the “gluten-free” label will accompany me for the rest of my life. But I’m not upset. Although it’s still hard sometimes — especially mentally. Sometimes you walk past a bakery and smell the fresh pastry — and something tightens inside. But then I remember how hard it used to be, when my body was crying out for help every day. And that memory — that’s my strength. As strange as it may sound, the pain I experienced because of gluten helps me stay away from it today.

It’s very important that people who don’t have this diagnosis don’t diminish it. You often hear: “There are worse problems in the world.” Maybe. But words like that hurt. They erase the daily efforts, fears, and inner battles that someone with celiac disease goes through.

From the outside, it seems simple — just eat foods labeled “gluten-free.” But no one sees what’s behind that: the constant anxiety about accidentally eating the wrong thing, or the desire to break the rules just once and be “like everyone else.”

And this battle — it never stops. It goes on 24/7. Celiac disease is not just about diet. It’s about discipline, endurance, inner strength. And about love. Because without love and support — it would be impossible."

Svitlana