My coeliac story

A Feeling of Being Alone

“My name is William, but most people know me as Billy. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2012, after tests a few months earlier had revealed low vitamin levels. It all came as a big shock, but also as a relief, as I had endured many years of unexplained and deteriorating ill health with no clear cause.

Adapting to a gluten free life was very tough at first and it still throws up many challenges today. Diagnosed also in 2012 with Osteopenia of the lower spine and left hip. A condition caused by long term undiagnosed coeliac disease.

The impact of coeliac disease, both leading up to diagnosis, and then getting a diagnosis, had really impacted my life. Sharing my story has helped turn negativity into positivity."

Editor’s note:
Osteopenia is a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It is associated with an increased risk of fractures.