It can be a long and challenging road for people who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease. From the first time you experience symptoms and worry about what they are, through the diagnostic journey with medical professionals, and into a change in lifestyle and diet to help ease those symptoms, you experience a lot and have different emotions along the way. What helps is to understand that there is support at every stage of your coeliac journey. It’s not a case of you just being diagnosed with coeliac disease and being left alone, post-diagnosis support and the option of gluten free products on prescription are there to support coeliacs for the future.
What is the diagnosis process for coeliac disease?
There are a few simple steps that lead to a diagnosis of coeliac disease:
Step 1: Symptoms
The diagnosis for coeliac disease begins with the symptoms that you are experiencing. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms when you ingest gluten, you should speak to your GP:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Mouth ulcers
- IBS
- Anaemia
Step 2: Testing
The next step is to go through some testing. This can be achieved with a simple blood test for coeliac disease, although in some cases, you may also be required to undergo a biopsy of the small intestine (this is used to confirm the diagnosis after blood test results).
Step 3: Carry on your routine
Throughout the testing period, it is important that you continue your existing diet. This includes eating any food that contains gluten. This is required, as it ensures the integrity and accuracy of any tests.
Step 4: Diagnosis and post-care
Once you have been diagnosed, the next step is to take care of yourself. We’ve gone into some of your options below, changing your diet and lifestyle to become gluten-free, and taking advantage of support along the way.
How does a gluten free prescription help after being diagnosed with coeliac disease?
Once you have been through the diagnosis process and have received confirmation that you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, one of the things that will help you the most is support with acquiring gluten free food. Gluten free products on prescription are available to some people who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, depending on the area of the country in which you live. The management of gluten free products on prescription is undertaken by your GP, apart from in Scotland, where it is managed by your pharmacy. Depending on your location, there are different types of gluten free products in prescription, including gluten free flour mixes, gluten free bread, gluten free crackers and pizza bases. Always check the availability dependent on your eligibility and location.
What’s next once you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease?
Once you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, the next thing that you should do is to look into the gluten free products on prescription, as mentioned above. One aspect to look out for is the availability of taster boxes from some companies. This is where you can sample gluten free products to see what is available to you and how easy it is to gain access to everyday gluten free staples. Head out to your local supermarket and browse the ‘free from’ or gluten free sections, to see how wide and varied the gluten free options are these days. You should also browse the internet, finding a wealth of amazing and tasty gluten free recipes that give you a foundation of basic meals that you can learn how to cook at home.
