The great McDonald’s French fry debate has caused me to really clarify why I post.

I am posting for the newly diagnosed celiac patient feeling overwhelmed by this diagnosis. I remember crying in grocery stores, declining invitations, and really isolating myself trying to find a way to heal. Celiac patients can live a full life. They can travel and enjoy food. They can do everything everyone else does, just with a few modifications.

I am posting to make sure people know the right way to get a proper diagnosis. This includes blood tests, endoscopy, or a triple positive diagnosis. Nothing less than a complete diagnostic work up should be accepted by anyone. If you have questions, your doctor should answer your questions and if they don’t or can’t, find a new doctor.

I am posting to help people understand the different types of celiac disease. These include latent, typical, atypical, and in remission. Each means something different and each needs different follow up.

I am posting for the celiac parents. Scared for their child and not always knowing how to help. But desperately trying to do what is right for their child.

I am posting to combat the fear mongering. Some claim the smallest amount of gluten will kill you instantly, cause cancer, or undo all of the healing. It won’t.

I am posting to guarantee correct information gets into the celiac community. I supply documentation to confirm my information is proven. It is not conjecture.

I am posting to remind you that nobody is 100% gluten free. We do our best, don’t intentionally consume gluten, and endure the pain when gluten inevitably gets us.

I am posting to allow people to give themselves some grace in this gluten free journey. It can sometimes be long and lonely, but you are not alone. There is a whole group of people here that understand and are living it too.