Sharing the joy of catering for a vegetarian coeliac teenager

This blog has had a few incarnations over the years, since 40 first hove onto the horizon and scared the bejesus out of me. I think I’ve found its real purpose at last, as I suddenly find myself concerned mum to a vegetarian coeliac teenager. I’ll call her Tamsin, but it’s not her real name. I have lots to say, more to ask, and I’ve always believed in sharing information for everyone’s benefit.

I worked out today that it took two months to the day from initial visit to the GP to confirmation of the diagnosis. As usual the NHS gives excellent clinical care but the admin leaves something to be desired. Clearly that two month wait was the easy bit; having seen the dietitian today I realise that all my food and cooking knowledge is only so much help (god only knows how people cope who have no knowledge of or interest in cooking, especially if they’re on a small budget) and that I’m going to have to be super vigilant all the time.

On this blog I’d like to share our experiences, starting from the first moment I realised we needed to see the doctor. A great deal has happened since then and I can see issues piling up for the future. Fortunately (so far) my daughter’s co-operation isn’t one of them, but her engagement with it is also pretty low. I’m going to write blog posts to cover each stage of the process to diagnosis, and everything we have to wrangle with afterwards. I’m no expert but I’m always happy to help where I can, so please feel free to leave comments. I’m on Twitter and Instagram as @mamafication, and if you’re a knitter find me at www.theordinaryknitter.net.