‘People think it’s psychosomatic’

Carol Fairhall, a 56 year old finance professional from Paisley, was diagnosed with coeliac disease four years ago.

She said: “I was living undiagnosed with coeliac disease for a long time, which means the condition was damaging my stomach and stopping me from absorbing important nutrients.

“This led to me becoming very unwell and malnourished.

“I was falling over and suffering from memory loss, as well as experiencing the common symptoms of the disease.”

Since being diagnosed, Ms Fairhall has found living with the condition very challenging.

She added: “I called up to make a booking at a restaurant once and the person over the telephone said, ‘We hate people like you, attention seeking drama queens’.

“People tend to think it’s a psychosomatic condition and not a real disease.”

Ms Fairhall stressed that cross-contamination is a big

0 Carol Fairhall found living with the condition ‘very challenging’

worry for her every day. She said: “Gluten free options are usually placed alongside non-gluten free food, where crumbs could easily contaminate my meal. I think the new Living Well Guide is really helpful, especially for people who are newly diagnosed.

“It’s difficult to find accurate

information about coeliac disease online.

“So, to have reliable and upto-date information on how to live a gluten free life, without feeling isolated and different, will be invaluable. I would recommend anyone living with the condition to have a look at the guide.”