Coeliac disease: ‘For me, one crumb of gluten means debilitating stomach pain, brain fog and fatigue that can last up to a week’

Often mistaken for an allergy, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that means a person who has it will suffer severely if they eat even a crumb of gluten. It is vital to avoid cross-contamination

Coeliac Amy Mulvaney: ‘When people ask me what foods I can’t eat, I say: ‘If it’s delicious, I probably can’t have it’.’ Photo: Steve Humphreys

Amy Mulvaney

When I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2017, I was in my early 20s and one of the first questions I had was whether I would still be able to have my favourite drink on a night out (vodka and soda — I could).

Seven years later, being able to enjoy my favourite drink on the odd night out with friends is the least of my challenges as someone with coeliac disease. Instead, my worries include what food I can eat (if any) when I’m out and about, if the risk of cross contamination is worth it, and whether I can trust a food establishment to take my dietary need for gluten free food seriously.