Doctors said woman’s symptoms were stress before ‘traumatic’ diagnosis

Emma McKay, a 26-year-old woman from Scotland, received a ‘traumatic’ diagnosis after years of suffering from unexplained symptoms. Emma was diagnosed with coeliac disease at the age of 16, during her fifth year of secondary school. Despite numerous visits to the doctor, she was initially told that her symptoms were due to stress from school and exams. However, Emma’s health continued to decline, with rapid weight loss and frequent fainting spells.

Eventually, after her mother accompanied her to a doctor’s appointment, blood tests confirmed coeliac antibodies, and an endoscopy revealed the absence of villi in her intestines, leading to the coeliac disease diagnosis. This drastic change in her health at such a crucial time in her life was challenging for Emma. Having to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet turned her world upside down, especially as she watched others enjoy ‘normal’ foods that she could no longer eat.

Transitioning to university posed further challenges for Emma, as she had to navigate cross-contamination issues in shared living spaces. After struggling initially, she began strictly following her gluten-free diet and eventually decided to document her journey by starting a food blog in 2017. The blog, named The Student Coeliac, quickly gained a following of 5,000 readers, providing a platform for Emma to share her experiences and connect with others facing similar struggles.

Her blog’s success led to an internship at a gluten-free bakery in Edinburgh, where she discovered her passion for marketing and connecting with the gluten-free community. In 2024, Emma joined the bakery as an Assistant Brand Manager, driving conversations about gluten-free living and developing products that cater to the community’s needs. She takes pride in contributing to the gluten-free community by creating delicious and varied gluten-free options, ensuring that living with coeliac disease is not a burden.

Emma’s journey highlights the importance of raising awareness about coeliac disease and providing support for individuals living with dietary restrictions. Through her blog and professional role, Emma continues to advocate for the gluten-free community, making a positive impact and fostering a sense of belonging among those facing similar challenges.