You need the support and expertise of a gastroenterologist and nutritionist who know about the disease. Meeting other celiac patients through an organization such as the UVa Celiac Support Group can make the diagnosis easier to swallow. And she didn't stop there. Whole Foods supermarket also provides a gluten-free list available upon request at the store. But it is hard.
Most people are angry and upset at first.
Some are in denial. They're not always compliant. But when they come to the support group and see other people managing to deal with it very well, they more readily adapt. The meetings are free and open to the public. Future speakers include the author of a gluten-free cookbook and an official of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who will discuss food labeling.