I Have Celiac Disease I was finally diagnosed about a year and a half ago. So many years of...

Watergirl · 51-55, F

Thank you Jagged. So many years they said tummy ache and sent me home. I felt like I was maybe crazy. That is how they treated me.

Carissimi...I have gotten two of my friends to go to a meeting for the newly diagnosed. It has been a great support group. Both of those friends understand. They have become huge advocates for me now. I can't get my husband or kids to go though. I wish they would, especially since I suspect my oldest is also afflicted.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

Bijoux...I am sorry. I have several friends that have diabetes. I have to say I feel your affliction is so much more difficult. I just have to eliminate gluten, and dairy and corn because of the dead spots in my small intestine. You have so much to balance. You have to balance your carbs and sugars. And then you have to account for active times or hot weather even. So many environmental elements. Bless you. Thank you for understanding.

Carissimi · F

That's really unfair and cruel of them. Will they be open to reading some literature on your condition?

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

My ex was diagnosed with this very disease; and it was a challenge for both of us, to watch what she ate. She was a diabetic on top of it; so she had other challenges, just like someone else said.
I am happy for you, now that you have been diagnosed, and know what to eat. It is a shame that your husband and or children will not go to a meeting to gain a better understanding.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

Thank you Aldnaz...I have found ways to protect myself. One I keep my cooking utensils separate. I also bring food with me where ever I go. I never eat anyone else's cooking, even if they claim it is gluten free. I made that mistake before. If they don't take my disorder seriously, I can't trust their food.

But my biggest issue is also the exclusion of corn and dairy. In other words I never have processed food. I do have to take vitamin and mineral supplements though.

Carissimi · F

Oh, and I'm happy you got a diagnosis and treatment at last.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

It is actually the small intestine. The gluten causes the body to attack the small intestine. It can kill some areas others it paralyzes it. The small intestine is where a lot of vitamins and minerals are absorbed. It is where milk fat is broken down. Some of my villi are dead but not too many. I have several that are paralyzed but they can heal and work again eventually.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

I used to lean heavily on corn when I was first diagnosed. I was still having issues. The doctor explained that I was going to need to have to eliminate the corn because I was not able to tolerate it due to the damage I already sustained. Maybe in the future I will be able to introduce it again.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

Thank you Question. I actually figured most don't like to accept what they can't fix. So they won't acknowledge it.
Thankfully my coffee is dairy, gluten and corn free. Lol pouring you a cup.

Thanks also for the compliment.

Watergirl · 51-55, F

It has caused me to have siezures . I have passed out from pain. I get the other symptoms you mentioned as well as migraines. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone, but luckily it is very manageable.

SW-User

My coworker had celiac disease. I learned a lot from her.

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

Oh that is right; you had mentioned that it was the small intestine earlier. Still, I did not realize the damage that it could cause. I just knew that my ex would have swelling around the ankles, nauseated along with the next step, and one more thing that I am sure you might have experienced. I know that I never want to be diagnosed with it.

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

You are welcome. :)
The going without corn and dairy would certainly make it tougher; especially corn. We always liked Mexican food, and the ex could eat corn tortillas.
Avoiding processed foods should help with a healthier diet, but I can understand the need for vitamins and supplements.

questionWeaver

Hi Water ... find pride in your diet ... stay faithful to your balance ... deflect the teasing by letting friends and family know, you would be supportive, if they had this prescription.

Compliments on the strength you are displaying to adapt.

Your drive is uplifting.

Your friend, who is cheering you on

JaggedLittlePill · 46-50, F

Glad you were able to get a diagnosis and treatment plan!

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

I did not realize that so much damage could be caused in the stomach due this disease. Maybe the stomach will start to heel a little over time.

bijouxbroussard · F

It's awful when loved ones can't be bothered to educate themselves. Don't they notice how much healthier you are when you follow the diet ? I'm recently diagnosed diabetic and have already had people telling me, "aw, you just have to be careful". Much more to it than that.

aldnazmeister · 56-60, M

Oh wow, it really caused some issues for you then. Crazy how certain diseases or illnesses can attack the body. :(
Yes, it is manageable. :)

JaggedLittlePill · 46-50, F

You need to print out information for the friends and family and let them know you will have to cut them out of your life if they cannot bring themselves up to date on the information.

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