Wow! I was just diagnosed yesterday with Celiac Disease. I have to say, this is going to be hard. I have so many emotions running through my body right now. When I was being tested for this disease, I honestly did not think that I had it. I didn't think that my symptoms completely fell in line for this disease. Apparently, I didn't do much studying up on it. The symptoms for this can be so varied and soo completely different for people.
I missed a call from my Doctor(he is amazing by the way). His name is Dr. Doxey. I have been very impressed with him. Anyway, so the call was actually from him. It wasn't a nurse or secretary but from him. Uh Oh! That can't be good. Well, maybe good in the sense that I know what is wrong with me BUT I truly did not want this disease. I guess in the line of things, I can't pick and choose diseases, can I?
I called my Doctor back, and this time did talk to a nurse or secretary or whoever it was. Dr. Doxey wasn't available at that moment. She read his letter to me and said she would be mailing it out with a packet of info. It didn't really affect me too much at that moment. My first thoughts were "Divide and Conquer". I had decided right then to just accept it and move forward. So much easier said than done.
Geoff didn't believe it. He couldn't quite understand how I could have this disease(oh, which by the way is pretty much a gluten intolerance) especially since I wasn't getting sick every time I had gluten. There were so many questions. So I decided that I would call Dr. Doxey and make sure I talked to him. We talked for about 10-15 minutes. Can you believe that a Doctor would actually take his time and talk to me for that long?? Again, impressed. There were even times that I was ready to end the conversation and then he would think of something else and address it. It was really nice. Now, Geoff and I are in the acceptance stage.....as hard as that is and will be still.
OK, now this next bit is VERY important to know!!! A lot of people do not understand Celiac Disease therefore, if they are not the one dealing with it, they may not be as supportive about it. Please, please, if you will and are close to me, please read into it and understand it. For my sake, it would mean a lot. I feel rather alone in this and have so many mixed emotions with it that I truly need the support and understanding. Please read about Cross-contamination and also try to understand why I need to be on a strict Gluten-Free diet.
Thank you, thank you! I have started this blog so I can have an outlet. Basically it would be a way for me to note my frustrations and triumphs, learning and trials.
i love your attitude, heather. i definitely know that if anyone can conquer and endure this total lifestyle change, it is you. i already know a lot about it but will be very mindful and will NOT be giving you a plate of cookies anytime soon. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! Thanks Lisa! That means a lot. I guess I will just have to bring you a plate of cookies(of course after I find some good recipes). :)
ReplyDeleteSucky! The good news is it seems everyday I am at the grocery store there are more and more gluten free products. Even places like walmart, so you don't have to just shop over priced food stores. Even the Sweet Tooth Fairy has a different gluten free item every day! :) And I know Chilies has a gluten free menu, so there are at least two places we can hang out. :)
ReplyDeleteA friend of mines mother wrote this book http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705397139/Review-Cecil-Celiac-is-Sleeping-in-Gabes-Guts-helps-teach-children.html
when her son Gabe was diagnosed.
I know you feel alone, but you are not. Eventually it will become routine, and though it stinks, and i wish you could take a magic pill, knowing what to avoid will help you feel so much better! (((hugs)))
My sister has Celiacs. At first it was hard for her, too. I regularly got calls from her saying, "Laura, I really don't think I can do this anymore." Or, "Laura, I think I am cured." (but we both know that is rare if at all possible). She has been on the gluten-free diet now for 4 years!!! She looks so healthy and seems to have much more energy! BTW bobs red mill apparently makes the best gluten-free pizza dough. Hang in there. Life-style changes are ALWAYS tough!!! You are lucky to know what's actually going on with your body :)
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to find out of places that carry gluten free. Yay! I will definitely look into that book too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing of products that actually taste good. I can't wait to try it. Thanks!