drewsant's Blog

I figured out I had Celiac Disease almost 2 months ago now. The ARNP at my Dr's office had suggested I look up Celiac Disease on the internet, because I had been having such a horrible bout of diarrhea that I missed a week of work. He also said to try the gluten-free diet for a month and see how I do. I had heard about Celiac actually from research I had done about 8 years ago when I was having a lot of the same problems. But when I brought it up to the original doctor, he blew me off, saying it was really rare, no way I could have it. I was mad, but I let it go, and accepted the IBS diagnosis I had gotten a few years earlier from my main GP. So fast forward to 2 months ago, and I found this website among others. I was really overwhelmed, and saw a dietitian who knew a little bit about it. Then I went back to the Dr after being on the diet for a month. I was starting to see some improvements. I saw my regular doctor this time, and he ordered the blood tests and told me he knew several people who have it, and it isn't that rare, and wouldn't be surprised if I had it. I went back 2 weeks later for the follow up, tests came back inconclusive, but I saw the ARNP again, and told him that my diarrhea was almost non-existent for the first time in literally decades, so even if the tests don't say I have it, I know I have it. And he said he doesn't always believe the blood tests anyway, and he and my GP both think I have Celiac. GP also wants me to have tests for other food allergies. I think I'll wait on that for a while. I am amazed at the fact that I literally made it more than 2 weeks without having to go home from work, or stay home from work because of the diarrhea. I eat now, and I don't get horrible stomach cramps. I've lost weight, which I really need to do--I've lost 10 inches total. It is really difficult for me to weigh myself, because I'm physically disabled--I have Spina Bifida, and walk with crutches and leg braces. It's hard for me to balance my weight on a scale so I can never get an accurate weight, so I'm going by inches. I've lost 4 inches off my stomach, 2 off my hips, and inches here and there, on arm, leg, neck, chest. I plan to use this blog to chronicle my celiac issues, but also to tell my story of my disability and what I've had to deal with since birth. I'll post more about my disability later.