My Celiac Journey
In November 2022, the Monday before Thanksgiving to be exact, I got a message from my gastroenterologist confirming the fact that I have celiac disease. I'd been constantly nauseous for months, starting in May. I'm grateful my doctor took my concerns seriously and talked me through what would likely happen. Through the scope, we found that I also have GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder) and a hernia, so I have to be careful with painkillers - I can't take a lot of NSAIDs.
The hardest part of having celiac disease isn't reading labels or refusing food, it's realizing just how out of place you feel when you go out to eat because you can't trust a restaurant to keep you safe. It's realizing gluten is in more than just food. It's relearning how to be social, what foods are okay, and how to eat healthy.
#lemon8diarychallenge #celiacdisease #latediscovery #chronicillness #autoimmunedisease
Celiac disease can be a life-altering diagnosis that requires significant lifestyle adjustments. After experiencing constant nausea and eventually receiving a definitive diagnosis, the reality of living gluten-free sets in. Beyond dietary changes, celiac disease can affect one's social life and mental health. Eating out becomes an intricate process of scrutinizing menus and trusting that restaurants understand your dietary restrictions. Living gluten-free means reading labels carefully, researching safe eating options, and sometimes just feeling out of place at social gatherings. There are alternatives for many favorite foods, and with the rise of gluten-free products, transitioning can be more manageable than it seems. Baking gluten-free versions of beloved family recipes can also help preserve cherished traditions. The journey can be overwhelming, yet it opens doors to a community and new cooking experiences. Connecting with others who share similar challenges, whether through online support groups or local meetups, can provide invaluable encouragement and advice. Living with celiac disease may seem daunting at first, but with time, it becomes a manageable part of your lifestyle.
