Feature / M E M B E R S T O R I E S
LIFE AFTER A
Cdiagnosis
OELIAC
Accepting a LIFE-LONG disease.
DIAGNOSIS
of coeliac disease is a transformative and intimidating time. It often follows years of unknown discomfort and pain – and while it’s a relief for many to be diagnosed, it marks the beginning of a whole new chapter. It’s a large adjustment to have to think so deeply about food and eating out. But as many people with coeliac know, it always gets better with time. Here, we share the stories of three people diagnosed with coeliac across different life stages to learn how they coped and adjusted to their new normal. Sue’s story In my early forties I became unwell, overnight. I woke one morning saturated with exhaustion and within hours I could barely walk. This escalated to the point where my coordination was affected, as if I had had a stroke or was quite drunk. I developed severe vertigo and nausea. Days, weeks and months disappeared with me confined to bed. I needed help to do
16 | Autumn 2021 Coeliac Link
the supermarket shopping; I needed handrails to help me in the shower. I became very depressed. Without the
unwavering support of my husband, I would not be here today. I made, many visits to the
MICHELLE’S STORY I CAN LOOK
back and think of numerous times over several years feeling ill – bloated, constant reflux or indigestion, nausea bouts, cramping and vomiting, diarrhoea and then constipation. I was not taken seriously by my doctors, and had so many tests come back with no results. One day exactly three years ago, with an enormously bloated stomach and crying my eyes out, I visited a new doctor. I pleaded with her to help me find out what was going on with me, thinking it was something sinister. My new doctor was so thorough and so helpful, checking and testing for some answers. Sue Eventually, a test for coeliac disease came
back positive, and my diagnosis was confirmed by further investigation and a biopsy. Finally, I had a reason for my ailments! I began to work through a diet plan, but mostly I was just so happy to know what was happening in my body. I realised that going on a gluten-free diet was the very least of my worries considering how much help there is! While adjusting to a gluten-free diet can be a pain in the beginning, it can be easily worked through. Not to mention that there is so much great gluten-free food available now in supermarkets and online. Now, I am feeling so much better and I am so thankful for my amazing doctor. If you are recently diagnosed, it is certainly not the end of the world and things could be worse. You can adapt and life is good!
