clogger69

I am a 69 year old mother of two daughters, and grandmother of one grandson, and one granddaughter. I have been divorced since I was 27 and raised my daughters on my own.  I lost my older daughter 6 years ago, at the age of 44 from juvenile diabetes.  She was dx at 31/2 years old.  I gave her a kidney in 1992, and she received a pancreas in 1995.  She had the miracle of not being diabetic for 8 years, but unfortunately a lot of damage had been done.  She had her miracle son, who is now 26, and a wonderful grandson.  My younger daughter, who is 47 and her 13 year old daughter, my granddaughter(also wonderful!) are currently living with me.  I am the only Celiac in my house.

I was diagnosed with Celiac disease from blood test and positive endoscopy in March 2009. What got me to the gastro Dr. was severe fatigue, diarrhea, and I had lost 15lb.  I love to dance and had been very physically active and performed  with a clogging dance club for 20 years.  We retired from performing in Dec. 2007, but still get together to dance. I also social dance, swing, waltz, polka, two step. I know I was having Celiac symptoms for at least 7 years.  My fellow dancers, some who are older than me, in their 70ies, were going like the energizer bunny, and I would be exhausted.  I was dx with being anemic in 2004, but just thought I was not eating right and took iron supplements. I was also dx with osteoporosis in 2001, and have arthritis in neck, back, and knees.

I had heard of Celiac because a year ago a first cousin, who is just a year older than I , and her 50 year old daughter were dx with Celiac also.  They did not seem to know about the hereditary issue.

At my age I can deal with the no pizza and beer!  I have found two breads I like and a hot cereal, so I am getting on with life.  I am not feeling great yet and know it can take a while. I just hope I am not to old to get better.