Advice Needed, Im Newly Diagnosed

[JessicaB]

My name is Jessica. I have been through alot since i gave birth to my daughter last year. Since then, which i had a great pregnancy with no problems or sickness, i have had servere stomach pain, bloating etc. I have been to about 5 different doctors and finally

i just got the blood test from my new gastronologist. He was the first one who said that i may have Celiac Disease. I never heard of it. I got my bloodwork back last week and he told me that one of the levels was a 72! Which i think is really high, he said it was. Another level was below normal and he said with those combined that i have celiac disease. I have to get a endoscopy and a biopsy done in January to confirm, but the test said that it is 99% accurate that i have celiac disease. I am worried. I have looked up alot of information but can really use some stories to make me feel like im not alone. Any advice, emails or lists please email me with your stories. Thanks!

lots of luv

jessica

22years old from Maryland

[Lisa]

Jessica:

Don't worry. Celiac Disease is not a life sentence, it is a life style change. That change in your hand. No pills, no surgery, just simply, a diet change.

I won't elaborate here as there are many on this forum that are about your age and many other who develope Celiac Disease after childbirth.

I'm sure that they will be very helpful to you now.

For now, keep your food intake simple. Search this site for recipies, lotions, lipstick, shampoos (that can get in your mouth)

This is a time to study this site and ask as many questions of us as you need. There is a national phrase that is often used, "Celiacs Helping Celiacs".

There is most definately a time to adjust with many emotions, but we are here to help. All you need to do is ask.

Other relies will come.

Best of luck

Lisa B.

[traveljunkie]

Hello Jessica, and Welcome!!

I became gluten intolerant after taking antibiotics in Feb of this year, and like you I had never heard of celiac or gluten. Now with many months of research, and a gluten free diet, I have never felt better. I look back on all the health issues I've had in the past, and can see a pattern that probably was brought on by gluten. I've had on and off diarrhea or constipation, rashes, joint aches, etc., and I believe the antibiotics just pushed my body to it's limits.

I had blood tests done, and they came back negative. I had been gluten free for months, so it was probably false negative. I have tested positive through enterolab, but regardless of those results, I would have remained gluten free anyway. I did find the diet limiting in the beginning, but now it's just natural to me.

I'm not sure where you live, but most health stores and bigger grocery chains, sell gluten free foods. There are also great online stores that ship right to your door. I do alot of my shopping that way. It'll become easier for you as you learn more. This forum is great, just type in the search, for any topic you want info on.

Don't worry, like the other post said it's just a dietary change, you'll be fine.

Charlene