Usa Weekend Write Up On Celiac

[nicki2222]

My mother-in-law just told me that there is a small write up in Usa Weekend (insert in newspapers). I have yet to see the printed article but it can be found at usaweekend.com with a search for celiac, for July 9.

I did read it and am not sure that telling people "that most people feel better in a few weeks" is that truthful. I would love to hear everyone's responses. I have been gluten-free for 4 weeks and I feel less fatigued but my abdominal pain is still there. I had pain for over two years so I am guessing that it will take some time to get rid of that. It seems like this article might cause people to give up on the diet too soon.

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[NicoleAJ]

He probably should make the statement that oftentimes newly diagnosed celiacs continue to have symptoms for a long time after going on the diet (particularly because it's common to have difficulties figuring out all of the ins and outs of dietary restrictions, reading labels, and ordering at restaurants), but for me at least, I did have noticeable improvement after a few weeks--enough that I was commited to remaining on the diet without cheating. I was far from better after a few weeks, and I continued to have several problems for well over a year. Sometimes, I even have problems now almost 2 years after diagnosis. I think that medical professionals that don't specialize in celiac are often so optimistic about the diagnosis because they feel that it is simply a matter of a few minor changes. I'm certainly pleased that my diagnosis was celiac disease rather than other serious conditions they were considering that require extensive surgery and prescription meds. Ultimately, I usually don't think of celiac disease as something that runs my life, but at times (especially in the beginning) it can seem like a struggle to live with the disease daily and to know that you will have to do so for the rest of your life.

The upside of such a report is that it is less likely to prevent people from wanting to be tested for celiac. All press is good press, but a report for popular consumption that graphically described some of the less pleasant parts of this disease could potentially make people who have the symptoms decide to delay being tested, whereas a sunny and optimistic report could prompt people to ask for testing and then learn about the disease in depth after the diagnosis.

[kevsmom]

It's nice to be acknowledged. Most people have never heard of Celiac Disease. The more people who are aware, the more they can understand. I would be more helpful if the article were more in-depth, but it is a start.