I mentioned it back in September, my stomach "thing" and how it was getting better and on the mend.
But since it still wasn't back to, what I'd consider, normal, I asked my doctor to send me to a specialist. A gastroenterologist (which, despite what the spell checker thinks, I spelled correctly without even trying) to be specific.
And I was lucky to get a cancellation and get in to see him last week.
I say I was lucky because my symptoms aren't medically serious enough to warrant an "any time soon" appointment with most of the gastroenterologists in this town and I was about to be placed on a waiting list that was somewhere upwards of a year. (But please, no bashing of the medical system, that's not what I'm here to talk about.)
I say I was lucky, because mid-way through my appointment the doctor said "And of course, your family doctor has told you you have Celiac disease,* right?"
Um.
No.
No, she hadn't.
I don't have the typical symptoms so it had never crossed my mind in my (own personal medical) research that this was a potential diagnosis.
Especially since I was pretty sure my doctor had done the bloodwork test for it and would have told me if it had come back positive.
I'm not really sure what to say at this point, except that I feel no need to point the finger and lay blame about not being told by my GP. I know now and will figure it all out.
It just came as a bit of a shock.
So, a couple more tests to confirm and then I'll start living with a whole new label.
I think it's about time we added another label. Like a "girlfriend to the awesome guy who knows how to cook celiac friendly food and give backrubs amongst other things." label.
That'd help.
Updated to add: Comments now open because I'm feeling a little less "raw" about it all and, yeah. *shrug*
*Celiac disease for those of you who don't feel like clicking, means that my body reacts to glutens which is like, wheat and stuff and attacks (destroys, basically) the villi in the intestines which means they can't absorb nutrients which is, you know, how we survive so that's bad and there is um, well, no cure, only management and it's amazing what you can learn in a short amount of time even if you don't want to
17 comments:
*hugs* That is no fun at all, I've often wondered if some of my own stomach issues are due to Celiac disease, but I like you assume my doctor would tell me. Though perhaps next time I see her I should question her some more.
I hope you figure out your issues soon. Also that is an awesome label to add, because backrubs are great. :)
Thanks Likalia, and yeah, it's just a matter of a blood test to check it out, but you have to be eating glutens at the time of the blood test or it comes up negative. But your Doc prob'ly knows all that :)
Mmmmmm backrubs. ;)
So the other thing I neglected to mention yesterday (but will be telling my doctor in about an hour), my mom told me when I was visiting over the holidays that after my grandmother developed an allergy to eggs (which happened to me about 7 years ago), she then developed an allergy to chicken, and later on to gluten. So yay I have a lot to look forward to in my old age. We should start exchanging recipes when you get handle on your glutenfree-ness. I actually have a really good recipe book which teaches you how to substitute out certain foods.
http://www.rdstore.co.nz/cat/index.cgi/shopfront/view_product_details?category_id=6382&product_id=406882
I was able to find it at Chapters.
Hey I'm really sorry to hear that, but it must at least be nice to know what the problem was so you can start fixing it and feeling better.
This site is really good for gluten-free recipes, and had a gazillion other gluten-free resources in the sidebar:
http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/
I once made a giant cookie for a coeliac friend - somewhat in excess of a foot across - but that's about the limit of my cooking skills in that regard. I gather there's lots of wheat substitutes these days tho.
My best friend is coeliac, she's also lactose-intolerant and allergic to shellfish. And I'm just generically awkward so we have great fun finding places to go out for meals :o)
Glad you've found out what was causing the problem, even if it's never good to be given A Label.
Oh, and I thought Neverwhere was a great book, but then I was quite a fan of the TV series already :o)
EB,
Hope your appointment went well today and I'm sure there's a really funny joke in there somewhere what with the egg allergy coming before the chicken allergy....or something! ;)
Thanks for the book link, I'll check it out :)
Hey Laura, thanks for the link :D
And, yeah, I'm hoping to confirm the diagnosis so I can start feeling better :)
Dominic, there are lots of wheat substitutes, I'll figure them out eventually :) And I can imagine your friend and you going out for dinner, hee!
I didn't know Neverwhere was a TV series, I'll have to see if I can find it! I think it'd translate well to TV. I think I was less up on the book because I'd just read another Neil Gaiman book right before. Maybe?
OH.MY.GOD!!!!! You are toooo funny! How come I didn't see that coming? ROFLOL :D
I went through this ages ago, with the difference of needing to find out through biopsy quickly or risk finding out through autopsy. It's a horrible thing to have, but a blessing to know you have.
Give http://www.celiac.ca/ a prod. They were invaluable in getting me healthy and showing me how to keep myself well fed.
And my backrubs aren't too bad either...
Yep, Neverwhere started life on TV. You can watch it on YouTube if you're curious and have the time to download them all. I'd offer to lend you the DVD but it might be a bit tricky ;o)
According to my copy of the book, which is an "Author's preferred text" one, Gaiman drove the producer of the series nuts with it - They kept cutting things out of the script, and it annoyed him, so he decided he'd write a book to have a "proper" version in existence somewhere. And then every time they'd come along and tell him "We're cutting so-and-so" he'd always reply "That's ok, I'll put it back in the book" until they were completely sick of hearing that phrase :o)
There's also a graphic novel of it. I like their version of Down Street, but other than that I prefer the originals..
EB, isn't it a funny image? lol
Mark, thanks for the link, and yes, it's not good to know you have it, but a blessing to know. I hear ya on that! And amen for backrubs! :)
Dominic, I had no idea it started as a tv show! And, I actually did watch a little bit of the first episode last night and kept thinking "huh, they're cutting stuff out!" But that's neat to know :D
I have plenty a friend living quite happy (and baking-full) lives as celiacs. It just means you have to eat more sushi (that doesn't look like what it is, obviously) and thai food...things could be worse!
Glad you diagnosed the problem though!
Thanks Jenn :)
oh crap, I just posted my comment to this entry on another post. ;(
That makes me giggle.... but I'm not sure why! :)
No worries - it's really not that bad. I'm not living with celiac but my husband is and because I'm such a loving wife (or I felt guilty) I actually strated living a gluten free (except for random night's out the girl's) life too. There are TONS of new products out there and even a lot of celiac support groups. It just takes some time getting used to. I would ask your general physician if there is any lactose issues too - a lot of times with celiac patients, they have a hard time digesting lactose. If you need any pointers or tips, please feel free to email me at cornfediagal@gmail.com. There is a great cookbook at most Barnes & Nobles too (1000 Gluten Free recipies) and if you like cereal, Rice Chex is now 100% GF and very tasty! I'm on a rant now, but good luck! And don't be discouraged!
Thank you April! :) And, yes, we've been already looking at the lactose issue, funny, huh? :)
Thanks for the tips, advice and encouragement, you might get an email from me once I get my biopsy! ;)
Oh, and? I'm doing the "getting used to" it right now and although it might not be healthy for my body, since I have to stay on glutens til my biopsy, I just keep eating things and saying "this is the last time I'll ever have __________" which, sort of makes it easier when you've said it for the gazillionth time! :)
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