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NWR - Finally a diagnosis!!!...LONG

So for the past few months, I've been feeling like crap. I'm tired all the time and I've had some very annoying symptoms of which I'll spare you all the details.  I've known something just wasn't right, especially when I gained 10 pounds despite working out 2 hours + a day, 6 days a week. I also eat organic and very healthy, so nothing made since.Well, I've gone to 4 different doctors, a gastroenterologist, an endocrinologist, a cadriologist and finally a new PCP (because my old one was crap). Today, I finally received a diagnosis of having Celiac Disease.Mind you, this was what I originally suspected, but all my docs dismissed it.  I had asked the gastroenterologist to screen for it back in May when they did my bloodwork then and he didn't. ARGHHH. I was then referred to an endrocrinologist because I was Hypothyroid. She then referred me to the cardioloist because I had an extremely low resting pulse (mid 30's), who then also diagnosed me with anemia.  So finally, I asked my new PCP to please screen me for Celiac, I would pay for the test myself if my insurance wouldn't cover it....well, I was right!So Celiac Disease is a digestive disorder characterized by a toxic reaction to gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye & oats).  Because it is an autoimmune disease, the body attacks itself and the CD is most likely the cause of my anemia and hypothyroid, which is causing my low pulse.The good thing, is all I have to do is eat a gluten-free diet and my body should heal itself...no drugs or meds.  However, this will make choosing a cake, a little more difficult.Anyway, thanks for letting me share. I've been dealing with this for a few months and am so relieved that I finally have an answer.

Re: NWR - Finally a diagnosis!!!...LONG

  • edited December 2011
    Gluten free living is MUCH easier than before. I was gluten free for a longgg time. It actually causes inflammation! and inflammation for Endo/Pcos is bad. Yay for a diagnosis and being able to make the life changes needed to feel better!! (p.s. a lot of bakeries offer gluten free now. maybe you can do a single layer of strictly gluten free cake/icing, etc??)
    DX stage 4 endo 4/2005 Lap #2 7/2007 Lap #3 8/2009 uterus, tubes & cul-de-sec fused. partial bowel resection. LUPRON :( Surprise BFP 4/2010 Layla Grace 11/17/2010 Surprise BFP 12/2011 - stick baby stick! THE BLOG Lilypie Second Birthday tickers Lilypie Pregnancy tickers
  • edited December 2011
    uhhhhh - that's crazy!!!! but glad to hear you figured it out (sometimes we know best, right??)   Good luck with the new diet!!!
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  • edited December 2011
    Good to hear that you finally know what you have.  Celiac is a little hard to diagnose.  Sometimes I think I have it, but I haven't gone to the Dr's.  I believe Whole Foods sells a book on living gluten-free.
  • edited December 2011
    aww Shannon! I'm SO glad you finally got a diagnosis. Kills me that you asked for this and they dismissed it and you could have been treating yourself so much sooner but I'm glad you insisted and got the answers you need and I'm very glad you don't need to go on meds.It's so disheartening when Doctors ignore patients requests and It's crazy that it took 4 doctors to finally get it right.There are SOOO many gluten free products out there so I'm sure you won't have too much trouble with that, and I hope you start feeling better RIGHT AWAY!Hugs!
  • JillianLLJillianLL member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    At least you figured it out and hopefully you'll start feeling better soon. At the Publix Greenwise market they have a whole aisle devoted to Gluten free items so it should be easier to deal with.
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  • edited December 2011
    thank goodness you pushed!! We have to be our own advocates with physicians, I know that too well myself. I needed a mammogram and 22 and NO ONE would give it to me. in any case, I am so happy you can get on track healthwise and its great to know you dont have to burden yourself or your body with meds.
  • edited December 2011
    That's so sad that you had to diagnose yourself, but I'm glad you finally have an answer. I know Elisabeth Hasselback, from the view, has Celiacs and she recently came out with a book called the The G-Free Diet.
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  • edited December 2011
    Vanessa, that's exactly how I heard about it. FI and I were watching tv and she was promoting her book and she talked about her symptoms and FI turned to me and said, "that's you!"And yes, there's are tons of gluten free products out there. It makes it so much easier. And I just had lunch at PF Chang's and they have a gluten free menu. Fortunately for me, chocolate is gluten-free !!!Thanks guys
  • Kitty315Kitty315 member
    Knottie Warrior 500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I am SO glad you insisted on getting checked for CD Shannon!! It's so aggravating to tell a doctor you think you may have something and be dismissed. And it's soooo common!Anyways, I'm glad you finally have an answer and you can get to feeling better soon! =)
  • edited December 2011
    yay for finally getting a dianosis! Ditto to what tess said. Gluten free is so much easier now.
  • questvcquestvc member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I am so glad that you got a diagnosis.. I can only imagine that its super hard to know something is wrong and not get a reposnse atleast not an accurate. Best of LUCK  
  • edited December 2011
    what a huge relief to finally know what's wrong and that you dont need to be on medicine!
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  • edited December 2011
    Glad to hear you have confirmation now. It's maddening that you had to go through so much for it though. Thankfully, now you will start to feel better and know what to do.I wish you the best! Feel better fast hon!
  • edited December 2011
    Im so glad it was something that is easy to deal with. I hope the best for you!!
  • edited December 2011
    Glad to hear you're just fine :)Blessed about that!Eh, cake...small price to pay for our health. Stay gorgeous - you both are stunning!
  • ayanapoohayanapooh member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Shannon, so glad they finally diagnosed you correctly! Sux you had to go through all that though, but sounds like you should be better in no time. And as far as cakes go, maybe you could pick a nice cheesecake as an alternative if you don't find something you like that's gluten free? They really have some delicious cheesecake wedding cakes.  Anyways, feel better soon. XOXOXO
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  • oyepoohoyepooh member
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Shannon, I also have Celiac.  I was diagnosed in February.  In my case, I was/am relatively symptom-free (for now at least) and was only diagnosed because I had an endoscopy done during which the doctor took a biopsy of my small intestine.  My mom was diagnosed about 2 years ago.  I don't know how much you've read but it IS genetic and there are connections down the line to arthritis, lymphomas, lupus, etc.  I knew what it was when my mom was diagnosed because of "The View's" Elisabeth Hasselbeck and although I haven't looked at her book myself, there is A LOT of controversy surrounding her book.  Most dieticians are not in agreement with her approach.  That being said, I have found it to be relatively easy to remain gluten free but I will tell you that I do go off the "diet" from time to time.  I choose those "cheats" carefully but I also try not to drive myself crazy in search of foods I can eat - our anniversary trip in June was a mess for my "diet" but you only live once!!  :)Good luck and be patient with yourself and your body.
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