 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
I am 61 and was just diagnosed 3 months ago. I
had had a stress test in Dec. and I had gotten an irregular reading, so the doctor
suggested that I see a heart specialist. (That was in December of 2006.) In January
I went to see a heart specialist, and upon reviewing the stress test reading,
he was going to do a heart catherization, thinking that I had a blockage and he
would put in a stint.
I was having the preliminary test done on February 1, and after having my blood drawn, waiting to be told everything was ok, when a nurse came out of the lab and informed my husband and I that my hemoglobin was severely low and that I had to be admitted immediately and given a blood transfusion. Well, needless to say, we were in shock. I had never noticed myself loosing blood. I was admitted right away and given 2 units of blood. I was then told to check with a hematologist so that we would figure out what was going on with me. So, he was my next doctor. He then suggest that I see a gastroenterologist for tests. It was then, after having a colonoscopy that I was first diagnosed. (He said he suspected I had Celiac) He then took a blood sample for it and mailed it off. In 2 weeks I had the definite word that I did indeed have Celiac. Not only had I become very anemia to the point of needing a blood transfusion, I have a osteoporosis for years and we could never figure out why it just keep getting worse, even though I took medications such as Boniva, actonel, and I am sure other brands, just hoping one would work better than the last. (I had a fractured hip at age 48) I walked, took calcium, did everything that I would told to do and it was just getting worse every year. Then my teeth started to turn gray, I had itchy skin, diarrhea for years and years and was told I have colitis. Never once, had any physician suggested testing me for Celiac. I have never heard of it until March 1, when I had the colonoscopy. Even with the blood test and the colon test, I also had the endoscopy to see who much damage had been done to my small intestines. Now, 3 months later, I am like a new woman. I have all kinds of energy, no longer depressed, and just feeling better physically. I am taking iron every day, and will have another CBC done in a couple more months so make sure that I am no longer loosing blood. If it had not been for the stress test and my heart not beating properly, I can not help but wonder where I would be today. Its very scary. I figure I have had this for years and years and I just told myself it was just something I ate, or it was in my genes, etc. Now I tell everyone what to look for. I no longer miss things like bread, pancakes, and oreo's, as I know they are like poison to my system. Not only had I never heard of Celiac Disease, I have never heard of gluten intolerance. I have at age 61 started a new phase in my life, a much better world without gluten in it. Everyday is a good day now. We just need to continue to get the word out. |
|||||
|
||||||||||
 |
|
Copyright © 2008 National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. All rights reserved. Created by NetReach ®
The information found on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical condition. We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician. This site was last updated on September 3, 2008. If you have questions, please contact webmaster@celiaccentral.org | View Site Map Privacy Policy: NFCA does not share or otherwise disclose any personal information, including your name, address, or email addresses with other organizations. Only NFCA staff has access to personally identifiable information provided by visitors to our site. NFCA will never share information with third parties. |