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In 1995, I volunteered to give blood at a blood drive for one of my pediatric
patients. they did the hemoglobin test which I failed. they then tested my
hematocrit, which they said was good. I then donated blood. Later, I was
utterly exhausted. I had my hemoglobin checked and discovered that it had
fallen to 9.6 (normal is 12-14). From that time on, I visited many doctors
trying to figure out why I was anemic. Everyone told me to take an over the
counter iron pill and eat more green leafy vegetables. Although I didn't feel I
was lacking in my consumption of iron rich foods, nobody listened.
I was able to get pregnant in 1999, but after my delivery, my hemoglobin fell to 6. My doctors advised me to take more iron pills. It took over a year for my iron to reach 10. I was always tired, but somehow I managed to get through each day. I did however have an internal medicine doctor who new that there was a reason why I was anemic. He tested me for several conditions such as, Lupus, Crohn's, and cancer to name a few. It wasn't until 2005 when I had started to present with additional symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating that I was tested for celiac disease. He did a simple blood test and called me to let me know that he thought I had Celiac Disease. I was so excited that just changing my diet would help my anemia problem. I must say that once I discovered how much gluten could be found in almost everything, I was a little discouraged. Patience and self education have enabled me to follow a gluten free diet. I have been very pleased to discover gluten free foods at my local grocery store, but wish there were more. Just recently, I was told about Redbridge beer. I have been able to find it a one store near my home. I was very excited to learn of a beer that I can enjoy on hot summer days. Over the last two years, I have told people about Celiac, and have discovered many others with the same condition or who now want to be tested to see if they have it, too. Many of my co-workers have asked me about it because the have a friend or loved one who may be misdiagnosed with something else. Although having to scrutinize everything I would like to eat is sometimes frustrating, I feel so much better and have a lot more energy. I am also happy to help anyone who knows that something is wrong, but can't find anyone to help them. |
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