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At the age of 22, my gallbladder was removed due to having biliary dyskinesia
(gallbladder didn’t contract). Months after the surgery, there was
still stomach discomfort. However, my symptoms were completely
different: achy joints, several bouts of iritis, at least twenty trips
to the restroom a day, fatigue, migraines, loss of weight, muscles
spasms/joint pain, cold sores, a distended stomach, and more. My
initial assumption was my body needed to get used to not having a
gallbladder - but, the symptoms persisted, and started getting worse. My
ophthalmologist assumed that I had some type of autoimmune disease that
was coming out through my iritis – but, all tests came back fine.
Finally, 2 weeks before my bridal shower, I gave in and called my PCP. After trying different options, and doing more blood work, my PCP informed me that the blood work showed me to be severely anemic, and malnourished. She proceeded to inform me that she would like to test me for Celiac, and the treatment was a Gluten Free diet. Of course, I had never heard of Celiac or a Gluten Free diet. Finally, the blood work came back, and it was positive for Celiac; and assumed that the surgery was the “trigger”. Due to being on a tight time line with my wedding being 2-weeks away, we decided that I start the Gluten Free diet immediately, and to schedule my endoscope for after the honeymoon. To my relief, there weren’t constant trips to the restroom on my wedding day, and I felt amazing. Luckily, I had a wonderful doctor that listened to me, and didn't dismiss my symptoms as wedding jitters, and was extremely fortunate to be diagnosed so quickly. My amazing, supportive husband and I started our new life together, as well as got to know the Gluten Free diet very well. After being contaminated a few times, we both decided that our home would be completely Gluten Free. It was an adjustment being 26, and being forced to learn to cook; since at that time, restaurants weren't as accommodating, and forget having pizza delivered on a night you don't feel like cooking! In 2008, we celebrated our 5 year anniversary, and we are well adjusted! |
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