What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an auto immune disorder in which the duodenum and small intestine incur damage. This results in nutrient absorption problems and can manifest in a wide range of symptoms. In many individuals, the key trigger is ingesting gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and similar grains. Avoiding gluten and eating a "gluten free" diet seems to be the only successful treatment for this disease.
Many people will go as far as to eat a paleo diet in order to avoid gluten to the utmost. This seems to be somewhat recommended, as many processed foods tend to be contaminated with gluten. Yes, even processed foods that are labeled as "gluten free."
My Story
Recently, I had a Celiac panel blood test done, for which I tested positive. In order to confirm Celiac disease, however, a small intestine or duodenal biopsy must be performed. To obtain the most accurate results for that biopsy, it was recommended that I begin eating gluten again for about two weeks leading up to the upper endoscopy/biopsy.
I had been having various symptoms (though I didn't know it) for quite a long time. They had gradually gotten worse to the point where, about a year ago, I went to the ER thinking I had appendicitis or something. They sent me home as it was "non emergent." I later followed up with my doctor who suggested that I just was experiencing acid reflux.
Fast forward roughly a year and I was having difficulty swallowing, among other symptoms. I ended up being referred to a gastroenterologist who almost immediately suggested Celiac disease. I tested positive in a blood test and am now awaiting my endoscopy.
My Symptoms
I should mention that I haven't yet been officially diagnosed with Celiac, and I'm not certain that all my symptoms can be attributed to the disease. However, the things that gradually got worse for me when eating gluten included:
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Stomach/abdominal pain
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Alternating diarrhea and constipation
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Gas and bloating
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Bone/joint pain
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Shakiness
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Muscle twitches
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Muscle cramping
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Weight loss
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Trouble thinking ("brain fog")
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Fatigue
My Plan
For about the next week or so, until my endoscopy is finished, I will continue eating gluten. This is so the doctor can obtain an "accurate biopsy." I'm not entirely sure why I need to suffer and continue eating gluten until then, but I don't feel like arguing with the one doctor who believes my symptoms are real and could be the result of this disease.
After my endoscopy, I plan to begin eating gluten free as much as possible. I may even give paleo diet another try. I tried it once before, purely as an experiment, and I recall feeling much better during that time. I had more energy and clearer thinking. Maybe it's the "brain fog" talking, but I can't recall now why I stopped doing the paleo diet.
Hopefully, this lifestyle change will help me to focus on other areas of health in my life and maybe even serve as an example to those around me to eat a more natural and healthy diet.