Why Self-Diagnosis of Celiac Disease Can Be Harmful

I have been researching various websites on the topic of Celiac Disease. A majority of these websites have forums, where readers can comment on what they have read. Some of the comments I have read are pretty disturbing. There have been people who state that they feel sick after eating bread, or anything else with gluten in it. Then they say that they may have Celiac Disease, and instead of going to the doctor, they put themselves on a gluten free diet, and automatically feel better. Then, they try eating food with gluten in it, and then get sick. Now they're convinced they have Celiac Disease. They go back on the gluten free diet, and stay on it.

I have a serious problem with people who self-diagnose themselves with Celiac Disease. For one thing, if you suspect you have Celiac, you need to go to the doctor, BEFORE going on a gluten free diet. Here's the reason why: The doctor will order a blood test, and a biopsy, to see if you do have Celiac. If you begin eating gluten free food, before these tests, Celiac Disease will NOT show up on the blood test and biopsy. You are only screwing yourselves if you diagnose yourself as Celiac. Only the doctor can diagnose you. Celiac is a serious illness, and should not be messed with. Trust me, you don't want to suffer the consequences of not being properly diagnosed.

I was diagnosed "very positive" with Celiac Disease. I went YEARS experiencing symptoms. I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when I was very young, and I later found out that Celiac is always mistaken with IBS. I should have been tested for Celiac when I was 11 years of age. However, back then, Celiac Disease was extremely rare, and gluten free food was impossible to find.
Last year, I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy. Despite being gluten free since 2011, my biopsy still showed Celiac Disease damage. That is what happens when you go years without being properly diagnosed.

Like I said, if you suspect that you have Celiac, or an allergy to gluten, make an appointment with your doctor BEFORE going gluten free. As soon as you have symptoms of intolerance, talk to your doctor. The earlier you are diagnosed, the easier it is to heal the small intestine.

(photo courtesy of: http://www.celiac.com/content_images/celiac_disease_symptoms_thumb.jpg)

Celebrities who have Celiac Disease

Getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease can be pretty tough (believe me, I remember how hard it was for me). You may be the first among your family and/or friends that has been diagnosed as Celiac. It can be lonely (even though my grandmother had it, and I was partially raised by her, she had been gone for a few years when I was diagnosed. I had no one). What gave me some comfort was that I was not alone. Some of the celebrities I look up to were also Celiac Disease sufferers. People like Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Emmy Rossum had been living with the disease for years before I was diagnosed. I researched both and learned a lot from them. Also, learning that my first celeb crush has 2 Celiacs in his family really helped me feel less alone. Here is a list of celebs who have diagnosed Celiac Disease: Elizabeth Hasselbeck (public figure) Emmy Rossum (actress) Wil Wheaton's mom and sister Meg Cabot (author) Sarah Joy Brown (actress) Joe C (rapper who frequently performed with

South Park's Gluten-Free Ebola Episode

photo credit: southparkdigital Greetings Celiac Warriors! Recently, South Park did a gluten free episode that got a lot of attention in the gluten free and Celiac communities. For the most part, the reaction has been positive. Many folks, including myself, found it hilarious. You may be wondering what the episode was about. I'm going to give you the cliff notes version: The episode starts off with the kids returning to school after their start up company fails. Then the show cuts to the teachers lounge where the teachers are discussing Mr. Mackey who has gone gluten free. Mr. Mackey comes back and starts blaming all the world's problems on gluten. A co-worker becomes annoyed by all the gluten free talk and starts screaming at Mr. Mackey to shut up. Mackey states that behavior problems are due to gluten consumption. A female teacher expresses interest in going gluten free. Later on, the boys are on the radio promoting an "epic" party. Callers ask the boys i

Celiac Women At a Decreased Risk for Hormone-Related Cancers.

When it comes to Celiac Disease, there really are not many benefits to the disease. However, research has shown that women, who have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, are at a lower risk for hormone-related cancers, which include Endometrial, Breast, and Ovarian Cancers. Women with Celiac Disease are 15% less likely to develop Breast Cancer, 40% less likely to develop Endometrial Cancer, and 11% less like to develop Ovarian Cancer. Researchers believe that this is due to a decreased level of female hormones that promote reproductive Cancers. Sources: http://thesavvyceliac.com/2012/09/22/celiac-may-reduce-breast-cancer-in-women/ http://www.celiac.com/articles/23048/1/Women-With-Celiac-Disease-At-Lower-Risk-for-Hormone-Related-Cancers/Page1.html (photo courtesy of: http://uvahealth.com/services/digestive-health-1/images-and-docs/landing_page_main_digestive2.jpg/image_large )

Celiac Warrior Gal

Search This Blog