Living Beyond Gluten: My Journey with Celiac Disease

May 23, 2024
Kate Glick

The Meaning of Food

Food is not only essential for survival but also a representation of culture and pleasure. Yet, for me, food means something entirely different. As someone with Celiac Disease, each meal I consume requires meticulous planning and vigilance. Unlike my friends who seldom ponder their meal choices, I must examine every ingredient and query how each dish is prepared..

My Diagnosis Story

Diagnosed with Celiac Disease at age 12, I encountered numerous health challenges, including persistent headaches, being underweight, and experiencing daily nosebleeds and hives. During treatment for another condition, Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a blood disorder leading to bruising and bleeding, my hematologist uncovered the true cause of my symptoms—Celiac Disease. The diagnosis was fortunate, as my symptoms were atypical.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. Common in foods like bread, pizza, pasta, and pastries, gluten causes my immune system to mistakenly attack my small intestine. This attack damages the villi—tiny hair-like structures that absorb nutrients—preventing me from absorbing essential nutrients.

For some, this results in digestive symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Over time, continuous gluten exposure can severely damage the intestines and lead to serious conditions such as infertility, nerve damage, certain cancers, and osteoporosis.

The Gluten-Free Challenge

The only current treatment for Celiac Disease is a strict gluten-free diet. Since adopting this diet, most of my symptoms have significantly diminished—I quickly gained weight, grew six inches, and my headaches eased. However, maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging and can often feel isolating. Social outings, such as dining out with friends, require careful planning to ensure food safety. If a restaurant is not celiac-aware, I must eat beforehand or bring my own food, missing out on shared experiences like enjoying a pizza or an ice cream cake.

Growth and Gratitude

Despite these challenges, I’ve grown to adapt and appreciate the accommodations made by my family and friends. Living with Celiac Disease has taught me resilience and the importance of self-care. I’ve become proficient at reading labels, advocating for myself in social situations, and prioritizing my health. It has also heightened my empathy towards others facing disabilities and life struggles.

Advocacy and Future Goals

Living with Celiac Disease does not define me, but it has significantly shaped who I am and who I aspire to be. Understanding the impact of this condition, I am committed to providing resources and support to help others with Celiac Disease lead easier and more fulfilling lives. My goal is to raise awareness and advocate for the needs of those living with this condition.