Everyday now I check http://lionslemonade.blogspot.com to see how and what is going on with the lioness. I have been inspired in such a way that I have become motivated! YES! I have learned to ask myself, "What motivates you?" I have not shared a lot of my journey with Celiac Disease, because I didn't want to sound defeated. Now, I see how me sharing can help others. I didn't want feel like I was just accepting the disease. I'm not. I'm fighting it! BOOM BOOM POW!
A few years back, Josh (husband) and I divorced. We were apart for about 6months.
I was attending RN school & being a mom. I covered up the stress with excercise(running/walking 5miles a day) and dancing my weekends away. I felt tired a lot. Not a little tired...so tired that when I came in from school I would take long long long naps. I just contributed the fatigue to my lifestyle. I kept on going.
One morning I woke up, and decided to eat a few pretzels for breakfast. The minute the first pretzel touched my toungue: I vomited. I was clueless to why??? I had no idea.
Josh and I decided to date again. We ended up remarrying. YAY!
I kept getting what I would call ATTACKS. I would get headaches, feel hot, nauseated, & extremely fatigued. ( the other symptoms were kinda gross) I didn't want to go to the doctor. I would go through spells of thinking I was dying to thinking I was just fine.
After a while, I got tired of it all. I felt like people thought I was crazy-like I was a hypochondriac.
THE DOCTOR
I decided to go to the doctor. Male doctors are not my piece of cake...no offense. I just feel more comfortable with female docs. Dr. Gastro came recommended by my mother. So ,I decided he would be the best choice. Off I went. (MARCH)
He listened to all of my symptoms, and prescribed me IBS meds. I started taking them. No change. He also scheduled a blood test. About a week later, I got a call from the Dr.'s office. They said that I had gluten sensitivity and some other junk, and they needed to do more tests. I was like,"What!?!" I had no idea what that meant, and was a little scared. I cried to my mama. It wasn't explained to me or anything. All I knew was that I had something wrong for real! All I could think about was Natalie.
Next: I have an EGD done. I was nervous, but didn't show it. They put this weird object into my mouth that held it open and a second later...I was out. I remember feeling like I was waking up. I could feel them in my throat...then out I went again. Nausea became a normal thing for me...and after I woke up from the EGD, I was very nauseated. VERY
Next was the colonoscopy. I had heard about the dreaded concoction. Yes, it's terrible. I puked up the last bit. The colonoscopy wasn't too bad...I made sure they gave me something for nausea.
LYMPH NODES
Before I went to sleep for my colonoscopy, I told Dr. Gastro about some lymph nodes on the left side of my neck that had me concerned. He felt my neck and said, "do you know what muscle that is?" and I said yes.
When I woke up at home, Josh informed me that Dr. Gastro said, "Bring her back in April. I'll prove to her those aren't lymph nodes." I was offended. He just looked at my rear, and is being a smarty pants. I called his office and told them that I would just cancel my follow up, because I really didn't appreciate what he said to my husband. The lady said,"You really need to come in for the follow up at least." I said," okay. I'll come to that."
When I woke up at home, Josh informed me that Dr. Gastro said, "Bring her back in April. I'll prove to her those aren't lymph nodes." I was offended. He just looked at my rear, and is being a smarty pants. I called his office and told them that I would just cancel my follow up, because I really didn't appreciate what he said to my husband. The lady said,"You really need to come in for the follow up at least." I said," okay. I'll come to that."
Next thing you know, I recieve a letter from Dr. Gastro saying he can't be my doctor anymore...basically because we couldn't get along. In my opinion, this is a cowardly act. I already didn't want to go...but they insisted. SO, I never got educated on Celiac Disease=not knowing how serious this was to my overall health. I went to another wonderful DR. and she felt my neck and confirmed the nodes. I had a PET scan, and yes they are lymph nodes...but they look normal. PHEW. Come to find out...swollen lymph nodes are a side of having Celiac Disease.
HERE WE GO
Now for the next two years I am educating my self. I am on and off of a gluten free diet.
I hate Celiac Disease! after living most of my life w/gluten. Living w/o gluten really sucked. Being in the south doesn't help. Fried chicken, bisquits...I mean really?
A lot of people believe that CD causes you to lose weight...well no. I felt alone...like something was wrong with my body in particular. I went from 145-190lbs. I then decided to do my own research, and found that I wasn't alone. A ton of folks gain weight with CD.
We eat gluten free, our bodies are hungry for nutrients and stored everything and nom nom. Then, I would cave and eat some cake or a cracker and BLAHHHCK. Puke! I rebelled against the disease. But my body didn't. I thought," this is not fair." and etc. The usual pity party. Crying...then getting mad. Back and forth til I hit 190lbs.
HERE I AM
Eating gluten free the best I can. I test foods sometimes. A couple weeks ago, I tried to eat some chicken wings, not breaded, but covered in sauce.(most sauces contain gluten-modified food starch). I puked everything up that I ate that day. It was horrible.I haven't been that sick in a while.
Whenever I get sick, it makes me feel discouraged. I try not to be guided by my feelings, but the hope I have that comes from God. God keeps me strong.
Sunday morning I decided to have a little bit of cereal. I started feeling that lump in my throat on the way to church, and on the way home was very nauseated. I hold it down the best I can, and did not vomit. I know I should stop the lactose products, but it makes me so mad! I mean I already can't have wheat, rye, or barley. Which is in a lot of things. UGH!!! Eventually I will probably go lactose free. But I am currently fighting it!
I have starting taking a med to help me lose a little weight. I take the minimum dose, and it helps me not feel so tired. In 2weeks I have lost about 10lbs. Helps curve my appetite. You see...when I went gluten free my body began craving sugar.(Think about it...I cut out all white flour=bread products) In case you were wondering, there is no medication for Celiac Disease.
People do die from this disease. It is so important that my family and friends understand how important it is for me to follow this life change of no gluten. Most of all, I want to be healthy enough to continue to see my daughter grow up and live her life.
The Lioness doesn't know how much her blog has changed my life. Her battle seems so much more than mine...yet I feel we are in some way the same. She is special to me;)
God has put so many new people into my life this year:)
Memarie=is a young teen w/Crohn's disease...she understands lots of how I feel.
(talented too)
her mom-Tracy=aka the manager=she encourages me to keep going and stop whining:) God is my strength! I love her for that! We're going to see Dolly!
MY MUSIC CLASS=once a week I get to hang out with some of the coolest folk on the planet...they have encouraged me so much...and God has used them to pour into my life...He used them to show me how much He loves me and that I am somebody:)
of course there are more.
My daughter is a constant reminder that I need to stay healthy. I want to be an example.
Sunday afternoon, I watched an Iron Man competition special. I was inspired again. My goal is by the time I am 40 to be in the most awesome shape of my life. ME and my Robyn are gonna train like an Iron Woman.I say this with a litle nervousness. I love a challenge, but I hate to fail.
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 24:16
I will get back up again! Belee DAT!
I have so much more to say, but I guess I'll save it for next time:)
1 out of 133 have Celiac Disease
(autoimmune disease)
there are tons of sites.
O man. oh oh man. OH WOMAN!
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