Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Today My World Changes

In spite of the title, this post is not about the election. Those thoughts, I will not post on my blog. Today was the day I finally had my biopsy via upper endoscopy, to medically confirm a diagnosis of celiac disease. I found out around two months ago, after bloodwork, that I most likely had celiac disease. Since that time, I've been learning as much as I can about celiac and what life will be like for me now.

Today, the procedure was short and sweet. I was under anesthesia, so I felt nothing. I woke up quickly. I was home quickly, and other than instructions not to drive for 24 hours, I am back to my normal self.

The BEST part about today was the fact that I have an amazing medical team. My new GI doctor is just starting up the Celiac clinic at the hospital/medical center that I have almost all of my doctors at. Another great thing is that the hospital/medical center that I use is a research hospital. One of the best in the nation. Sadly, it is VERY rare that this hospital has studies that focus on T1 diabetes. However, before my procedure today my GI doctor ask me if I wanted to be part of a study for celiac. I didn't even let her finish her sentence. I said yes.

I had to let her explain it to me, of course, but it was exciting, nonetheless. Basically, they just did one additional thing when they went in for my procedure. They are trying to find a way to check for celiac and healing of the small intestine without having to do a biopsy every time. That sounds AMAZING! They basically want to see if they can tell about healing from the density (how close together) the cells are. I don't know if it will work, but if I can help them find out, I am glad I did my part.

With my doctor's permission, I am starting my gluten free diet today, however, I'm going slow. I am going to learn to eat gluten free and slowly work my way up to worrying about cross contamination. Healing will start soon. I'll learn how to avoid cross contamination (to the best of my ability). And life will go on.

I have new goals and a new outlook on life. And that is okay.

1 comment:

meanderings said...

You sound so positive! I'm impressed. And yay, you, for signing up for a study. I wish you great success as you change your diet. You're a strong and determined young woman so I have faith that you're going to be great! Hugs!