My Story & How My Celiac Life Came To Be

Ever since I was a young girl, I always knew something wasn’t right with my stomach. After lactose tests, a variety of false diagnoses, and a vacation where I became extremely sick, I said, “That’s it! I am taking matters into my own hands, it can’t simply be lactose intolerance, and IBS or IBD.” So, my research began!
 
After some exploration, I decided that my symptoms were very similar to individuals with gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease. Whilst still on vacation, I decided I would cut out gluten entirely for the rest of the trip. This time around, cutting out gluten was not to the extreme that I am aware of now, as I was still consuming dressings, nuts, yogurts, etc. that I didn’t realize had gluten in them. However, cutting out my original understanding of what gluten was from my diet made a significant difference to how I was feeling the rest of my trip.
 
Upon my arrival back home, I made an appointment with my doctor, and explained to him that I think I have a gluten intolerance of some sort, and told him about my experience on vacation. He insisted that I am likely not Celiac nor do I have a gluten intolerance, but I insisted on getting the blood tests to confirm. Of course, my blood test came back positive, showing that I was Celiac. Unfortunately, that also meant I needed to continue to eat equivalent to a piece of bread every day in order to confirm my Celiac Disease through a scope procedure 4 months later. THIS WAS BRUTAL!
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4 months later (thankfully) the scope day had finally come! It was finally confirmed that I had Celiac Disease, and this was to be the first day of my new life as a Celiac! Although this was a relief, it also meant it was the start of my tough but survivable journey! Learning how to eat and function when I was 16 on an entirely gluten free diet was a challenge (who would think that so many products have gluten?). From toothpaste, to makeup and dish soap, I had to learn eating, drinking, and living, all over again! Visiting doctors, nutritionists, and talking to others who were going through the same situation as me became my coping mechanism.
 
8 years of finding my true strength and learning to cope with this disease, lead me to start My Celiac Life! I want to help those who have Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance, and teach them how to overcome their struggles, find brands that they are able to eat, and just live a normal and happy life! I want to help people in the same way that others helped me. I believe in the importance of being courageous and taking all possible steps to improve your life. We are a community who understands, loves, and cares for each other! Let’s get through this the only way we know how! Come along for a ride with My Celiac Life ~ Learn with me, grow with me, eat with me.
 
Love to all xo,
Tarryn

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