It is amazing how !many folks I know continue to suffer needlessly from their Celiac disease. Unlike other diseases where there are medications and !any unknowns, with Celiuac disease there are no meds, and the cause is known. In other words, there is no mystery. So why then, do some continue to suffer. Let's discuss!
1. Compliance - not eating gluten, period, the end. I find many are challenged to give up foods or deal with the emotions off a child who does not want to stick it out. BUT, I dont know anyone that would not give it all up to save the life of a loved one. Guess what, if you give up gluten you WlLL save the life of a loved one. Untreated (still eating gluten) damage and eventual death will result. How quickly depends on how quickly your body looses the battle.
2. Planning - leaving the house unprepared, no backup plan or Plan B. Gotta have it! If you were allergic to bee stings, you would carry that little needle filled with your miracle drug. Same goes here. You are allergic to, unable to digest, going to be very sick if you eat gluten. So don't!! Until you are saavy, carry food, bread, alternate list at all times. It is your lifeline. One small exposure could set you back a year! Not worth it.
3. Results - not seeing any difference? Well, are you 100% gluten free? Then do not expect to see much for feeling better. Until you remove what is making you sick completely......it will continue to make you sick. Has it been long enough? It will take a solid 3-6 months to see major changes but right away you will start noticing steps to wellness such as less severe or fewer migraines, decreased or absent GI symptoms or diarrhea, less joinbt pain or flare ups.
4. Patience - this has been with you since the beginning even though you found out at 44. A lifetime of damage and disease is not going to go away immediately. So I say ' grow up, quit being such a baby' or 'I know it has been a difficult road but you are going to feel better each day!' Whichever works best for you, go with that!
5. Accountability - you own this. It is not anyone elses fault nor can anyone else fix it. Take control, own it all, good and bad. If you want to go on a big trip you charge it and go. A quick solution, a short term reward, a lifetime to repair. Your Celiac disease is similar in that we may do good for a bit, then binge on bad food putting us back where we started or WORSE. So take charge, make good decisions because the pay off is your life!!
