Celiac Disease

Every year the Gluten Intolerance Group has a convention and this year it is in Orlando. I looked into it and thought about making a trip back home and going to the conference. I looked into the conference price, and while it isn't a ridiculous amount of money I still would rather spend that much money elsewhere. They have a scholarship fund that 'first timers' can apply for and the registration fee will be covered. I got the call today that I won a full scholarship and upon telling my family we decided it was for one of the following reasons, either I am a great writer or have a talent for making people feel sorry for me. I'd like to think its first one, though the latter could be useful! Needless to say, I will be in Orlando in July to hopefully learn the latest and live a lifestyle my poor body can handle.



Here is the winning essay:



Celiac Disease? What? My first doctor thought it was lactose intolerance. My second doctor tested me multiple times for anemia, all negative. I had been sick since my senior year in high school; unexplained fatigue, indigestion, and acid erosion led to my final diagnosis. I was a junior in college, studying to become an elementary school teacher when my symptoms became unbearable. I had spent years in constant discomfort and was ready for an answer. I was diagnosed with acid reflux when I was 16, but my current doctor was surprised I had never had an EGD. The specialist was able to determine, from intestinal biopsy, that I have Celiac Disease.

After my diagnosis I thought everything would be alright, I finally knew what was wrong. But I had no idea the battle I would be facing every day, eating out, parties, and even grocery shopping. I went to the store a few days after I found out, and after I had done some research and cried as I paced the aisles looking at everything I can’t have. It has not been an easy road, I have spent the last 2 years going through the 5 stages of grieving. I was in denial; I was the only one in my family diagnosed with something that had a genetic connection. Next was anger, I was so mad I, of all people had to deal with it. Then came bargaining; I didn’t quite understand the disease, and thought if I cut back on gluten I could feel better while continuing to enjoy some of my favorite foods. Depression hit with a strong force and nearly debilitated me. I was in my first year of teaching second grade and the stress of teaching coupled with a complete lifestyle change left me feeling frustrated, hopeless, and at the mercy of my body. I am making my way into the last and final stage, acceptance. I know there is something I can do and that is eat the way my body needs me to eat.

I have done my research online, met others in my area suffering from the same disease, and attended local health food store demonstrations. While these have all been beneficial to me, I know I will learn so much from attending the 2011 GIG Conference. I need to find the ‘Treasures in a Gluten Free World’ to keep myself healthy and happy. I am a recent college graduate, living across the country from my family and support system, learning the ways of adulthood and trying to make it on my own. When I learned about the Conference I knew immediately I wanted to attend, but the cost was my only drawback. Monetary assistance applied to the registration fee would make it possible for me to attend the conference in July. I have never attended a GIG event and know the education I receive from it will be priceless.