Even if your doctor doesn’t believe you, you must be your own advocate:

Many years ago, I felt like there was “something wrong” with me. I didn’t feel good. I had no energy, couldn’t keep a thought in my head, I was bloated after eating, I had no energy, I hurt everywhere. Did I mention I had no energy?

I decided to go to the doctor. This was a huge step for me because I hate going to doctors. They blame everything on your weight!! After several months I realized that they had given me medication for all of my issues. I was given antibiotics for an on-going sinus infection, a cream for the rash I had, a pill for IBS, a stool softener for constipation (I know right?), a pill for anxiety, a pill for blood pressure, a pill for a-fib and several different pills for the pain. I continued to gain weight. And one day while walking the park, I had an excruciating, stop you where you are, pain in my side. My dad had that same kind of pain. He died of colon cancer when I was 18. I drove to Kaiser and made an appointment to see my doctor. He finally consented to an upper and lower GI just to shut me up and prove me wrong. I was sure I had colon cancer.

Long story short, I was diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease. I had no Celia in my upper intestine. This causes food to not be processed correctly and make gluten not like you. I was told not to eat wheat. I did a lot of research online and realized that many of my symptoms were caused by Celiac’s. If you are having issues, you know your body far better than anyone.  Be persistent; be proactive. If you are having multiple symptoms and it just can’t be figured out, google it!!

If you are needing help with creating your wellness plan Contact Karen G Clemenson of Wellness Works NW, located in Longview, Washington. Wellness Works NW serves Cowlitz County and the surrounding areas.

Barb Berg lives life to the fullest! She loves horses and people! Over the past few years Barb has had to make changes to her life after finding out that she has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. In June 2016 Barb also lived though knee replacement surgery. These experiences have encouraged her to learn more about nutrition and exercise. Barb would like to encourage other people living with Celiac Disease to live and thrive on their path toward wellness. Barb resides in Cowlitz County with her husband and grown children and works with Cowlitz AmeriCorps. She is the author of Celiac Living.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below!