“Life is a journey filled with lessons from unexpected obstacles that can later be fundamental to our success.”
Life is a journey filled with lessons from unexpected obstacles that can later be fundamental to our success. Sometimes we have to experience setbacks or failures. One of these challenges I experienced that forced me to re-evaluate my entire lifestyle was being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
In December 2020, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after years of gastrointestinal problems. This meant that I had to quickly accept my life was going to change drastically. Celiac Disease is a life-long autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestines. If left untreated, it can cause other autoimmune disorders, cancers, and neurological disorders to develop. It is a chronic disease that occurs when you consume gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. I have to strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet, including avoiding cross-contamination, as even the slightest exposure to gluten could have adverse effects on my health. This became a bigger challenge than I ever imagined.
Initially, this was very frightening and overwhelming. The thought of giving up my favorite foods was distressing. While it was difficult to come to terms with, I continued to navigate through this challenging period as best as I could. Grocery shopping became a meticulous process, requiring me to scrutinize every label for hidden gluten. Eating out at restaurants proved even more challenging, as even small amounts of cross-contamination of gluten would make me sick. This was, and continues to be, probably one of the most frustrating aspects of celiac disease.
Throughout the last few years, Celiac Disease has had a profound effect on my life. I’ve grappled with feelings of isolation and frustration at times, as my dietary restrictions make social situations challenging. Simple things like getting together with family or friends to go out to eat or attending gatherings, now required immense planning ahead of time. I couldn’t just go grab pizza or a sandwich with friends. The social aspect of meals became a source of anxiety, as I felt like my dietary needs became an inconvenience to others. I had to learn to be vigilant in restaurants with the management or chef about how my meals were handled and prepared. While this proved to be very challenging for me as a teenager, it taught me the importance of advocating for myself, my health and my own well-being.
Living with Celiac Disease has undoubtedly been a challenging experience. However, I have grown in immeasurable ways through these struggles. It forced me to quickly adapt, to become resilient, and to self advocate. My struggle with Celiac Disease has also made me more sensitive to others. I realized that everyone has challenges or disabilities, whether they are visible or invisible, and it is essential to treat others with empathy and understanding. Today, I am grateful for the lessons I learned during this setback. Everyone faces adversity, but it is essential to confront it head-on. When we do this, our greatest challenges often become our most profound personal discoveries.
- Anonymous