Gluten-Free Lifestyle
my journey with celiac disease
Uncovering Celiac Disease
Throughout my early childhood, I faced many health challenges that left me apprehensive of my ability to overcome the barriers that interfered with my quality of life. I would often stay home from school or activities because I felt unwell. Despite my family’s best efforts, we were left with unanswered questions as to what had a chokehold on my life. I’d seen various doctors who failed to diagnose my condition. When I was six, I underwent an allergy skin prick test. I was confused why various needles were painfully poking my back. The healthcare professional administering these pricks didn’t provide any comfort and I left the clinic in tears: Those test results came back revealing no answers. When I was eleven, I went to OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for another round of testing. I was prepared to spend my life with constant illness as this struggle has been ongoing for as long as I could remember. However, my blood test results revealed a diagnosis for what had been consuming my life for the past eleven years: Celiac disease.
Life After My Diagnosis
Living with my new diagnosis did not come easy. This new lifestyle challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally. In 2012, I had to learn about what a gluten allergy entailed in a society where it was not as commonly understood as it is presently. There were hard days when my peers would taunt my diagnosis, which made me feel isolated. I found it difficult to comprehend why I was different. However, these struggles transformed into strength as I became resilient while facing obstacles. I sought out opportunities to enhance my knowledge of celiac disease and made conscious decisions. As I embraced my differences, my abilities to acknowledge diversity, embrace equity, be empathetic, and cultivate an inclusive environment grew. I took the initiative to improve my health and my mistakes became learning opportunities. I established a responsibility to care for others, directing me towards my dream of becoming a healthcare professional.
Discovering My Dream of Becoming A Physical Therapist
When I was an adolescent, my time as a physical therapy patient instilled confidence in my abilities to care for myself but also gave me the tools to succeed after being discharged. My passion for physical therapy ignited as this profession motivated me to approach my health goals and redefine my perceived limitations. I learned that physical therapy does not simply label a disability but guides patients through overcoming challenges. My experiences as a patient ignited my ambition to empower others in this way. Allergies shaped my life by enabling me to take the initiative in writing my own story, providing me with confidence in my abilities to face any challenges, fueling my ambition to impact others, and directing me towards my dream of becoming a physical therapist. As a woman living with celiac disease, I value the commitment to patient health, as I understand how meaningful that support is when nurturing one to feel empowered to embrace their life.