This is a hard post to write. Not because the subject is difficult, but because celiac disease is literally attacking my brain right now. Microscopic amounts of gluten have slipped into my system twice (I think) in the past two weeks, and my brain is having a hard time processing words. It’s having an even harder time spitting them out in a coherent manner.
Contrary to popular belief, gluten doesn’t send all celiacs sprinting to the bathroom. For many of us, this disease hits us in every part of our body.
Celiac Disease Symptoms – Courtesy of Gluten Dude
For me, the scariest part of this disease is the effect on my brain. Sometimes I wonder what kind of damage is actually being done. When I can’t concentrate on the book I’m reading, I picture little green men hammering away at my frontal lobe. When I can’t process thoughts quickly enough to have an intelligent conversation, I picture my brain melting into a soupy mess.
At times like this, there isn’t much I can do except rest and wait for my body to heal. As I wait for the healing to come, I pray for a cure. I hope for a day when I can be completely healed. I dream of a day I can walk into a restaurant and order whatever I want.
And as I wait, I support those who advocate for people with celiac disease. People like Gluten Dude, Celiac and the Beast, and Jennifer Esposito. Dietitians like Rachel Begun, Debra Riedesel, and Tricia Thompson. Doctors like Alessio Fasano and the team at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.
And now after typing all these words, my brain is begging for me to stop and rest. It’s time to give in. There’s not much else I can do today.
But rest.
And wait.
And hope that one day, this disease will be undone.
***
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Thanks for sharing, especially when you’re feeling so bad. Just the other day my 9 year old said, “I wish there was a pill I could take before I eat, like people who feel yucky when they drink milk.” I usually cringe when I hear ads for magic weight loss pills or other scams, but I do wish there was a way to prevent the effects of being glutened.
Oh Robin, me too. So much.
Glad you shared, I’m about to write something too. I’ve been sick again for about 6 weeks and it’s so frustrating. Unless I eat bland foods I get sick. I wish I could trade in my system.
Normally, I’d give the old pep talk, but after the few weeks I’ve had, not much pep in me. Hang in there. The sun will come out tomorrow…
ugh. i’m sorry… rest and be well!
I’m so, so sorry you are feeling bad! Thinking of you!! xo
I empathize with the brain fog as an extremely frustrating and scary symptom. I don’t have celiac but the brain fog that comes with fibromyalgia is the same. Makes my life working in an office utterly miserable at times. I feel for you Lys. Hope the little green hammering men take a vacation soon!!
oh gosh Alysa, prayers for your healing! I’m so sorry you feel awful!
hope you feel better soon!