Waaaaaa~

Late last year, I decided to risk two weeks of gluten in order to take the standardized celiac disease test. My initial diagnosis was made through an incredibly long process of elimination before the standardized celiac disease blood test was available in America. In order for it to be added onto my diagnosis sheet however, I needed standardized test results. I wanted to have that in case I was in the situation again where I could not speak for myself, or could not effectively communicate, and needed medical care. Still, I was ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED. I had lost consciousness from severe dehydration and anemia thanks to this condition before! I was so shocked that the results were negative that we did another two weeks of gluten and I retook the test. I've lived gluten-free for over a decade! As it turns out, I have a gluten sensitivity compounded with an over-production of stomach acid, and the foods that I ate with gluten also aggravated the stomach acid issue and the combined symptoms mimicked celiac disease. The stomach acid is what damaged my intestines. My current doctor also believes the constant acidity of my stomach is why I am constantly hungry (literally). I now have a prescription for antacids and am learning what it means to be satiated. I'm still instructed to not consume gluten, but I've been enjoying eating the foods I've missed and have always wanted to try in moderation, no longer afraid it'll kill me. Let me tell you, there is absolutely no comparable gluten-free alternative for a fluffy yeast-risen donut.