Gathering GF Resources to Live Better

As overwhelming as it is to be newly diagnosed as a Celiac, there are more resources than ever before to draw from- and it is growing! The internet is an invaluable source of information ranging from recipes, to tips and suggestions, as well as medical advice related to your condition. This can compliment your library of information at home, as well as help out in informing your doctor about the various nuances of living with Celiac Disease. Most of you out there likely have a GP/Family doctor, or possibly a Pediatrician for your child- however, the likelihood of your doctor knowing all the various issues that can be associated with being a Celiac is small. There is just too much to know- your doctor is not a walking human encyclopedia of medical knowledge. Case in point- my daughter, after having been on the gf diet for almost a year, was still struggling with significant fatigue. We visited our family doctor countless times, had her tested for deficiencies in iron, etc. We were told that her levels were normal each time. We were then told to follow a strict regimen for sleep- and still she struggled with fatigue. Next, sleep disorders were considered... But all the while I had the nagging feeling that my daughter was deficient in something (since this can be a celiac issue). I read and read, and everything pointed to her being deficient- but her blood work said otherwise. Then I discovered this article. http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_6/iron_works-1831-1.html It explained that Celiac's often need higher blood levels of iron than the general population. Eureka! I showed the article to our doctor, who then prescribed iron- and within days my daughter felt much better. (Her iron levels were at the lowest end of what is considered normal I later found out.) My point is that we need to be proactive in our health care- use the resources at your disposal. Empower yourself. But also realize that not everything on the web or in books will apply to you (some things can be harmful- like too much iron)- you and your doctor need to work as a team to discover what is right for you.