Gluten Free and FINALLY ALIVE

by Gaylene
(New Zealand)

I was 48 before I was diagnosed coeliac.I was always tiny as a child and had late onset puberty. I have had very vague symptoms all my life but my major symptom was iron deficiency anaemia. I was thought to have pernicious anaemia as a child my ferritin levels were so low.

I have been GF since Jan 2008 and I really know the difference my energy levels are now what I think an 18 year old would have.

I have not been sporty as I have not had the energy. I now bike up to 20ks and swim 1k every two or three days!! I have entered the round Taupo relay for the last three years but this year was so much easier with my higher ferritin/iron levels. I have gone from a feritin of 7 to a ferritin of 44 yay.


I now know that the many miscariages I suffered were due to my coelieacs and it is great to finally have a reason for so much loss. My teeth are a bit fragile also due to coeliacs but apart from that I think I have been very fortunate.


I was picked up as coeliac when my iron levels failed to maintain the slight increase they had made post hysterectomy. The Doctor at the rural hospital I work at told me he thought I had an absorption problem as there was no other source of blood loss and he told me to get my GP to do a coeliac test which I did and it was positive I then had the gastroscopy which confirmed the diagnosis.

I have no problems being GF but it is interesting to see my family members reactions. One sister will not get tested although she is a probable coeliac her reasoning is that if she does not know she will not have to change her diet!!

My Dad is angry that I have to suffer and can't just go get takeaways now, Mum went and got tested straight away but she is not coeliac. Another sister will not get tested she has a hiatus hernia and thinks that is enough to deal with for now!!

My husband and children are really good they can see the real difference it has made to me although they think I should be able to have just a little gluten and not be quite so pedantic, "surely a little bit will not hurt". I am not willing to run the risk. I love being GF.