BEING ill and not knowing why was a an exhausting three years for Michelle Loadsman When she was diagnosed with Coeliac disease all she felt was relief.
Suffering from anaemia and unexplained weight loss, doctors were looking into what may be causing Michelle’s problems when they found she had Coeliac disease.
“I lost 15 kilos in three months and just didn’t feel like eating, so since being diagnosed I feel great,” Michelle told The Singleton Argus.
The anaemia was caused by the fact that her body was not absorbing any vitamins or minerals from the food she was eating.
The Coeliac Society of Australia explain that the disease is the result of an auto-immune response which means that the body produces antibodies that attacks its own tissues.
This response is triggered by eating gluten.
“We just changed the flour and now study the labels to see what products contain gluten,” Michelle said.
“You would be surprised by the amount of products that contain gluten and how now there are a lot more companies who are releasing separate gluten free products.
“Even though I don’t drink it, I think it is amazing that there is even gluten free beer.”
Around one per cent of the Australian population has Coeliac disease but currently fewer than one in five has been diagnosed.
Pin pointing the disease can be difficult and many people may go on for years undiagnosed.
Coeliac Awareness Week (March 13 to 20) aims to make people more aware of the condition and it’s symptoms.
The disease can not be cured but can be managed with a gluten free diet.
“I don’t find that it limits me in any way and we have just travelled to Africa, Thailand and Mauritius and had no problems at all with the airline or accommodation,” Michelle said.
“There is a lot of things that can just have the gluten substituted – we had pizza the other night that was fantastic and the kids gobbled it up too.
“Awareness is improving as many more products and books have come on the market just in the three years since I was diagnosed and this is happening more and more.”
The disease has not disrupted Michelle’s lifestyle in any way but there are a few things that she misses like hot cross buns at Easter time.
Many cafés and restaurants have become accommodating for customers with Coeliac disease, making savoury and sweet selections gluten free.
Being a member of the Singleton Coeliac Support group and The Coeliac Society of Australia has helped to make Michelle’s adaptation to the diet easier.
“They are great for recipe ideas, information and medical research,” Michelle said.
Being diagnosed with Coeliac disease requires a biopsy from the small bowl, but a blood test can be taken for initial screening.
“There is probably a lot of people who have Coeliac disease but do not know it,” Michelle warned.
People should contact their doctor if they are concerned or uncertain about anything.
For more information about the Singleton Coeliac Society, contact Dawn Russell on 6579 1151.
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