About Me
Hi!
My name is Alanah and I am the person behind Gluten Hates My Guts. I started my social media platforms in 2022 to help others navigate their gluten free lifestyle. I opened my store in 2023, selling all things gluten free/coeliac related. My goal is to provide resources on how to safely eat out, travel and live your day to day life with ease.
My Coeliac Disease Story
I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease in 2015 after suffering with symptoms for over 10 years.
I thought I was a pretty healthy child growing up. I was hardly ever sick, I never visited the doctor and never skipped a day of school. But, things drastically changed in my early teens when suddenly, I was no longer the healthy child I thought I was.
I can’t pinpoint the exact age I started having coeliac disease symptoms, but I can hazard a guess and say it was around the age of 11. It’s easy once you know the symptoms, to look back and go “ahhh, yes, that makes a lot of sense now”.
My symptoms were quite mild to begin with, with some stomach/digestive issues. But not only did this cause me a lot of discomfort, it was also extremely embarrassing for me as a young teen. I’d often need to use the bathroom in an emergency and my stomach would make the strangest noises.. which was particularly embarrassing in quieter settings, such as a classroom.
My symptoms got gradually worse over time and over the course of the next 10 years, I suffered with back and joint pain, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and headaches. It was in 2013 when my symptoms became severe when I was underweight, anaemic and unable to stay awake for long periods of time.
By the time I was actually tested for coeliac disease in 2015, I had hit rock bottom both physically and mentally and getting up each day and carrying out simple tasks became a real struggle.
The Medical Struggles
In the beginning, doctors assumed the obvious.. IBS. All of the symptoms were pointing towards IBS, but unfortunately no testing was done to rule out other possible conditions. So, taking the doctor's advice, I did all I could to help manage my “IBS” symptoms, but of course nothing was working for me because.. spoiler alert.. it was not IBS.
Over the next few years I was advised to eat healthier, exercise more, rest more, and I was even advised to try the low FODMAP diet at one point too.
As my symptoms continued to get worse, doctors turned their attention to psychological and emotional factors instead. I mean, why not, I was a female in my late teens at this point in my life, a university student juggling exams and a part time job. The simple assumption was that I “had too much on my plate” and I was experiencing stress and anxiety.
While my health gradually deteriorated over the next few years, I was admitted to hospital with anaemia in 2013. It was at this point where I began asking for further testing, but unfortunately I was prescribed iron tablets and sent on my way. I lived the next 2 years sad, alone and in fear for my health as I watched my body waste away.
My last doctor's appointment before my coeliac disease diagnosis was both the best and worst appointment, as it was at that appointment where I finally got my referral for testing. But, the referral did not come without a fight.
I had been dealing with coeliac disease symptoms for over 10 years, so when I say I felt like my body was giving up on me.. I am not exaggerating. As soon as the doctor asked “what can I do for you today?” my instant reaction was to burst into tears.
So, I think we all know where this is going... After questioning me about my mental health the doctor concluded that I was depressed and prescribed me with antidepressants. But, I refused the prescription and demanded further testing. I finally found my voice, stood my ground and began advocating for my own health and wellbeing.
Although hesitant, the doctor finally gave in and referred me to the hospital for blood work.
My Coeliac Disease Diagnosis
I received blood tests to measure the level of antibodies in my blood, and it concluded that my antibodies were through the roof. I was soon referred for an endoscopy where a biopsy sample of the small intestine was examined, and it was later confirmed that I had tested positive for coeliac disease.
Post diagnosis, I received more support and was referred to a coeliac consultant and a registered gluten free dietitian. From there, I received a DEXA scan to test for early signs of osteoporosis and had yearly checkups and blood tests until they were satisfied with my antibody levels. I was discharged from the coeliac clinic 3 years later.
It took around 2 years for my body to fully heal from the damage caused by years of gluten consumption. But, over 7 years later, I am fully recovered from my symptoms, living a happy and fulfilling life with coeliac disease.
Where I Am Today
My coeliac disease diagnosis literally gave me back my life. I finally live a normal (ish) life and I wish that for anyone who is going through the same struggles as I was.
As serious as coeliac disease can be, I am extremely grateful for my diagnosis and I have since learned to even appreciate parts of my condition. I have become a far better home cook, I have more energy and am more active as a result, I have a better appreciation for my well being, and I am now able to enjoy the things that used to worry me the most, like travelling.
My lengthy journey to diagnosis is the main reason I started Gluten Hates My Guts, and the lack of information given to coeliacs at diagnosis is the other. I want to spread awareness on coeliac disease and hopefully make other’s diagnosis a much easier and shorter journey than mine. I also want to help you navigate a life without gluten when eating out, travelling, and in your day to day life.
I am very approachable so never hesitate to get in touch or get involved over on our social media platforms. I would love to hear from you too! We’re in this together, remember.