“Having to explain myself to people and why I couldn't eat certain things, taught me patience and helped me get over many fears.”
Staying home sick, with a stabbing pain in my stomach not being able to move was a weekly event at my house. Getting sick after taking even just one bite, but being constantly hungry due to never keeping food down. After many years of being sick everyday and thousands of tests I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. At just 7 years old I had no idea what this meant for me, other than I was different from everyone else and there were certain foods I could no longer eat. I was now allergic to gluten, wheat, barley, oats and rye. Having no transition time our lives were completely flipped upside down trying to navigate this new lifestyle. We had to get new pots, pans, utensils, toaster and countless other things in order to avoid cross contamination. This was hard for a family of 4, trying to make sure I could have food and keep it safe but also feed the other 3 with “normal” food. This was a very difficult time and took a while to get used to, which consequently ended in me getting sick a few times.
As I got older it became easier, but it definitely wasn't like that at first. Going back to school after my diagnosis, I felt embarrassed and very different from all of my friends. I wasn't able to participate in certain class activities and I couldn't eat the same lunch as them. This made me feel like an outcast and for many years would add unnecessary stress and anxiety as I grew up. It took many years for not only me but for my classmates, teachers, family and other people in my life to learn and understand what this meant and get accustomed to me having a special diet. Family holidays and friends birthday parties were especially hard for me. Not getting to eat what everyone else was having, and constantly getting questioned as to why I couldn't eat certain things.
Having this disease ultimately shaped me into the person I am today. Being in and out of hospitals gave me a sense of what the medical field held and what they dealt with on a day to day basis. Seeing a glimpse into this career at a young age pushed me further towards it and wanting to help others. I learned very quickly how to care for myself and watch what I eat. This taught me to be very aware of my surroundings and observant. Having to explain myself to people and why I couldn't eat certain things, taught me patience and helped me get over many fears. If God wouldn't have given me this disease I would have missed out on some amazing opportunities and even meeting some very special people in my life. Everyone is thrown some type of curveball in life and this was mine. I hope with not only mine but others work in the medical field will one day find a cure for this disease.
- Kenna S.