All my life I was a little sicker than most. I caught every cold and flu. I had every childhood disease imaginable: mumps, measles, German measles, chicken pox. Those are the ones I remember. It never bothered me much and my parents never thought anything of it. When I was 17 I went to the doctor because of severe intestinal cramps and alternating diarrhea and constipation. I was told that I had "spastic colon" which is not called IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I was told to put wheat germ on my breakfast and eat more whole grains, so I did. It got worse. So I quit doing that and just lived with the symptoms.
When my children were born (many years later) I became very tired. I chalked it up to having 3 in diapers at the same time. I developed pneumonia and was hospitalized for a few days. Afterwards I was told to get a chest x-ray, which I did. There were spots. After more tests and a biopsy it was determined that I had Sarcoidosis in the Lymph System. We moved to another state soon after and I was still plagued with fatigue and gastric issues. No one could figure out what was going on. After suffering for several years we moved back home and I found a Rheumatologist who diagnosed me with Celiac Disease. This was confirmed with biopsy. Total villus atrophy on all samples. It surprised the gastric doc because I did not present as a "typical" Celiac sufferer. After this diagnosis I was doing better on a gluten free diet but still off.
I went to an endocrinologist who diagnosed me with Diabetes Type 2 and Hashimotos Disease as well as Adult Onset Human Growth Hormone Deficiency. Wow, I was one sick puppy! No wonder I was tired and felt crummy all the time.
So, here I am about a year after my last diagnoses. The biggest hurdles I face right now are diet and exercise. That is a catch 22. I don't know what to eat (several food restrictions) to lose weight and nourish my body. And when I make the slightest exertion (walk around the block or even grocery store). I feel like a tank has run me over the next day.
I am going to try over the coming year to discover how to eat and exercise so I can look better and feel better and while doing so I will share my thoughts and experiences. Just in case you are in the same boat I am.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have any questions, please post and I will answer as soon as I can.
