When a Diagnosis Changes Lives for the Better (Guest Post)

Article by Claire Adams
Edited by Maureene Danielle
Post Design by Christy Zigweid
Photo by kroppek_pl using @WordSwagApp

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My sister is a mother of two and since birth she has suffered from various diseases. Recently, she was diagnosed with celiac disease, which totally crushed her because it is a lifelong condition with no cure.

So, instead of feeling sorry for my sister or doing nothing, I decided to do some research and try to find out a way to help her. If she was not so motivated to get better and take back control over her own life, it would all have been worthless. Her children are her biggest motivation and give her a reason to stick around as long as possible.

Motivation
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My sister did not want to let diseases control and ruin her life, and that of her children. She wanted to continue to be there for her kids and family, and that was a major source of her strength and motivation.

I knew that I had to push her when things got tough, and motivate her on a daily basis. Otherwise, she could become depressed, which is the last thing we wanted. We both knew that if she stayed strong mentally, her physical health would improve.
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​Sure, she had to make some sacrifices, but it was all worth it.

​Lifestyle Change

Both of us realized that she had to change her lifestyle if she did not want to experience those dreadful symptoms of celiac disease, not to mention the other conditions she suffers from. The most important change she had to make was related with her diet. She had to exclude many foods that she adored from her diet and switch them with unprocessed, natural foods.

She also had to give up eating at restaurants that she loved because of cross-contamination. Moreover, when travelling, she had to make plans ahead and even cancel a trip, if she could not find a gluten-free place to eat.

When we were doing research about the disease, ways to treat it, some advice and instructions, we bumped into SCD lifestyle and also found some information about how beneficial growing your own food can be.

Growing Her Own Food

My sister started growing her own food for both herself and her family. She now has a very limited choice when going grocery shopping. And, she can never know for sure if manufacturers are honest or not when it comes to listing ingredients on the food label, which she has to read in full detail.

The benefits of eating homegrown, natural food were numerous. Besides not going through the hassle of grocery shopping, she and the whole family were much healthier.  My sister managed to keep the celiac disease symptoms to a minimum. Now we are all happier than we have ever been.

She Is Much Happier Now

The sacrifices and choices my sister made helped her change her life for the better. My sister, along with her entire family, are now leading a much healthier life which has made her very happy.

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About the Author

Claire Adams is a marketing manager by day and by night she passionately fights for travel, art, and her health.