My name is Shelly Stuart. I am a registered nurse and I have been working for 21 years in a variety of areas, including gastroenterology and inflammatory bowel disease. About 6 years ago, I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease after many years of suffering with symptoms. I am writing this post today to share some of my story, my mission to increase awareness about gluten intolerance, and I would like to share some information about my new book, “Gluten Toxicity”.
My Story
Prior to being diagnosed with celiac disease, I was misdiagnosed and given a variety of explanations for my vague symptoms for most of my life. Unfortunately, even when the symptoms were obvious, misdiagnosis still occurred. For example, I was misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome when I had classic celiac disease symptoms for 5 years prior to my diagnosis.
Eventually, I diagnosed myself by doing my own research and initiated a gluten-free diet to see if it provided symptom relief. Successful, I approached a gastroenterologist and confirmed my diagnosis.
This lack of awareness put me at risk for complications and at risk for a false negative test result since consuming agluten-free diet prior to diagnosis can lead to false negatives. Unfortunately, many others have been put at risk due to the same experience. Delayed diagnosis is very common in many countries. Sadly, this often leads to an
increased risk of developing many health complications.
Once I became aware of how common gluten intolerance is and how it flies under the radar of medical health professionals, I knew there was a role for me to fulfill. Too many people are suffering and some end up with permanent damage due to a late diagnosis. Sadly, this damage (psychological and physiological) is preventable and for those
affected, it should have never occurred. Awareness about gluten intolerance needs to be on the radar of every health professional when they are assessing patients and the public needs to be aware of all of the tests that are available.
My Mission
With gluten intolerance on my radar, I decided to start a blog to increase awareness and I have been actively increasing awareness on Twitter and Facebook as well. I also started a business as a Celiac Nurse And Gluten Intolerance Consultant in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As time passed, I recognized the need for a book
that I could use as a resource to increase awareness, increase diagnosis, and to help others who are diagnosed and having problems. I also wanted to share everything I have learned about living a gluten-free lifestyle. As a result, my book, “Gluten Toxicity” was created.
My love for my family has been a powerful motivator for the creation of this book. Gluten intolerance is very prevalent in my family. Therefore, this book is my gift to my current and future family members (grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc). I feel that this guide provides the information they will need to get diagnosed and to help improve their health once diagnosed. For many years to come, my infinite love and guidance can be passed on through this book.
Many are suffering and quite likely many are dying globally due to undiagnosed celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis and non-celiac gluten intolerance. This breaks my heart when I think of grandparents being lost due to dementia or illness, couples dealing with infertility or pregnancy issues (potentially leading to loss of a baby), mothers and fathers struggling with illness, children with cognitive disabilities affecting their ability to achieve their potential in life, and many others who are suffering with a variety of misdiagnoses.
This is what I visualized while I wrote this book. I am hoping that my book will help others to recognize that a link may exist between their symptoms and the ingestion of gluten. Recognition, diagnosis, and a gluten-free diet may be all that is needed to increase their quality of life and end the suffering.
My Book, “Gluten Toxicity”
“Gluten Toxicity” provides a comprehensive checklist of symptoms, in depth analysis of the diagnostic tests, an outline of the gluten-free diet, tips to help with a new lifestyle adjustment, and recommendations to consider when complications arise. Helpful checklists will assist people to keep track of blood test results, and tasks to help with healing.
For people who are already diagnosed, my book offers many tips to help with the gluten free lifestyle and has multiple suggestions for people who are still suffering with symptoms despite the maintenance of a gluten-free diet.
My hope is that my resource guide, “Gluten Toxicity” will help others to navigate the maze associated with gluten toxicity and to help them live life to the fullest.
If you are interested in purchasing a paperback copy of “Gluten Toxicity: The Mysterious Symptoms Of Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, And Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance”, please see more information athttp://www.celiacnurse.com. My book is available as a paperback from Amazon in the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany. If you would prefer an e-book version of “Gluten Toxicity”, please see the E-Book from my blog.
A post with highlights From “Gluten Toxicity” can also be found at my
blog: http://celiacnurse.com/highlights-from-my-book-gluten-toxicity-the-mysterious-symptoms-of-celiac-disease-dermatitis-herpetiformis-and-non-celiac-gluten-intolerance/
Thank you very much for your support and thank you Tina for the opportunity to share my story on your lovely and very informative blog.
Shelly Stuart, R.N., B.Sc.N.
Article Courtesy: Tina Turbin
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