My Account
Many readers will know local yoga instructor, actor and writer Shelley Charlton from previous stories in Hibiscus Matters. Recently she was diagnosed with coeliac disease, which changed her life. She shares her story in the hope of helping others.
Coeliac disease was a complete game-changer for me. It is genetic and may be identified at birth or it may not manifest until later in life.
Usually the first indication that you might have it will be symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and nausea after eating gluten (wheat, barley, or rye). If it wasn’t for the medical examination I took to rejoin the Royal Air Force (RAF) last year, I would never have known I had it. I had packed up my life in New Zealand fully expecting to spend the next 15 years in Scotland reliving my flying days. Unfortunately my blood results showed iron-deficiency anaemia. This lead to a gastroscopy and colonoscopy (camera inserted ‘both ends’) followed by a specialised blood test.
The diagnosis was quite a shock. Having friends who suffer badly with the disease, I figured there was no way I could have it – especially with the amount of beer and pizza I’ve consumed over the years with no effect! It turns out certain people can tolerate a small amount of gluten whereas others can become ill simply through cross-contamination. For example, you may well order a gluten-free battered fish but if it is fried in the same oil as the normal fish, you can still be affected. For this reason, the armed forces worldwide will not accept applicants with coeliac disease as a gluten-free diet cannot be guaranteed.
After a diagnosis of coeliac disease, you may think it’s just a bit of a nuisance, as you’re now that person who has to ask for the ‘special menu’. However, it’s a little more serious than that. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. Every time you eat gluten, antibodies are activated which damage the small intestine. And it’s not just the obvious things such as bread, pasta, biscuits, pies, cakes, pizza, or beer but also the not so obvious like potato wedges and barbeque sauce. As the villi on the intestinal lining are flattened, the body struggles to absorb nutrients causing anaemia, osteoporosis and possibly more serious complications. My doctor said that even with a perfect gluten-free diet, I’m still at a higher risk of getting bowel cancer.
I have to admit, I was devastated when the RAF informed me that I was “permanently unfit for military service”. Eventually I decided the next best thing would be to tour the South Island with my Free Yoga On The Beach classes. Yoga will always be a huge part of my life and I shall endeavour to share the benefits of stretching wherever I go.
Stretch your fitness plan
Yoga is a good thing to consider adding to a New Year’s fitness regime. It’s good for the body and the mind. You can feel the stress melting away with a few careful stretches – but it’s important not to overdo it. Shelley’s motto is: “no pain equals gradual, long term gain”. There is no Yoga on the Beach this summer, but other classes are available locally, or look for videos on Shelley’s YogaBounce YouTube Channel. Quick link from freeyogaonthebeach.com
