A Co Tyrone woman has opened up on the impact coeliac disease has had on her, after originally having been misdiagnosed as having long Covid.
Laura McGrath, from Strabane, is one of thousands of people in Northern Ireland who suffer from the disease, although almost as many people are living with the condition without having been diagnosed.
Laura said she had experienced "brain fog" which had an impact on her family routine, which had initially been out down to long term impacts of Covid 19.
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“I had terrible brain fog – it was the worst,” Laura said.
“My family were used to me being on top of everything and then my kids would say: ‘Mummy, you sent me to school today wearing my PE kit and I was meant to be in school uniform.’
“I didn’t know the days of the week – I was really struggling.”
Laura suffered from a number of other symptoms, including muscle pain, bowel issues, and persistent pins and needles. Her GP performed "every test under the sun" and was told she had tested positive for coeliac disease.
“The doctor asked me if it was a surprise and I realised it wasn’t because it ran in my family, but I was never asked about it and it didn’t occur to me that it could be that condition.
“I don’t think people understand the impact of coeliac disease. People talk about their invisible illnesses, and this was the same; I didn’t look sick so I couldn’t get others to understand how unwell I felt. It was very strange, and I felt lonely.”
The Western Health and Social Care Trust says more than 10,000 people are currently living with the condition undiagnosed.
When people with the condition eat gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye - their body attacks its own tissues. If left untreated, it can cause gut damage and serious health complications. The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten free diet for life.
Laura added that she had become ‘very unwell’ due to the disease, but thanks to the support of local dietitian Joy Whelan she is now enjoying life and has just returned from the trip of a lifetime with her young family.
“I was very unwell and finding it very difficult to cope with family life – working and caring for my three young children.
“I first got symptoms in July 2021 after my third child was born and after many months going to my GP I finally got diagnosed with coeliac disease in July 2022.
“My appointments are done virtually and although I haven’t physically met Joy until today I am extremely grateful for everything she has done over the past year.
“Joy has helped me ‘get my life back’ and I couldn’t praise her highly enough!
“I unfortunately had to put plans for a family holiday to Disneyland Paris on hold over the past couple of years due to my ill health but thankfully with the advice, support and encouragement from Joy I was able to book our dream holiday and have just returned from a wonderful time in Disneyland Paris this week.”
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