HAVE you ever felt like you've lost your mojo?
While being dog tired is considered just a normal part of hectic living, for Mackay man Daniel Webster it was the sign of something more serious – coeliac disease.
the 33-year old mr Webster was diagnosed with coeliac disease last October. the condition, which is caused by an intolerance to gluten, is often down-played. But it can prove fatal if not treated and significantly affects everyday living.
mr Webster now leads a full and active life as an account manager with MY105.fm.
But he said he had suffered from exceptionally low energy for many years without knowing why.
“I had been feeling that way since I was in my early 20s,” mr Webster said.
“But I put it down to the fact that I was working long hours as a chef at the time. I was fine at work, because I would push myself to keep going, but the moment I got home and sat down in a chair, that would be the end of me.
“I had no energy left to do anything at all.”
mr Webster said he had also experienced recurring digestion problems and stomach cramps.
He said after going to doctors for years on and off, his life had changed after being told what cause of the problem was.
“I was so glad to find out what was wrong and to be able to do something about it.
“Within a few weeks of starting treatment, the tiredness and the stomach symptoms just vanished. Today, I feel like a different person, the difference in my wellbeing is amazing,” he said.
the importance of mr Webster's story is highlighted this Coeliac Awareness Week with many more people likely to be struggling with un-diagnosed exhaustion.
Coeliac expert Dr Jason Tye-Din said that while at least one in 100 men had coeliac disease, 75 per cent of them did not yet know it.
He said that was in part because men were less likely to have a coeliac blood test.
“Coeliac disease is very common and occurs in both men and women, so this large disparity in testing between the genders is alarming and needs to be addressed,” Dr Tye-Din said.
“Untreated coeliac disease can lead to other health conditions such as liver disease and cancer. We urgently need to raise awareness of the more common symptoms of coeliac disease, one of which is tiredness such as that experienced by Daniel,” he said.
this Coeliac Awareness Week a new campaign called Mate, have you lost your Mojo? highlights typical symptoms of coeliac disease, with unexplained tiredness a key indicator.
those wanting more information are encouraged to call the Coeliac Awareness Hotline on 1300273272.
The Facts
Coeliac disease is caused by an intolerance to gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley and oats)
the surface area of the small bowel available for nutrient absorption is reduced. as a result, coeliacs become ‘starved' of nutrients and their bodies can't function properly
Tiredness is a key symptom