Kay had her appointment with the gastroenterologist this week, and thankfully, it went really well! I was a little anxious going into it because our last visit with this office wasn’t the best experience. But to my relief, there was no mention of that visit this time — which was perfectly fine by me. We’d already had our conversation about what happened before, and I was grateful that this appointment stayed focused on what really matters: Kay and her health.
After reviewing Kay’s most recent bloodwork, the doctor shared that there are currently no signs or concerns for celiac disease, which was such a relief to hear. Because Kay has Down syndrome, she’s already at a higher risk for developing autoimmune conditions. Add Type 1 diabetes into the mix, and her chances increase even more. So, when these blood tests come back clear, it feels like we can all take a big, deep breath.
Right now, there are no positive antibodies to suggest celiac disease is developing, which means we’re in the clear — at least for now. Of course, with Kay’s regular diabetes checkups and yearly bloodwork panels, her labs will continue to be monitored closely for any changes. For now, though, it’s one less specialist to keep up with — and that’s something I’m definitely thankful for.
Kay is truly one of the strongest little girls I know. She’s been through so much in her short life, and yet she faces every appointment, every test, every new challenge with such resilience and grace. My hope is always that her plate doesn’t get any fuller — she’s already balancing more than most adults ever have to.
For now, I’m just grateful for this bit of good news. Fewer follow-ups, less stress, and a moment to appreciate the progress she’s made. These are the kinds of appointments that remind me that while the journey with multiple diagnoses can feel overwhelming at times, there are still moments of peace and relief along the way — and those moments mean everything.