Celiac Disease Narratives

In this paper I examine celiac disease and work to answer Hallert, et al.’s (1998) call for an examination of the social implications of being diagnosed with Celiac Disease as an adult. Celiac Disease is unique because while it is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, the treatment is straightforward: follow a gluten free diet. Because of the unique intersection of the difficulty of diagnosis and the simplicity of treatment, CD merits investigation. Understanding people’s unique perspectives also is important. This study analyzes people’s narratives about their experiences with CD to gain a better understanding of their unique perspectives. I contribute to the understanding of patients’ perspectives of diseases through interviews with persons diagnosed with Celiac Disease. The following three questions guide my study:

RQ1: How do individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease understand themselves in relationship to the medical establishment?

RQ2: How do individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease understand their disease?

RQ3: How do individuals diagnosed with Celiac Disease negotiate their identity in relationship to their disease?