At the start of January this year, my life changed in a way I never expected. What began as a routine trip to the doctor for an ongoing back issue quickly turned into something much bigger. During the appointment, my doctor noticed I looked unusually pale and suggested we run some blood tests just to be safe. I didn’t think much of it at the time—but those results would go on to explain so many things I had been struggling with. The blood tests came back showing I was severely anaemic, with a very low blood count and almost no iron in my system. Suddenly, things started to click. For months, I had been experiencing symptoms that I couldn’t quite make sense of. I would feel like I was going to pass out in the shower if it was too hot, or when I stood up or moved too quickly. I was constantly exhausted, even after what I thought was a full night’s sleep. Looking back, there were other symptoms too - ones I had almost normalised. I had frequent and uncomfortable stomach pain, poor digestion, and irregular bowel movements. My sleep was restless and interrupted, which only made the fatigue worse. At the time, I had no idea these could all be connected.
After further investigation, I was diagnosed with coeliac disease. To be honest, before that moment, I had very little understanding of what coeliac disease actually was or how it affected the body. Like many people, I had heard the term before, but I didn’t realise the impact it could have on someone’s daily life. Since my diagnosis and making the switch to a strict gluten-free diet, the difference has been incredible. I now get a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, something that once felt impossible. My energy levels have improved dramatically—I can get through the day without feeling like I need to lie down or fight to stay awake. Even my digestion has settled, and I no longer deal with the constant discomfort I had before. It’s honestly been life-changing!
This experience is exactly why I felt so strongly about supporting Coeliac Awareness Week at One New Zealand. Before I was diagnosed, I had no idea what the symptoms could look like, and I know I’m not alone in that. Through our Coeliac Awareness Week events, we were able to start important conversations and share knowledge across our teams. One of the most rewarding outcomes was seeing colleagues recognise similarities in their own health and feel encouraged to get tested. Knowing that our efforts may help someone else get answers sooner—and improve their quality of life—is incredibly meaningful. I truly wish I had known earlier what to look out for. I’m really proud to have been part of spreading this awareness and creating space for these conversations at One NZ. I’m also incredibly grateful to Coeliac New Zealand, who have been a huge source of support, guidance, and reassurance throughout my journey. If sharing my story helps even one person better understand their health or take that step toward getting checked, then it’s absolutely worth it.
Article provided by Coeliac NZ member Kelly Matijevich.
For more information on Coeliac Awareness Week 2026, or to learn more about coeliac disease and support available, please visit www.coeliac.org.nz.
A huge thank you to Coeliac Awareness Week’s 2026 industry supporters, including our Platinum Partner - Arnott's , Platinum Sponsors: Ploughmans Bakery, FreshLife Food, Lee Kum Kee, My Food Bag, NZ Bakels, Sunbeam and Gold Sponsors: Marcels, Allergywise, O’Brien GF Beer and Eat Choice
