Diseased in D.C

Hmmm...not quite as romantic as Sleepless in Seattle, but it's kinda got a ring to it... :)

So, I'm really not the type to broadcast my health problems. Generally, if there's something wrong with me, few people know it. I'm just not the type that likes people worrying, or babying me, or announcing my life story from the pulpit... :) But I think that this blog could be a great way for me to keep track of all the information I find about Celiac, gluten-free products, tips, tricks etc. I also know what a crucial role my internet research played in the initial stages of my diagnosis, and how helpful it was--so I'm hoping this blog will add to the amount of information out there for other people who are on the Celiac journey too.

ANYWAY, for 8 years I've been dealing with bloating, tummy pains, and other crazy symptoms that you really don't want to know anything about...promise. :) (Although, if you're on this site reading, you probably know WAY too much about those miserable bathroom symptoms yourself!) I was diagnosed with IBS, and have just gotten used to discomfort. But after a routine physical in January 2009, and some tests, and a specialist, I was diagnosed with Celiac Sprue Disease. With WHAT? Celiac Sprue. I'm still learning myself, but apparently it's an autoimmune disease where eating even trace amounts of gluten causes your body to attack itself. The main victim is the small intestine...it gets swollen, and the little finger-like villi that transport nutrients get destroyed, and so your body doesn't get the nutrients it needs. Apparently it not only causes all the digestive problems and headaches I've been dealing with for so long, but it can also cause other nasty things if left untreated, like osteoporosis, anemia, arthritis, colon cancer...etc...etc. Fun, right? :) So, I got diagnosed and I thought, "No biggie, we'll treat it." But then... the kicker. The only treatment was to change over to a permanent "gluten-free lifestyle" (don't you love the word "lifestyle"...makes it so much more FUN than a "diet" :)) Gluten is found in wheat, barely, rye and oats (and anything made from, or that has touched any of those things) meaning I could no longer eat... 70% of what you find at a grocery store :) I quizzed the doctor hard, asking how strict I needed to be, and if the diet was just to control symptoms--let's be honest, any way out I would've taken it. But apparently it's important, and even tiny amounts of gluten can cause a damaging flare-up that lasts for months.

The really, really hard part for me was not giving up the junk food...it was the thought of not being able to cook and bake normally. Cooking is something I LOVE and something that I feel like I'm somewhat talented at. I LOVE whipping up tasty new concoctions. But, recipes just aren't quite the same without...flour? :) At least, that's what I initially thought. I spent a good couple of days getting teary eyed whenever I looked at a sugar cookie, or saw my flour canister, or worse...my oven. :) But it didn't take long before I realized it could be a lot worse, and began feeling blessed that I had a doctor sharp enough to find the problem before it caused...problems.

So, with a more positive attitude, and only an occasional sniffle, I started researching, I started narrowing down flour options, I went to a dietitian, I started talking to the friends and acquaintances who reached out to me with tips and love. And 6 weeks into the diet, I can honestly say the adjustment hasn't been too bad. ESPECIALLY in the cooking/baking department. Things continue on pretty normally in that area, much to my relief. (More about that in a future flour post.) While eating out is still a bit challenging and different, the rest of my life is carrying on very nicely. :) There's hope! I promise!

So, here I go...starting off my journey and recording what I learn and experience in the process! Let the adventure begin!