My Journey

My first introduction to Celiac Disease was probably about four years ago, when I read an article about it in a magazine.  I remember thinking it was some rare disease, new on the scene, and that it would never affect me.  I briefly looked over the listed symptoms and breathed a sigh of relief when I only met 2 or 3 of them.  I was sure I didn't have it. 

Fast forward a few years and life was great, I was married, newly pregnant and full of life and energy.  A few weeks later, I miscarried.  My world as I knew it was rocked.  That began a year of decline...emotionally, physically and spiritually.  I began thinking how tired I felt all the time and remembering back not that long ago when I had energy from morning to night. I had reflux, digestive problems, stomach aches and constant headaches, that I just couldn't seem to put my finger on the cause.

I went to my doctor and many doctors and specialists over the next several months.  They ran every test known to man, including an MRI on my brain.  Sadly enough, I was actually disappointed  when it came back negative.  My sisters kept telling me to go see a naturopath.  They were convinced it was food allergies.  This was a scary thought for me...inside I think I knew they were right.  So, I did what most of us do...avoid the situation until we are forced to deal with it.

That point came in February of 2008.  I was once again newly pregnant and knew I couldn't go through this pregnancy feeling as lousy as I had been.  It took about 10 minutes with the Naturopath to confirm my worst nightmare.  She might as well have told me that I had cancer, because that is how devastated and overwhelmed I felt.  The next 3 weeks I did an elimination diet to confirm my reactions to gluten.

Once I realized the truth, I felt like I had lost a dear friend.  See, I'm an avid baker.  I loved baking all sorts of yummy, sweet treats, not to mention cooking up family favorite casseroles and comfort foods.  I love being in the kitchen.  How could I say good-bye to cake, cookies, pancakes, waffles, bread, and the list went on and on.  I honestly went through the stages of grief.  Denial, anger, depression, etc. until finally I reached acceptance.

And I'm not saying that now everything is perfect and I never wish I could have all my old favorites.  You really have to create a new list of favorites.  Over the last two years, I've had many triumphs and disappointments in the kitchen with gluten free baking and cooking.  But the victories were oh so sweet when they turned out!  I remember the first time I made gluten free banana bread. My family loved it, and I did too!  Moments like those make you feel like anything is possible.

I've come a long way since then, and feel pretty good about where I'm at.  This does not mean I have everything down...hardly!  I've got a long way to go, and I learn so much from others out there who have gone before me and figured out things the hard way.  I'll be writing more later, but wanted to share a little about myself to get things started.

One thing I've realized is that I'm not alone and that everyone has a story...so what's yours?