Comfort Zones are Overrated!

I poisoned myself this nice Holiday weekend.  Not intentionally of course.  It's just that I got comfortable in my eating and when one gets comfortable, one gets sick.

It was completely innocent and in reality it was an all Gfree dinner made by me.    Here's what I had:


A baked potato with shredded chicken, pepper jack cheese, sour cream and a little poison butter.

First symptom- massive headache.  I mean like migraine status on crack.  It felt like my head was going to pop off of my body.  Second, followed the 'unmentionables' (these are bathroom symptoms I will spare you from) and then lastly fatigue.

I racked my brain all night trying to figure out the culprit.   My daughter, bless her heart, jumps on the Internet while holding the sour cream looking up the ingredients. Nothing.  Everything was safe.  

So what do you do when you can think of nothing to blame?  You blame your husband of course :) 


Me:  "Steve-- I think you had gluten on your lips when you kissed me." 
Steve:  "Sure Roxanne, as usual just blame me."

Needless to say, I went to bed (half believing it was the kiss) and was up most of the night in the bathroom. *Yawn

This morning it was like an epiphany hit me.  As soon as I opened my eyes my very first thought was--- IT WAS THE BUTTER!!

REWIND...That morning I made my Non-Gfree 5 yr. old some toast.  I used a knife and cut off a sliver of butter and then went back for another.  When I cut the second piece, what was on that knife?  Crumbs from the toast (aka poison).

FAST-FORWARD...I take out that same stick of butter, take a healthy chunk and mash it into my potato.  

I've just contaminated my entire dinner.

That's all it takes folks. A little bit of toast crumbs to ruin your night.  It's ridiculous to think about.  I mean, who would believe something like a flippin' stick of butter with tiny crumbs would have me in misery for hours?  And I mean HOURS!  My Non-Gfree friends would say, "No way---just a few crumbs?"  Yes way, just a few crumbs. 

So now I break out of my comfort zone and go back to evaluating EVERYTHING I eat and drink.  My health can't afford absent-minded mistakes like that! 

You Have What?

I've been getting this a lot lately.  From friends, associates, co-workers, family, you name it.  Go figure, right?   

Here's how the conversation typically goes:

THEM:  "So I heard you are allergic to gluten".
ME:       "No, I'm not 'allergic'.  I have Celiac Disease and I cannot consume gluten".
THEM:  "Oh, so it's like a food allergy.  Do you break out in hives or something?"
ME:       "No.  I don't get hives, and it's not a food allergy, its an actual disease."
THEM:  "How old are you? You just got this?"
ME:       "No, I'm just making the entire thing up...YES, I just got this!"
THEM:  "Well you ate it before, a little bit can't hurt right?"
ME:       "Would a smack in the head, nausea, vomiting, migraines and vertigo hurt you?"

Yes, I really just did get the diagnosis.  It's been 1.5 months and I learn more and more everyday.  And the most profound thing I've learned is that MOST people have no idea what it is, including medical professionals.

Here's an alarming statistic I recently read: 

The number of Americans with Celiac Disease would fill 936 cruise ships. Passengers on 908 of the ships don't even know they have it.

If that doesn't make you want to sit up and take notice, I don't know what will.

In a nutshell Celiac disease damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have Celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, lip balms, make-up and toiletries.

I hope you are now asking yourself, "What are the signs and symptoms and could I have it?"

I wish it were that easy.  There are over 200 associated symptoms to Celiac disease.  It varys with age and it's very deceptive.  In adults, it often goes undiagnosed for 5 or more years, and there is no 'magic' age for being diagnosed. 

Here were my symptoms:  Fatigue, headaches every day, upset stomach as soon as I woke up, constant vertigo, tingling hands and feet, shedding hair, nausea, vomiting, loss of focus, distended stomach.

Here were the tests my primary physician ordered over the course of almost 2 years:  Abdominal ultrasound x2, pelvic ultrasound, abdominal CT with contrast, chest CT with contrast, EKG, echo, numerous xrays, a stool sample, and CBC blood panel.  ALL SHOWED NOTHING.  Well, they showed my organs, but you know what I mean.

In a perfect world everyone would be given a Celiac blood panel.  Doctors don't wait until you have a heart attack and are dead and then decide to run cardiac blood and diagnostic tests on you. So why wait to test for Celiac?

We live in a world where most Doctors treat symptoms.  I was prescribed Vicodin, Percocet, Naprosyn and Motrin for pain and inflammation, GasX and Prilosec for stomach issues, Meclizine for vertigo and Imitrex for migraines.  All of this to treat the symptoms I list above.  I didn't take half of it.  Who the heck can lead the busy lifestyle I do while walking around on Vicodin and Percocet all day?! Not me!

We also live in a world where pharmaceutical companies control research and funding. You ever wonder why you are always being pushed 'the new drug' when you go to the doctor?  "Let me give you a sample...".  Or you are always prescribed something for one of your symptoms instead of them actually looking for the source of your pain?   Because Pharma reps bring nice big lunches and frappuccinos to your medical office and get your Doctor to push you that next new drug they are promoting. 

Well guess what folks- there is NO DRUG that fixes Celiac disease.  It can only be treated by diet.  So why should they spend money researching Celiac disease when they can't make a pill for it?  And why should your Doctor test you for it if he can't prescribe a pill and get the kick-back?  Did the light bulb just go on?  I hope so.

So if you are frustrated that you feel like crap and don't know what's wrong with you, ask your Doctor to run a Celiac blood panel on you.  And if they tell you "I don't really know much about Celiac Disease", which is what my Mother was just told at her doctors office, request to see a Gastro specialist.  Hey...at least the guy was honest!



 

Boudro's was Banging!

I've been back from my San Antonio weekend vacay for what, a week now? Yup.  So why am I still thinking about Boudro's? Cause it was banging!

Boudro's on the RiverWalk

Have I eaten out since being back? Nope.  I've tried, but people act soooo put out by special requests that I just end up walking out.  'Oh, I'm sorry.  Let me not bother you with my dietary needs'.  You've just lost a customer and a fat tip!

So back to Boudro's.  I think it's important to tell the story just in case other Celiac folks find themselves on the RiverWalk and want to know where to eat safely :)  Click here to see my post about Biga's, another great place.

After making it through Fiesta traffic (phew) we step into Boudro's, get seated and our waitress is Sarah.  A godsend.  This girl knew her stuff!  As soon as I went into the dreaded spiel about my needs she immediately put me at ease.  She went through the appetizers and salads to let me know what was safe for a Celiac and what was not. She also let me know she could do just about anything on the dinner menu with modifications.

First up: Table side fresh guac and chips.  Did I mention I love chips?  LOVE THEM.  My Mother is still confused about my crazy love for chips.  These chips are made solely from corn and the guac was amazing.  Who would of thunk to add a squeeze of fresh orange? Mmmm! Enough said.

Sarah whipping up some magic

Sarah suggested the Tomato Salad which was another hit. Yummy gorgonzola cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil and red bermuda onions.  I love tomatoes and I love onions.  

Yummo Tomato Salad

My weekend was not intended to be a seafood themed occasion. It's just that I ALWAYS eat chicken. All the time!  California seafood isn't always the best.  I mean-- it just can't hold a candle to Jersey Shore seafood. But that's just the truth my opinion.  With that said, I was pleasantly surprised by the  Texan seafood!

For dinner I ordered the Wood Grilled Atlantic Salmon.  Traditionally it comes with a creole mustard butter, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.  Now Sarah said something in there wasn't safe, (can't remember what) so if it was ok, she would modify it with other sides.  I have faith in you Sarah...do your thang girl!

Wood Grilled Atlantic Salmon~ modified.

Now the pic just doesn't do the meal justice. It smelled so good that I started eating before I remembered I now take pics of everything I eat (with weird looks from other patrons).  My substitutions were roasted potatoes, veggies and sauteed fresh spinach in garlic and lemon.  Very, very delish!  I couldn't even finish it there was so much food.  But not to fret - we have a food vacuum with us and he cleaned everyones plate!

Just as I was finishing up my Chopin and Tonic (my go-to drink) here comes Sarah, pointing out what I can have on the dessert menu. I don't usually order dessert.  I mean, who can when you have a husband that requests the check midway through eating the main course.  But Steve was home and holy guacamole they had G-Free Creme Brulee! My most favored dessert ever!  Again, I cracked into it before taking a pic.  Who could wait?! I ate half and gave the other half, reluctantly, to the vacuum.

Gluten Free Creme Brulee

Now, you'd think Creme Brulee would be safe.  There are minimal fresh ingredients.  But for some whack reason there are restaurants out there that add flour.  Big no-no.

I miss you Biga and Boudro's.  There's nothing better than a restaurant with knowledgeable staff, a fabulous Chef that cares about dietary restrictions and an all around place that pays attention to detail!

Now somebody give Sarah and the Chef a raise.  She's a ROCKSTAR!

Boudro's website is here and their guacamole recipe is here.  Feel safe and enjoy! (We felt so safe we went back the next day for lunch!)