Roxanne's TOP TEN Things NOT To Say To A Celiac!

Friends and Family Disclaimer:  All of these came from you.  Don't try and deny it.  I promise I won't call you out on it but go ahead and take a guess. I'm sure you can remember what you said :) Let's just be glad we can laugh about it now!

Drum Roll...


1.  I really think this is something you made up.  Nobody else in the family has it. 

2.  Just say screw it and take a small bite.  What's the worst that could happen?

3.  Aren't you being a little extreme about this cross contamination stuff?

4.  Mmm...this bagel is so good.  You don't know what you're missing!

5.  Damn! That sucks! What can you eat?!

6.  We didn't invite you to the BBQ cause you can't eat anything anyway.

7.  It's just an allergy right? Take a Benadryl or something.

8.  I was hungry so I borrowed some of your gfree food.  

9.  Neat! Are you doing the gfree diet? Is it like low carb?

10. I'm really proud of you! You're really getting into this whole gluten free thing.  

And the bonus one that always scares the beejeezus outta me:

I made this especially for you.  It's Gluten Free!

I have great friends and family.  I really do.  For the most part everyone has come a long way from these statements.   Most of them...LOL

Finding Unintentional Humor in this Gfree World

More and more I find myself not wanting to eat out.  It's scary.  I have to ask a million questions and then trust that they are going to be just as honest in the kitchen as they are at my table standing in front of me.

I want to be nice.  I swear I do, but today was just not the day.  I was down near the beach and decided to pull out my handy dandy App called Find me Gfree.  Now let me begin with the fact that these Apps are hit and miss.  Sometimes you are better off just googling 'gluten free in...' and then stick in the city you're in.  But I do like the fact that others provide reviews within the App and typically it's spot on.

It was getting late and I was really hungry for food and not a snack from the oh-so-convenient Sprouts store.  I typically use the App and then call the place to ask a few questions before actually driving to the location.  I am not wasting my gas for unsafe celiac restaurants.

Here's the App I used, and here is the best option for my location.  The place was called Bistro West and it had three good lengthy reviews.

Hmmm, seems cool.  Let me give them a call. It went down hill from there. (I'm still laughing as I type this.)

Them:  Hi, Bistro West, how can I help you?
Me:  Hi there.  Can you tell me if you still offer a gluten free menu?
Them:  Umm...long pause...yes we do.  Would you like me to read it?
Me: No thanks.  I saw it online and wanted to make sure it was still current and also check to see if you are stringent regarding cross-contamination.  Do you have a dedicated portion of your kitchen for gluten free prep?
Them:  Um...yeah...we have our own garden and use our own vegetables.

WHAT THE WHAT-WHAT??

Are you cooking in this garden?!  I sat there dumbstruck and tried not to laugh.  I had the call on speaker and my daughters are trying not to laugh.  I couldn't even take the time to educate her.  Not today.  I just said thanks and good-bye.

So back to my comment about wanting to be nice.  I would MUCH rather blog about a great experience at a restaurant than a bad one.  But this garden crap was so mind blowing that I had to blog about it.  Sorry Bistro West.  But seriously-- if you are going to have a gfree menu online and within several Apps, puuuleeeze educate your staff. Especially your hostess.  She's on the front-line of customer service.

So off to Sprouts I went.  Luckily, there was one just two minutes away where I grabbed some hummus before my 45 minute drive home.

For what it's worth Bistro West girl, I think it's great you have a garden.  But what are you doing about cross-contamination?  LOL...at least I can find humor in this, right?

FDA is showing a little love for Gfree labeling

Well it's about time!  After more than six years, the FDA is finally showing some love for gluten free labeling.  Here's a link to the ABC article, but in a nutshell, companies will only be allowed to utilize gfree phrasing on their items if it's 20 ppm (parts per million) or less.

To put the whole ppm into perspective, the University of Minnesota provides some helpful analogies that may help you visualize the scale involved with ppm.

One ppm is like:
• one inch in 16 miles, or
• one second in 11.5 days, or
• one minute in two years, or
• one car in bumper-to-bumper traffic from Cleveland to San Francisco

Doesn't seem like much right?  Well to someone with Celiac disease it is.  Trust me.  Sounds absolutely crazy, I know. BUT SERIOUSLY...JUST TRUST ME.

There's good and bad with this of course.  Check out the labels below from two products I've eaten.

 
The 'good' is that manufacturers in the top pic will have to continue to test for gluten at or below 20 ppm in order to claim it's gluten free.  They will have to consistently look at the contamination in their facilities and how it impacts the ppm's.

The bad is this-- why isn't the FDA insisting that barley and rye also be listed as a top allergen?  The above only shows wheat.  There are three components to gluten--wheat, barley and rye.  Barley is hidden in so many things but isn't listed.  That barley is tricky.

Regardless though, I stopped eating anything with the top claim because if you are manufacturing on the same equipment or facility with wheat, there is a remote chance it's in my food.  It makes me second guess if it's gfree and I want no parts of that.

The bottom label is great because it's certified gluten free. Most certifications test at 5-10ppm.  And two- the label clearly indicates that there is no wheat in their facility.

All in all-- it's a huge pain! You constantly feel like a private investigator scouring over labels and ingredients.  So, I've found that if you stick to natural foods that aren't processed, you tend to have less of a headache...pun intended. 

But what happens when you want a snack? Like candy or chips?  Because let's face it.  I can't be good all the time.  Well, those are the times that you go into Sprouts, Whole Foods or Roots and buy an overpriced bag of non-gmo, gfree chips or gfree chocolate that have been produced in a certified gfree facility with no stinking gluten on the premises...grrrr!  And speaking of price-- now that manufacturers have to do this and have a year to comply, prices on gfree food will only get higher.  And that my friends is a whole other talk show blog post.

"Hey Girl--what happened to your blog?"

I've heard that more than I've wanted to.  Well, I've been on a break...for a whole year. Crazy, right?!

I wish I could say I've been stockpiling blog entries full of wonderful yet ridiculous pictures and rants, but nope.  

And to say I was a little self deflated after 6 months from diagnosis of 'thinking' I was doing great, only to get my blood work back and it's flipping positive--is an understatement.

I thought I was doing well, my symptoms had subsided for the most part so what gives?  I visit my doctor and he says, "Are you using the same sponge on your dishes that you do on other dishes?"  Ughhh...are you kidding me right now!!  This is harder, and much more frustrating than I thought.  

So over the last year I have tried to figure this thing out. Playing private detector for hidden gluten is tiring and a huge pain the ass.  And besides my unpaid gluten detector job, I actually have a real 40 hr+/wk profession.  

I've been working, spending endless hours at my two daughters softball games, finally getting back into fitness, visiting family, traveling a bit, and just plain trying to find a moment of clarity.  

I've been to the Jersey Shore, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and San Francisco.  So who gets the award for being the most celiac-friendly?

Drum Roll...

Surprisingly, New Jersey!  And no, I'm not being biased because I was born there.  

I live in California.  My Dad always calls it the "land of the fruits and nuts."  Everyone is supposed to be so healthy here.  So why are there so many celiac uneducated people?? INCLUDING the Doctors!? (But that's a whole other blog entry).

New Jersey triumphed because not only did restaurants offer gluten free choices, and actually know what gluten and celiac is, but they meaningfully discussed cross contamination and what substitutes would safely be offered.  PLUS--to be able to go to the Jersey Shore with sugared, fried and baked gluten ~ pizza, fudge, funnel cakes and cheese steaks everywhere, AND still be accommodated? YUP------score!

Here are some places I ate safely with no issues and peace of mind :

Joes Fish Company, Morey's Pier Wildwood  (review coming soon)
Pure Tacos, Boardwalk Ocean City
Seasons 52, Cherry Hill
Cuba Libre, Tropicana Casino Atlantic City
Amish Market, Columbus Farmers Market (review coming soon)
The Salad Place, Deptford Mall

Life happens and things get shelved.  But hey-- I'm glad to be back on the blog!  Miss you New Jersey :)  XoXo

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!)

Feeling Good at the Alamo!

Life has become VERY different since learning of my Celiac dilemma.  It makes meetings, conferences, social situations and travel just a tad bit difficult.  Wait...that's putting it too nicely.  What I really want to say is - it's a big fat pain in the arse!

I'm visiting my peeps for the weekend in San Antonio - nothing beats meeting half way...actually it's closer for me :)  I've been very apprehensive since arriving and even packed my own little gluten free snacks- avocados, and fruit, and rice cakes, and turkey pepperoni... well you get it.  I'm actually surprised they didn't have security at the airport confiscate all my food!  But if my Mom could make it on with scissors I could definitely try and bring food!  I mean what am I going to do--crack you with a rice cake?!

So, I make it in (with all my food) and after cruising the beautiful River Walk we head over for dinner at Biga on the Banks.  This folks, is why I am currently sitting in the Business Center at our hotel blogging because I can't stop talking about how wonderful our service was! And more importantly, I did not get sick!




Biga on the Banks, San Antonio

 As soon as we were seated, I talked our waitress Gigi about the gluten free options. She politely assured me that I could order anything and that the Chef will make it gluten free.  They do not want to limit their guests to a 'gluten-free entree list', but instead have the chef prepare what you'd like to eat and meet your dietary needs. At this point I was feeling REAL skeptical.

She went above and beyond to reassure my fear of being glutenized. She even asked if it was ok to bring a bread basket to the table for my Mom & Terry.  I'm ok looking at the bread (not really) and I certainly do not want to deprive others from the wonderfully smelling gluten basket...I mean bread basket :) But it was a little tough for this prior breadaholic.




The really great smelling enemy

 Mmmm...doesn't that look good?! To help distract me from the bread, I ordered a Chopin & Tonic with extra lime.  Chopin has a great potato vodka for us overly sensitive celiacs. I liked it so much I decided to drink my Mom's and ordered her a Bellini instead!



Chopin Potato Vodka



Gigi came back over to take our order and was great at assuring my neurotic self again that all would be ok.  I mean come on...I'm on vacay.  The last thing I want is to be laid up glutenized while the Fiesta parades are taking place!

I decided on the Pan Roasted Texas Redfish.  Here is a pic of what the menu detailed~

Pan Roasted Texas Redfish

Again- the Chef will take whatever you order and create a gluten free version for you.  Yes-- without using glutenized utensils, or pans, or dishes.  Because you know I asked!  Here is a pic of my dish~



Never knew gluten free looked so good!



The only thing missing was the roasted poblano (which is why I wanted the dish to begin with) but it is lightly dusted with flour which is a big no-no.  Let me just say- OMG!  This was the best meal I have eaten since being diagnosed with this crap a month ago.  And even without the poblano, it was seriously DELISH!

Gigi brought over the dessert menu and graciously informed me that she would happily make me a G-free berry dish with fresh whipped cream. You have to know that I would have much rather eaten the cobbler Terry ordered, but it just isn't gonna happen! 



Berries and Cream



So here's to some very big props for Biga!  It was a super nice place, with great attention to detail and the conversation could not have been better :)  Now-- let me get back to the Fiesta!

Cup of Pesky Weed Anyone?

I'm talking about Dandelions people.  Get your mind out of the co-op's.

Over the past week, my chore of scouring websites and blogs looking for a coffee alternative finally paid off.  I found one!   (Start Clapping!)  If you're curious why I can no longer drink java see my older post labeled, My Dearest Coffee

The company is called Teeccino and they're located in Santa Barbara so shipping was quick. They offer herbal coffee alternatives that are "roasted and ground to taste just like real coffee".

My package arrived and I never thought I would be so excited to have a drink of dandelion!  I took it to work today and received a few looks of desperation.  "Did you just say dandelion??"  "Uh, yes."  Their response (specifically Mrs. Willia) was "Okaaaay."   Yes, it sounds strange but it's like this- I can give up EVERYTHING, except coffee.

Here is the packaging.  Looks like coffee; smells like coffee (a bitter version); and tastes like, well...almost like coffee!  You can definitely taste the chicory which I'm perfectly ok with.  Hey--it's the best I'm getting at this point and it's taking the edge off (we all have our vice).

Since I don't want to deal with the tiniest bit of possible cross-contamination, I don't use my Keurig for it.  I guess I could use the one I have at work but then I'd have to bar my lovely co-workers Donna & Joyce from using it.  So I use a french press.  Here is a pic of the one I bought from Target.   It's by Bodum, it's a travel press and it gets the job done.

Seriously, it's not bad at all.  Even though every time I take a sip, I think of my Mom making me pull those pesky weeds out of the flower beds @109 when I was a kid.  Who would have ever thought that I'd be drinking them!  But, from what I've read they have great health benefits.

The only thing that's missing is the caffeine.  But that's Teeccino's purpose for making this product- to help people adjust from a non-caffeine acidic coffee lifestyle.  To wake me from zombieland I have a cup of the highly caffeinated Teavana Java Mate.  Then I have a cup of the dandelion roast.  I miss the taste of coffee more than the caffeine so it's all good.

If your curious about the price point, it isn't bad.  Same price as a lb. of coffee at Starbies.  Also--the dandelion roast is gluten free.  Their other 'coffees' contain barley which is a big no-no for Celiacs or those that are sensitive to gluten.

Cheers to a hot mug of dandelions!

teeccino.com

My Dearest Coffee, I Miss You.

For those of you who know me personally and just let out a big "HUH?!" go ahead and close your mouth and keep reading.  I hope you feel my pain. No... I KNOW you'll feel my pain.

Gluten.  It's in my food, it's in my makeup and it's in my shampoo. It's attempting to destroy my social life and shopping excursions. Not to mention future travel.  But you couldn't stop there though could ya Evil-G?!   (Yes, I'm talking about gluten as if its a villain). You couldn't leave well enough alone.  You had to take it 'there'.  You messed with my COFFEE!

Here is the video that did it for me:  Coffee and Gluten Sensitivity

I seriously wanted to cry.  Actually, I did get a frog in my throat. Ok, maybe my eyes watered a little. The short of it: the protein in gluten mirrors coffee so you suffer the same reaction.  It really depends how sensitive you are and it turns out that for whatever reason...I'm hypersensitive. And I have no choice to avoid it because I have to heal my stomach.

This is big. I'm gathering that you don't realize the magnitude of this people! I'm the person that shows up to BBQ's and potlucks with coffee creamer!   I love coffee.  I actually have a personal relationship with my Keurigs.  (Yes, that would be plural).  I also happen to know where Starbies are located throughout the State of California and where they are in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Nevada.  It's what greets me in the morning (besides my husband) and is my dessert at night (my husband will think he needs to be in parentheses after the dessert part).

I find comfort in the smell, taste and temperature of coffee and I find it to be a must-have accessory when I am out and about. Coffee is a warm conversation that brought a smile to my face.

BROUGHT...past tense.

So what do I do? What I do best.  Get my happy arse on the internet and try and find something, anything, that tastes like coffee.  I even head out to my local Teavana Store and embarrassed my daughter by asking the guy, "Do you sell tea that tastes like coffee"?  Now she thought it was insulting that I ask them this. But, his reply? Wait for it-------"Yes, we do".  YEAH!

 Promenade Teavana

We spent more time than she would have liked in a "foo-foo tea store" but desperate times call for desperate measures.  He kindly brewed us up some Java-Vana Mate tea that boasts 'the same amount of caffeine as coffee'.

Gluten Free JavaVana Tea

It wasn't bad.  It wasn't coffee, but it would definitely give me the kick I needed in the morning.  It was much stronger than the Celestial Seasoning Morning Thunder I had previously found which, by the way,  lacked any or all 'thunder'.  The next morning (after I attempted the brewing contraption and spilled it all over myself) I remade the $20 tea (oh, did I forget to mention that it's a bit pricey but for the taste of coffee I bought it) and I added some coconut vanilla creamer hoping it would get that creamy coffee taste.

It did, sorta.

It's definitely wishful thinking on my part, but crap!  It's gonna have to do for now!  At least until I get my 'coffee alternative' I ordered in the mail.

(As a note ~ Teavana teas are now all gluten free)

Gluten, go away!

I've been Gluten Free for two weeks now.  In that time I've read three books and countless web pages.  I know more about gluten and Celiac disease than I thought I'd ever know.

And what do I know the best?  That gluten is in just about EVERYTHING.  Not just food (think bread, cookies, pizza, pasta) but also some lotions, toothpaste, deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, hair products, medication, spices, and makeup (post coming next on my makeup drama).

For those of you passing by and wondering what I'm talking about and what gluten is, here's a quick breakdown:

Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye.  A gluten free diet is used to treat people with Celiac disease.  When gluten is consumed, it causes inflammation in the small intestine and brings on a plethora of problems.  The disease cannot be cured, but can be controlled by a strict diet.  And most importantly, it's not a food allergy.  Celiac is an auto-immune disease and shouldn't be taken lightly.

I struggle everyday with this crap. But I'm positive that it will get better.

There's an App for that...

So I download an app at the urging of my daughter called Gluten Free Registry.  It basically tells you which restaurants offer gluten free menu items according to your location.  Since we were venturing down to DSW for some shoe therapy,  I nervously used the app to find us dinner.  This place was

conveniently located in the same shopping center near UTC La Jolla.   

Z Pizza La Jolla

I reluctantly enter and ask about their gluten free pizza.  I begin my interrogation of "where do you prepare it;  what utensils do you use; where is the dough placed; where does it go in the oven; how do you avoid cross-contamination, yada yada yada."

Let me say this- the staff at Z Pizza were very patient.  I was acting like a paranoid gluten freak! Did ya not read my last post about Claim Jumper? See, I have reason to be! They quickly put my fears to rest.  First they wash their hands and put on gloves. They take the pre-made crust out of the back and begin to prepare your pie in an uncontaminated area.  It's placed in a metal dish and the toppings of your choice are put on.  When they transfer it to the oven they leave it inside the dish and place it off to the side.

When it was ready, the guy put on new gloves, removed it from the oven and placed it in a small box.  Since we were dining in, they brought it to our table. I looked at it in silence.  Looked at my daughter and looked back at the pizza. "What!" she says. Just eat it Mom."  Easy for you to say.

Here goes...

I took a bite, yum, and all went well! The pizza-maker-guy came by the table twice to ask how I felt.  How sweet.  I mean, do they ask ya how you feel at Domino's? Pizza Hut? Nope. I really liked this place.  I'm not a big pizza eater since I try to avoid carbs which is really a whole other talk show...or blog post :)  But when your kids are starving and you're trying to find something quick, this place will definitely be on my go-list.

The 'Big Day'

I'm starting a blog.  I've been fighting it for years.  I've played with the idea of fashion, make-up, photography, children, and never got past the real idea of it.  Then one day I'm told "I think you have Celiac Disease."  Two weeks later I decide -yup, it's time for a blog. I've got to share this craziness with others! Now reader, be patient cause I'm gonna walk ya through this.

Around January 2010 I noticed that I just didn't feel like myself.  I was tired, had headaches, constantly dizzy, my stomach always hurt, and I felt as if I had brain fog.  Every doctor I saw gave me a new prescription.

• You have headaches--here take Imitrex
• You have vertigo--here have Meclizine
• Stomach issues, you have reflux-- here take Omeprazole
• You have chest pains--it's all in your head.

By November 2010 I was referred to GI for a stomach issues.  The Doctor comes in the room and sees me all of 3 minutes and says, 'Yup-you have reflux.'  Seriously?  That's all ya got? In your pompous deameanor you decide my fate without listening to my symptoms or descriptions of pain?  Ok, I'm outta here!

Fast forward to a really frustrated March of 2012.  I just turned 40. I'm desperate.  I am walking around with a distended stomach, headaches, a feeling of 'living in fog' and the scariest symptom yet--what I call the tinglies.  Tingly feet and fingers.  I'm sick of feeling sick.  I don't bother telling anyone how I feel cause I've just chalked it up to the 'norm'. Looking back, I felt like I succumbed to the fact that this was just how I would feel for the rest of my life.  "Is this what 40 feels like?"  Then it hit me.  This Jersey girl is NOT giving up the fight!

I march right back into the Doctor and this time I am not so nice.  I unfortunately had to become ghetto rude. Me, rude? Yes, it happens.  I demanded testing.  "I want blood tests, I want a barium swallow, I want an endoscopy and a colonoscopy. I even want to be checked for parasites.  Something is wrong with me!  AND-- don't ask me to see the asshole you sent me to the last time!"  Sorry-- I had to take it there and I think that's what worked its magic. I think he was a little scared so he gave me what I wanted! LOL

On March 13th I had my barium swallow. YUCK. Results revealed a hiatal hernia.  Yes, this is where my chest pains came from. And yes, I TOLD the a-hole Doctor I had this too, but did he listen? NO!

On March 28th I get wheeled in for my scopes and as they are putting me under, my Doctor says, "Your blood tests are back and they all look good...oh, wait."  Wait?! Wait, what?  At this point, I'm getting drowsy, and confused.  He looks as confused as I do and as the nurse is telling me to start spelling my name (what they do when they give you a sedative) he says, "It looks like you may have Celiac Disease."  That's all I remember because I am then in sedated la-la land.

When I woke up, the first thing I heard was-- does anyone know where her husband is?  I thought to myself -- somewhere watching golf channel.  Did you check the other floors??

They finally find him and the Doctor comes in.  I go home with a probable diagnosis of Celiac Disease that will be solidified once the small intestine biopsy comes back. Celiac? What the crap is that? He tells me to no longer consume gluten. Ummm...what's gluten??  We leave and I go right home and buy Celiac for Dummies.  The first of many Kindle purchases.

So there ya have it.  March 28, 2012 was a defining day for me.  I knew what the biopsy results would be. After reading the book, I had all the symptoms.  And as I guessed, the biopsy was positive for Celiac Disease.  I made the decision that day to change my diet for life because at the end of the day it was my life.  I just didn't know how RIDICULOUS this celiac life could be!