Creative Writing: "Diary Entry of Lennox Williams." (7/18/2010)

7/18/2010

Dear diary,

"So yesterday I got my allowance, and decided to blow some money at the mall. I bought this cute top, that I had been totally eying since forever. It is dark blue, low cut, and has a zipper halfway down the back. The front is sort of a sweetheart design. So, I went to Music Heaven to check out some music. A really cute guy kept on staring at me. He came over and talked to me. Turns out he is going to the same high school as me. His name is Kevin, and he just moved here. He asked if I wanted to get lunch with him. I totally did!

We walked to the food court, talking the entire way. He wanted pizza. We got to the pizza kiosk, and I remembered about my Celiac disease. When it was my turn to order, I asked the lady behind the counter if they had gluten free food. Just like the dude from the pizza place, she had no clue what that was. She said that they don't. Again, I was stuck with a salad. Kevin was silent when we were eating. He kept checking his phone, totally ignoring me. All of a sudden, he said his mom just texted him and was waiting for him outside the mall. His phone didn't go off. He got up, and I asked him if he wanted my number. He said that he will see me at school, and he left quickly. It's July, and school isn't until August 31!

I took the bus home, and I was a cross between depressed and angry. I laid my head against the window, wiping a tear from my eye. I was totally humiliated. Was he, like, weirded out because I have Celiac disease? If this is what I am going to experience in high school, I'd rather be home-schooled. It's bad enough that I will have to deal with loser Kevin when school starts. I got home and went back up to my room. Mom wasn't home, and my brother was next door. Finally I have some peace and quiet. Going to take a nap. Too depressed for daylight."

(c) 2013 Shauna S.

A Dating Site For Celiac/Gluten Sensitive Singles?

 Single, Celiac/Gluten Sensitive, and Looking for Love?

Don't worry, this isn't a spammy blog post. However, I did read that someone made a website for gluten free singles to meet other gluten free singles. The CEOs of the website (http://www.GlutenFreeSingles.com), know first hand, how hard it is to meet anyone that understands our lifestyle. Both of them are gluten free, because they have to be. One has Celiac, and the other has a gluten allergy.

Even if you are not looking for GF love, you will find a community of individuals who are just like us, living gluten free, because we HAVE to.

The site is also home to a blog, with a wide variety of information: http://www.glutenfreesingles.com/blog/

Before my boyfriend and I got together, it was hard to find a guy who understood about my Celiac disease. Most saw me as a little too "high maintenance." Only Celiacs understand what other Celiacs go through. However, my boyfriend has been wonderfully supportive, and so has his family. I consider myself rather lucky. Though, had the gluten free singles site been around 2 years ago, I would have joined, just so I had people to talk to about Celiac disease.

I think it is pretty cool that there is a site out there for people who are gluten free. While I am not someone who approves of online dating, I think the site is a great resource for making connections with other Celiacs/gluten sensitive individuals.

Here is the link for the site: http://www.GlutenFreeSingles.com

Creative Writing: "Diary Entry of Lennox Williams." (7/16/2010)

(7/16/2010)

Dear diary,

"This morning, I was woken up by a text from Heather. She wanted to make sure I was okay with what happened at the pizza place. I told her that it sucks, but, whatever. I asked her if she wanted to hang out later. She said that she was going out with her boyfriend. They were going to Rocko's Tacos. I asked if I could come with her, and she said that she wanted me to come with her, since I'm her BFF and all, but, they don't have anything that I could eat there. I texted back, saying okay, that's cool, and then I shut off my phone. I stayed in bed, thinking about this whole Celiac deal. It is totally unfair! It's ruining my life! I feel like a total loser. How am I going to deal with high school? How am I going to meet boys? Ugh!

Mom checked on me an hour ago. She asked if I was okay, and I lied and told her that I didn't sleep well last night. She said that she will let me sleep in for a little while or so, then she will make me breakfast. Mom has been great about cooking me the food I need to be eating. Dad has been on a business trip, so I don't know if he knows about my 'thing.'  I can't get my brother to try my gluten free food. He said it smells funny. He's right, LOL!

Whatever. Today I'm just going to stay home, since I can't go out anywhere. All my friends have the freedom to go where ever they want, and I'm stuck at home, being a total loser. I wish I could be normal."

(c) 2013 by Shauna S

Creative Writing: "Diary Entry of Lennox Williams." (7/15/2010)

7/15/2010

Dear diary,

"Yesterday, I went to the store with mom, and it totes sucked. Mom wanted me to get an idea of what it will be like to shop gluten free. It was hard to see all the food I used to eat, that I can't have again. Oreos, barilla pasta, oatmeal, Dijourno pizza, doritos..none of them are gluten free. 

When we got to the gluten free section, mom kept mumbling about the prices. She apologized to me, and said that she wished it wasn't so expensive. I saw some interesting foods: corn pasta, rice pasta, quinoa, soy sauce, different flours, frozen bread, several frozen Indian foods, and some burritos. I told mom to grab some burritos. I found some cereal that looked good, and I grabbed some bread.

Mom spent tons of money on the food. Mom has always been someone who worries about money, even though both mom and dad work. When we got into the car, I thanked mom for everything. I told her that it stinks that the gluten free section is so tiny. I am a variety kind of girl, and don't want to eat the same thing, over and over again. It gets boring. 

Mom made me a sandwich when we got home, and it was my first time trying gluten free bread. It, like, fell apart when I picked it up. It wasn't soft like normal bread. Half of my sandwich fell on my plate. I did eat the sandwich, and the bread was okay. It's just soo different. 

Heather invited me out to eat for dinner. She needed to vent about this guy she was talking to. She decided that we should go for pizza. With having Celiac disease, I was a little nervous. We went to the pizza place, and she ordered her meat lover's pizza slices. When the dude behind the counter asked for my order, I asked him if he had gluten free pizza. He had NO idea what the heck I was talking about. Heather looked over at me, and mouthed 'sorry' to me. I was upset. I ordered a small salad and we sat down to eat. Heather's pizza smelled so good. 

When I got home, I went straight up to my room, laid on my bed, and hugged my pillow. I did cry a little. Mom peeked her head in and asked if I was okay. I told her what happened, and she gave me a hug. I just don't know how I am going to get through this. How am I going to be a normal teenage girl, if no pizza places or whatever, doesn't have gluten free food? I can't, like, stay home all the time! 

It's late, and I should get some rest. *sad face*"

(c) 2013 Shauna S

Creative Writing: “Diary Entry of Lennox Williams,” (7/13/2010)

*Diary entry of the main character from my story.*

7/13/2010
Dear Diary,

"This whole Celiac thing totally sucks. I was craving some whole wheat pancakes when I woke up this morning. Instead, mom makes me something, called, “Buckwheat” pancakes. It was grainy, and gross. I don’t know if I can do this. I told mom that this is totes hard, and she said that I have no choice but to be gluten free. This afternoon, my little brother came home with a doggy bag of chicken nuggets, and fries. He was out with his baseball team, for a victory lunch. Their win today got them in the finals. I don’t go to his games, except for whenever they have a big game. Mom and dad make me go. Whatever.
Sasha is leaving for overnight camp tomorrow and is packing today *sad face* It’s like all of my friends have stuff going on. Like, Holly is a junior counselor this summer, and won’t be around. Connor went to baseball camp. Darcy went on vacation with her family. I’m, like, all alone. Well, I still have Heather. Heather is in summer school. She missed a lot of school last year because she got mono. I will be able to hang with her after she gets out of summer school.

I still haven’t told Heather that I have Celiac disease. I hope she doesn’t think I’m a freak or whatever.
Ugh, mom is calling me to clean the kitchen. I just want to rest up here, and curse the world.
Ta for now!"

Creative Writing- "Diary entry of Lennox Williams" (7/12/2010)

**I am currently writing a fictional book, about a 14 year old girl, "Lennox Williams", who is diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She is entering high school, and along with dealing with her diagnosis, she is also experiencing growing pains. While she is in high school, she implements plans to make her school more Celiac aware. She develops a program with the school cooks. She also helps her community more Celiac friendly. I have decided to make various diary entries that are written the summer before she starts high school.**

7/12/2010
Dear Diary,
"So, I went to see Dr. Martin yesterday. I hate the smell in the doctors office, it smells like low grade hospital. I got the results back from my blood test, and he said that I have something called, Celiac Disease. I seriously think the name is made up. How can I have something that I can't even pronounce? He said that gluten destroyed squiggly things on my small intestine, and I can't take in nutrients, or something like that. He showed me a picture of a small intestine...GROSS! So, he says that I can't have food with gluten in it. He gave mom some pamphlets and he gave me a book. Like I need to be reading during my summer vacation...hello!? I'm not in school! I don't need to read!
Out of curiosity, I took a look at the book. There are a lot of foods that I can't eat anymore. This summer is going to suck HUGE! No pizza, no pasta, no nothing. I'm stuck eating hippie cardboard food!
Mom is, like, all worried about me and stuff. She tells me that I have to tell my friends about my illness. I texted my best friend, Sasha, when I got home yesterday. She knew that Celiac was. Her cousin has it. She told me how, whenever they have family reunions, they always have to make separate food, just for her cousin. Sasha tried gluten free food, once. She said it was different. She doesn't know how her cousin does it. Sasha can't LIVE without her pizza.

Ugh, my little brother keeps asking me if I'm going to die. The little worm doesn't understand anything. It's sweet that he cares though, right?
I'm totes exhausted. Plus I have to facebook my peeps. Ta til tomorrow."

(c)2013 Shauna

Why I Love Betty Crocker

 I have always loved Betty Crocker. I remember looking for recipes in my grandmother's Betty Crocker cookbook, and baking with her. The recipes were easy, and delicious. When I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, I did not think I would ever be able to have delicious baked goodies again.

It was not until last year, when I found out that Betty Crocker had a line of baking mixes, that were gluten free. My boyfriend and I picked up a box of the Bisquick pancake mix, and we made pancakes the next day. We made the pancakes, and sat down to eat. We were both surprised by how delicious it was. My boyfriend told me that the Bisquick gluten free pancake mix was better than regular pancake mix. Having pancakes or waffles has become our Sunday morning tradition. We both love this pancake mix

We have also tried the Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix. The cookies are delicious and simple to make.

Even with having Celiac disease, I don't have to miss out on delicious baked goods, especially when I use Betty Crocker baking mixes. It has made it easier, for those of us with Celiac disease, to blend in. Non-Celiacs even enjoy the gluten free baking mixes. They say that they hardly miss the gluten, and that they cannot even tell that it is gluten free.

I have just read an article that Betty Crocker is coming out with new mixes. There will now be a sugar cookie mix, and a rice flour blend mix, coming to a store near you! I love Betty Crocker!
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/betty-crocker-expands-gluten-free-offerings-giving-households-more-reasons-to-bake-family-favorites-2013-07-18

photo credit: http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/betty-crocker.jpg

Cafes That I Wish Were Gluten Free: Starbucks!

With the popularity of my previous blog about Panera Bread, I decided to continue this series, writing about cafes and restaurants that I wish were gluten free.

Before my diagnosis, one of my favorite spots to write at was Starbucks. The atmosphere, the smell of coffee. Sipping a hot coffee, or tea. Eating a pastry, as I brainstorm ideas. These were things that really got me inspired to write. As a blogger/online writer, it is important for me to be in an environment that inspires me.

With having Celiac disease, surely I can still sip a hot coffee or tea, and take in the atmosphere. However, they do not have any fresh gluten free goodies, or sandwiches. Some Starbucks locations do offer Lucy's chocolate chip cookies, or  KIND bars. Sadly, none of those are satisfying, and you can't keep purchasing those items if you are going to spend a good portion of the day at Starbucks.

What I have noticed with some bakeries/cafes, is that they offer gluten free items that are sealed and stored away from regular food. They keep things separate, some are even frozen. If only Starbucks could join the ranks of these bakeries/cafes, and offer some of these frozen gluten free products. They will end up seeing an increase of customers, and an increase in revenue. Everyone wins!

I hope, one day, we will be able to patronize any restaurant/bakery/cafe we please, without being worried about being 'glutened.' It is unfair that we cannot be like everyone else, and enjoy these places.

(photo courtesy of: http://pixabay.com/en/cup-cartoon-hot-free-coffee-drink-35112/)

A Restaurant That I Wish Was Gluten Free: Panera Bread

 As someone who works from home, it is important for me to get out of the house once in a while. It would be awesome if I had a place to go, that has free Wifi, gluten free food, and hot tea.
Before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a place I used to frequent was Panera Bread. I loved their sandwiches, their bread bowl soup, and their drinks. I spent a great deal of time in Panera Bread, typing articles and doing research.

Now that I have Celiac disease, I can no longer go there. They do not have the ability to accommodate those of us with Celiac disease, or food allergies. Surely, you can get a cup of coffee, if you're Celiac, right? Wrong. Two years ago, after my diagnosis, I went into Panera Bread for some coffee. I actually got 'glutened' from their coffee. I think Panera Bread would have more business, if they accommodated us. They could do what a lot of other restaurants do: order the gluten free goods, packaged. Or, they could have a separate area to cook/bake food that is safe for us to eat. Yes, I know it's all about money, but, if they make these changes, they will be bringing in a ton of revenue, and the equipment would pay for itself.

I know it's a bakery restaurant, and for them to accommodate us may be a far-fetched idea, but, I miss Panera Bread. I would like to be a customer of theirs, once again. Celiacs, and those who are gluten intolerant, should not be punished for something we have no control over. Celiacs have this disease for life. It would be nice if we weren't isolated from everyday life.

(photo courtesy of: http://stopthecap.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/panera.jpg)

Why I Now Wear a Celiac Disease Medical ID Bracelet

If you have been following my blog posts, you know how vocal I am about raising Celiac Awareness. I get annoyed, and angry, whenever the media mocks us. Society does NOT take our disease seriously. Because of this, I decided to take things a bit further in raising awareness about Celiac disease, and teach society that it is a disease that needs to be taken seriously.

Last week, I decided to purchase a Celiac disease medical ID bracelet. I looked on Ebay, and found one for less than $17. When I go out, people are going to notice the bracelet, and ask questions. I WANT people to ask questions, because people need to know about this disease. We have had a lot of bad press, and I'm not going to hide my disease from people. I want to raise awareness in my community, so that it can become a Celiac friendly community.

When I go to restaurants, I want to be taken seriously, and not be given the eye roll. All Celiacs should be taken seriously. We are not following some fad diet. Gluten free food is our only treatment. It is only fitting that restaurants fall in line, and accommodate us without being jerks about it.

(photo courtesy of:http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/pict/2612386073904040_1.jpg )

Local Gluten Free Find: Nardelli's

 Today, my boyfriend and I were running some errands, and we both started getting hungry. We wanted to pick something up on the way home, but, because of my Celiac Disease, we did not know where to go. My boyfriend told me that a grinder shoppe, called, Nardelli's, now had gluten free bread, so people, such as myself, can eat there.

So we went into the deli, and, I was looking at the menu. Not only do they have the gluten free bread, they have gluten free soup, AND, gluten free cookies! I did not get the soup, because, it is way too hot today to enjoy soup. I got a turkey and cheese sandwich. I looked over to the cash register, and I saw the cookies. They had Snicker-doodle, and Chocolate Fudge cookies. My boyfriend had been telling me that he saw the cookies the last time he was in a Nardelli's. I added one of the cookies (the snicker-doodle) to the order, and we left. I could not wait any longer to try the cookie, so, I opened the package, and tried a piece. Can I tell you, it was the best gluten free cookie I had ever had in my life!? It was soft, tasty, and those of you who have a sweet tooth, very sweet tasting.

When we got home, we sat down to eat our sandwiches. My turkey and cheese sandwich was amazing! The roll was not soft, and that is to be expected with gluten free rolls. Overall, I am very satisfied with the food from Nardelli's.

Celiacs, if you visit Connecticut, and are in the Waterbury/Naugatuck area, check out Nardelli's. The gluten free rolls are kept wrapped up and separate from the regular rolls. The cookies are individually wrapped, in order to avoid cross-contamination. Two sugary thumbs up for Nardelli's!

http://www.nardellis.com/home.html

(photo courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN50pLl0mpT0pgRv8Bzsm3Uxo8ImtrcwKUphiriH34z9yjVm5-jglzT5qM4Kok688GeKnThi4WrCXvcdagvsYGgND0cKYBXLU4_yz9QsojjtHSCd-UNECyCrJrgqqEpt34t3yffrZckrg/s1600/nard5.JPG)

GF Cooking: Brown Rice Pasta vs. Corn Pasta.

 When I was diagnosed Celiac, I did not think I would be able to have pasta again. As I did more research, I realized that there are various pastas that are gluten free. I started experimenting with different kinds of pasta, including brown rice pasta, and corn pasta.

The first pasta I tried cooking, was corn pasta. No matter what I did, I could not cook it al dente. It came out gummy, and tasted horribly. I have been trying, for the past few years to perfect corn pasta, since I enjoy the challenge, but, I still cannot master this!

Then I decided to pick up brown rice pasta. I was not sure what to expect from this experiment, after what happened with the epic fail that is corn pasta. Despite my concern, I cooked it up anyway. The first time I cooked it, it did not come out right. It came out slightly gummy, and sticky, just like the corn pasta. I cooked it like I used to cook regular pasta, before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
I looked at the back of the package, and realized that it takes slightly less time to cook gluten free pasta. So, I cooked the pasta, according to the package. The pasta came out perfectly al dente! It actually tastes better than regular pasta. I don't miss regular pasta anymore.

After I started dating my boyfriend, I learned that he makes his pasta sauce from scratch. He mixes up crushed tomatoes, and some tomato sauce. He adds garlic & herbs to it, and cooks the sauce (I forgot how long he cooks it for). Sometimes he adds meat to the sauce. Combining his delicious sauce, with the brown rice sauce, perfectly cooked, it is a Celiac pasta lover's dream come true!

Celiac and Gluten Sensitive friends, this Celiac Warrior enthusiastically recommends that you cook with brown rice pasta (specifically the Tinkyada brand). Cook it exactly how the package tells you. You will be amazed how delicious it comes out!

Bon Apetite!

(photo 1 courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ4azFY5bkxSoU7mF6Coujko36uL7dU8VvghdXWEqu1V6kd0Syc5F_khxOxS7-eM2oWjBXKVsWSOGK8Us_oYecnsO9IuCWmUn2ESqJ5MpmZPLblgc7iYdnRTEQ5y1_x2Pqg2UlfZdqH8g/s320/brown+rice+pasta2.jpg
(photo 2 courtesy of: http://api.ning.com/files/EFgVILm6sOb-LSkh6IlSW6twTRKuBSndoiB8fcT10PJl4t8YFJiMAUmKj8*DFM5*eFkSpVv9-ymI9ZWqsMfFmHhNaqtoY4Fv/Pasta_doro_NEWSINGLEFRONT2.jpg?width=750

My Celiac Testimony, Parts One and Two on Youtube!

Is Hostess Considering the Development of Gluten Free Products?

Hey readers! As I was looking at the latest news in all things Celiac/Gluten Sensitivity/Gluten Free, I came across an article from the Wall Street Journal. It turns out that the Hostess brand, that is responsible for Twinkies, is in the process of brainstorming gluten free products.

This news comes out mere days before Twinkies return to the shelves of stores nationwide. Hostess has been in a lot of hot water, due to the amount of debt the company owes, about 1.3 billion dollars, to be exact. The company filed for two chapter 11 bankruptcies, which ended in liquidation, and Hostess products were removed from the shelves.  With the new owners, their debt has been wiped clean, and the company is free from union contracts.

My Opinion:
As a youngster, before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Hostess and myself, were best friends. Basically, I was a fairly obese child, LOL! Anyways, I have a lot of mixed feelings about Hostess possibly going gluten free. The wording I found in the Wall Street Journal article, bothered me. They called the possibility of gluten free Hostess products, "a healthier option." I do not necessarily agree with that. the only thing different about a gluten free Hostess products, is that it lacks gluten. Instead of gluten, there will be tons of sugar, and several sticks of butter. The calories will be much higher, and the carbs will be through the roof.
As unhealthy as it will be, it does provide Celiac kids with more treat options. It is important for Celiac and gluten sensitive kids, to be treated like normal kids. Kids do eat Hostess products, and now there is a possibility for our Celiac kids to join in on the Hostess treats.

Readers, what do you think about this possibility? Are you excited, angry, indifferent? Comment below.

source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324260204578584060534891582.html?mod=e2tw
(photo courtesy of: http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/MK-CE528A_HOSTE_G_20130707173031.jpg)

Celiac Friendly City: New York City!

Celiacs, and those suffering from gluten sensitivity: Have you been wondering where to go on vacation in the US, but were afraid of eating at restaurants, risking cross-contamination? Look no further than New York City. New York City has museums, concerts, naked cowboy in Times Square, Broadway, and, Gluten Free Tours.

This morning, I received a Tweet from Lynn Mendelsohn, a woman living with gluten sensitivity. She gives gluten-free tours. She will give you information about New York City, gluten-free brands to check out, hotels to stay at, and coaching to help you live gluten-free.

You can find more information on her website: http://www.glutenfreenyc.net/index.html
(photo courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEVhxpYWqmY0EdFRwz4TnQYymVEobG5_-eoeGNQAzUb4Hp4YL9yx2oe_NX9Iv7JrdHUyLMd_Qfll-VAyDtYhIBguda8z9wsAT3_jNIw-a673V_Wshf1henY_Ud6BJ8zeI_uhV-blyXkQH/s1600/NY_TimesSquareNight.jpg

GF Food Review: Vanilla Chex

 For the past week or two, I been seeing Chex's brand new Vanilla flavored cereal. I'm not much of a cold cereal lover. I usually eat hot rice cereal, buckwheat hot cereal, or quinoa hot cereal. However, I have been curious as to how the Vanilla Chex stacks up against some of the other flavors. My favorite Chex flavered cereal is the chocolate flavor. I had to stop buying it because it is so addicting, LOL!

Anyways, Vanilla Chex has been on the shelves of supermarkets across the country. I picked some up this morning, since I was eager to try it. When I got home, I ate a couple of Vanilla Chex. It is pretty good. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this cereal. The vanilla tastes like french vanilla. In a bowl with low-fat milk, it will be more like a dessert than a breakfast.

Try the Vanilla Chex. It tastes good, and it handy to have when you are in a hurry, and do not have time to cook. It is gluten free, and is sponsored by the Celiac Disease Foundation.

(photo courtesy of: http://i2.wp.com/runeatrepeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/IMG_20130617_144836-800x800.jpg)

Restaurant Review: Margaritaville

The nearest Margaritaville to where I live, is inside Mohegan Sun Casino. I have been to this restaurant several times in my life. Margaritaville is one restaurant that is Celiac-friendly. They have a separate gluten free menu for us, with several options, including margaritas, volcano nachos, and even a brownie dessert.

Today, my boyfriend and I went to Margaritaville for lunch. When I asked for the gluten free menu, I did NOT get the eye roll, which was a relief. We were seated, and, after looking at my menu for 30 seconds, I already knew what I wanted: Cheeseburger in Paradise, with french fries. The cheeseburger in paradise comes with a gluten free hamburger bun. When it was time to order, I told the waitress that I have Celiac Disease, and need to be gluten free. She understood, and took my order. When the food arrived, I was excited. It's rare for a Celiac to have burgers and fries at a restaurant.

The burger was outstanding. The fries were amazing. The only bad note I have about Margaritaville, is that I could not use the ketchup for my burger and fries. I checked the bottle at the table, and it did not have gluten free on it.

So, if you go to Margaritaville, be careful of that. Some ketchup types have hidden gluten in it. If it does not say gluten free, do not eat it!

All in all, it was an enjoyable experience. I had a delicious margarita, a fantastic meal, and I enjoyed it with the love of my life. As a Celiac, I am confident in recommending this restaurant to you all! I am a sensitive Celiac, so, if I don't get sick from it, no one else will, LOL!

In the words of Jimmy Buffett, "Head on down to Margaritaville!"

(photo courtesy of: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJcM0RSYUVV3LZX6j3vBOdYexHDmwN_WUKoCC09snZLhgfZlpJdYpAZhxcCcQXqlkGAZYtFC29tapmf1GhscrCJKICURlcE5B_1UaQH0SVnMfGzcVE-eEWy4eZco7SPAMDD_rUk8FeJA2/s320/114_2472.JPG

The Awkward Celiac Diagnosis

 While there have been great strides with diagnosing Celiac Disease, doctors need to be a little bit more sympathetic when diagnosing a patient with Celiac Disease. I have read stories about the day a Celiac was diagnosed. The doctor would call you, telling you the test results are in. "You have Celiac Sprue Disease," the doctor says. They tell you that you are not able to eat wheat, gluten, rye, barley, and oats. They may give you a link to a website to check information about the disease, then they hang up.

The day I was diagnosed, it was a late September afternoon, in 2011. The RN called and told me that I tested "very positive" for Celiac Disease. I swear, my heart jumped in my throat and I thought I had choked on it. I asked her what this meant, and she told me to check out www.badgut.com. Then she said that I need to begin eating gluten free food, immediately. Again, I asked her what that meant. She said the website would have all the information I needed, and I needed to make an appointment with a GI doctor. Then the conversation was over. How can someone diagnose me with something so life-changing, and only give me a web site URL? What happened to the days when the doctor would ask you to come in, and sit with you, letting you know the situation? When did the medical field become so impersonal?

Many people have the same experience when they are diagnosed. It is as if they tell you what is wrong, give you a band-aid, and send you on your merry way. Basically, once you are diagnosed, you are on your own. I understand that Celiac Disease is outside the Primary Care Physician's jurisdiction, but, they could at least be understanding.

What happened when your doctor diagnosed you with Celiac Disease? Did they just diagnose you and run? Or, were they sympathetic?

(photo courtesy of: http://www.dreamstime.com/doctor-and-patient-thumb22842738.jpg

That Awkward Moment When...

...you cannot tell whether you have been 'glutened' or you are having a Colitis flare up. This is the fun I am facing today. I was plenty careful yesterday, when I was over my boyfriend's mother's house. I had plenty of safe dishes. The only one I think is in question, may be some pudding I had.
Of course the crappy feeling I have, could be due to a Colitis flare-up. I just do not know.

This is the fun Celiacs, with Ulcerative Colitis face on a regular basis. If you have both, you know what I am talking about. I have invented the term "UCCeliacs," to describe Celiacs who also suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. When I have a flare up, I get intense cramping and pain in my lower tummy. I also have an upset stomach, and lovely trips to the bathroom. These are also among the many symptoms I face when I am 'glutened.'

Having both Celiac and Colitis, puts you at a huge disadvantage. I have signed up for numerous Celiac Disease studies, and have been rejected, because I also suffer from Colitis.

Do any of my readers suffer from both Celiac Disease, AND Ulcerative Colitis? Do you have that awkward moment when you cannot tell whether you have been 'glutened' or if you are having a painful flare up? Let me know in the comments!

(photo courtesy of: http://www.emaxhealth.com/files/imagecache/large/celiac%20disease.jpg

No Posts For Today-Happy Fourth of July!

Hello, my readers! Today is July 4th in the states, and I will be out with loved ones, enjoying the day, and their company. I will be back tomorrow, with more Celiac posts.

To my friends in America, have a happy, safe, and gluten free fourth of July.

To my friends across the ponds, I wish you a wonderful day/night, and thank you for reading my posts. The more people who know about Celiac Disease, the better. This disease not only affects Americans, it affects every country in the world.

Peace and love to you all!

Your Celiac Warrior,
Shauna S.

International Celiac Disease Symposium, September 22-23, 2013

This year, the University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center, will be hosting the 15th annual International Celiac Disease Symposium. This symposium is the largest Celiac Disease related conference in the world. Researchers, students, physicians, patients, families, friends, etc, will be in attendance.

The conference will focus on research that has been gathered about Celiac Disease, and related disorders. The University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center has been working relentlessly on something groundbreaking. They will be revealing their research at this conference. This research may hold the key to preventing, and curing Celiac Disease. Scientists will be discussing recent advances in the treatment of Celiac Disease, and related disorders. There will also be a separate area for patients, dietitians, and clinicians to learn more about Celiac Disease.

I will not be in attendance, but, I will be following the latest news on this conference. If, in fact, they have found a cure, everyone in the Celiac community, including myself, will be absolutely elated and floored by the news. I been following the work that has been done at the University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center. They have been working hard at a cure. They are hoping to find a cure by 2026. They are truly doing amazing things, and I cannot wait until all their research is unveiled.
Stay tuned for more information, as it becomes available!

source: http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2013/20130701-celiac.html
(photo courtesy of:  http://www.adventuresofaglutenfreemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Univesity-of-Chicago-Celiac-Disease-Center.jpg)