Saturday, May 26, 2012

Headed for a big change and I don't like change

So, my Dad was just recently  diagnosed with celiac disease, which is a fancy word for being allergic to gluten.  Gluten is in everything.  It's in the obvious stuff of course likes breads, muffins, bagels, cakes, cookies, but it is also in flavor packets, salad dressings, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, hard candy, flavored and malt vinegars.  It is a hereditary, autoimmune disease, it is the only autoimmune disease controlled by your diet.  The only way to fix it is a complete and total gluten free diet.  I was allergic to gluten as a baby. I am patiently waiting on the results, but the Dr is 90% sure that I have because of the other symptoms I have.  Usually people that are allergic to gluten get sick to their stomach every time they eat gluten, but other symptoms are: losing hair, arthritis, osteoporosis, skin issues, digestive issues, iron deficient anemia.  I have all that but the osteoporosis, which I am going to get my bone density checked eventually after all my other tests.
What does celiac disease do to you?  Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing parts of food that are important for staying healthy.  So if you don't go on a gluten free diet, you become malnurished and sickly like an anorexic person even though you are eating food. 

Because the Dr was so sure that I have it, I organized my pantry yesterday, the fridge and the freezer, I have my own shelves in all.  After I get the results of the antibody test back, it will be official, the I have to have a colonoscopy to see exactly how bad the damage to my small intestine is, then after that I will have the gene test done and they want my Dad to have the gene test done, to know which specific gene to check for in Jack.

So, while this is completely turning my world upside down, it couldn't have come at a better time.  I have lost 80 pounds and gained a lot of muscle definition over the past 2 years, I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, lean meat.  So, at least this didn't happen 2 years ago, I would have just cried, but now I am in a healthier athletic state and can handle another diet change.  I have done my research too, there are several restaurants that offer gluten free menus, and hey I can still eat Mexican food, woo hoo, it just has to be corn tortillas.  Hey who knows, maybe being gluten free will make my thin hair grow back too.  I think the worst is gonna be at work, I won't be able to eat any of the desserts or bagels, cookies that other offices send us. Grrrr.

1 comment:

Heather D. ~ Fresh Brewed Designs said...

I am sending you lots of hugs, prayers and pats on the back. You are one strong lady! It is so good that you are prepared and researching and ready. It is funny you said that about if it happened a few years ago. I have said that before about some things myself. Even when it is not the most pleasant of things, God's timing is perfect. I will continue to be praying for you and your dad and that you are able to find good recipes, yummy food and make this journey as easy as it can be.