Gluten is the enemy

Friday afternoon I received a call from my doctor’s office regarding my blood work. I had been having some pretty severe intestinal issues for about 2 years now, but had been avoiding getting them checked out due to my doctor (aka; needle) phobia. However, the pain and general discomfort had reached an all time high and I finally waved the white flag and made an appointment. When I got the call, I knew they had found something.

And that something was Celiac Disease.

For those of you unfamiliar with the condition, it is also referred to as gluten intolerant. You may walk down the aisles of your local Whole Foods or even local supermarkets, and see many products being advertised as gluten free. Well, those are the products that I now have to buy in bulk. Gluten is the common name for the proteins in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. I can no longer consume foods that contain any of those grains. That means no bread, no pasta, no cupcakes, no beer. No big deal. Just everything that makes me happy.

I usually don’t delve too deep into my personal life here on Melificent, but I figured posting about my journey towards becoming gluten free may help others in my predicament. I had a very difficult and frustrating weekend, and I know having some sort of support system would have really lessened those negative emotions. My husband has been more than understanding, as has everyone else in my life, but it’s definitely life-changing. I really enjoy food – especially trying new places to dine out, and now I feel like that has been ripped from me.

I went to a local spot for dinner on Sunday night, which I knew had a gluten free menu. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if the food was contaminated or what not, but I got very sick again. This was also after spending almost $100 on what I considered superficial items that would just help me “get by” at Whole Foods. Items that mostly tasted like a shell of what food should taste like. I also feel like I will be eternally annoying at every dinner table I ever sit at, and have turned into that girl. When I start getting hunger pangs, I panic because picking what to eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner is now an all out mission.

And as you all know, I am just learning how to cook. Now I need to go back to square one and start hunting down gluten free recipes, as it is evident eating out will be more of a headache than a treat. Thankfully, I have found several blogs (1, 2, 3) that will guide me along the way, but it still feels extremely daunting to me right now.

I’m really sorry if this post seems disjointed, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around this new lifestyle, so the emotions are still a little hard for me to express and deliver in a nice and neat little package. I know things will get easier and adhering to the diet will become second nature (it has to, disregarding it can result in premature osteoporosis or intestinal cancer), but right now this all feels like life decided to kick me in the ass.

I am grateful for all the advice I have already received from friends, but am definitely open to more.
I am trying to put things into perspective, as I am very happy that it wasn’t something more serious and that I now know what is making me feel this way and how to start feeling better. But sometimes, you just need a hand to hold.

Thanks for holding my hand.

  • Aliza

    I’m so sorry to hear you have celiac disease. I have a friend who has it and I just wanted you to know that there seems to have been a huge spread of this as of late and America is coming around and offering more gluten free options. I don’t think you’ll need to only shop at Whole Foods to find alternatives for your lifestyle. There are many restaurants that offer gluten free menus as well, you just have to look for it and ask. I know it can seem daunting but once you get used to it, it will become second nature. I do the whole kosher thing and believe me it can be tricky finding something in this country that doesn’t have pork, shellfish, or meat and dairy products on it! If you come up my way or to Orlando I know of a couple places with gluten free menus that are not chains. Good luck!

  • Ally

    This is a huge transition! I remember very well how it felt to be newly diagnosed with Celiac. 9 years ago they didn’t have as much info or foods and restaurants that had gf menus, it was very frustrating and I hated being “that girl” that was pain anytime I went somewhere I had to ask for the list of ingredients. It does get better, and you get used to it…but it is still hard sometimes. It’s a big chore. I totally understand how you feel. I had reactions at first, even when everything was gluten free. Your body is adjusting and will take time to heal and so even when you eat gluten free you may still get sick. :( There are lots of gluten free recipes all over the internet, which is really nice and I always look for ones that I don’t have to modify anything. Cooking with the different flours can be a pain sometimes. I don’t think I’m cheering you up! I’m glad there lots of resources now and I love that more restaurants are more accommodating! If you ever have any questions or just want to complain about eating bread that doesn’t taste very good. I’m here. :)

    Allykiss

  • Tarah

    My little cousin David has severe food allergies (dairy, soy, shellfish, nuts, etc.) and I’ve spent the last 13 years altering recipes for him so that he can eat what everyone else eats. You’d be surprised at the normal, everyday products that you could find in any grocery store that don’t contain allergens or gluten that you could “repurpose” and use to make other foods (Pillsbury pie crust for pizzas, apple sauce in place of eggs, etc).

    Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me any recipes you’d like to try out and I’ll see if I can offer you some changes that would make them gluten free.

  • http://rgbmonster.com Agustin Sanchez

    Things will get better as you get used to knowing what to look for. As you saw last night when we went to Sole, you just have to order the right things and inform people what you’re allergic to.

    Most restaurants are very happy to accomodate things.Just remember that while frustrating that there is plenty you still can eat that is delicious! Dont’ worry about our Europe trip too much as Celiac’s is even more widespread over there.

    <3

  • Rox

    My friend, Change is not always easy and especially when it comes to food. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Rox

  • Anika

    Sounds like it’s definitely going to be tough, but I know that you can do it. Any time you have to make a permanent lifestyle change, it’s basically a pain in the butt until it’s become routine, but you’ll get there eventually.

    & I don’t think anyone worth hanging out with is going to fault you for asking if things are gluten free. I always have to ask about lard or chicken broth and nobody gives me a hard time. We’re all here for you. <3

  • Aliza Edery

    Oh and I hate cilantro with a passion, so try eating yummy spanish food or anything from asia without it its impossible! I just tell them I’m allergic and everyone accommodates me.

  • Megs

    I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I am sure you will learn to be happy with what you have in time. You are strong and you will get through! <3

    I actually work with someone with a gluten intolerance and she always has something yummy to eat for lunch that sometimes I am jealous of!

    I also saw gluten free beer at a liquor store the other day (it's called Binny's- not sure if it's a Chicago thing or nationwide).

    There is hope! <3

  • http://www.melificent.com Meli

    You guys are great. Thank you so much for the outpouring of love and advice. <3

  • Adrienne

    Celiac does require a huge lifestyle change, but you have to look at it this way: it’s an intestinal condition that has a DEFINITE cause. Most (i.e. ulcerative colitis, IBS, Crohn’s, etc), do not — and you just have to live with it or take awful medications that can make you feel worse in other ways. I’m not trying to take away from how difficult it will be to make the transition for you, but it helps me to keep things like this in perspective. Good luck in your gluten free journey! <3