In December of 2007, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I had never heard of this before. And when did wheat (or gluten) become so evil?? I remember telling Dr. Silverman, the head of Gastroentrology at Henry Ford West Bloomfield, that it "couldn't possibly be anything I eat." I continued on to tell her I ate what I deemed "safe foods". Ya know, just sandwiches, cereal, waffles, soups, and of course sweets! (I love all cake equally!
) I knew that lactose and nuts could be the bain of some people's existence - but not lovely wheat. It made no sense. Oh, and let's not forget my love affair with tortilla chips. I had a serious love/hate going on with Mexican Town in Detroit. I loved it, and well...clearly it hated me.The symptoms of Celiac Disease vary greatly. Mine, blatantly enough, made sure that I did not digest my food, felt bloated, disgusting and never hungry. If your food hasn't gone anywhere, you really shouldn't put anything else in your belly. It was like my intestines were holding my "safe foods" hostage. It's so hard to be charming when you're feeling so icky.
I'm certain that this problem has persisted a good chunk of my life. Growing up in an authentic Italian family - I had no affection for pasta whatsoever. The one time my soccer coach told me to eat it before a game, I literally felt like a snake that had just eaten a mouse. Weighed down, disgusting and no energy to run or kick a ball. Ick! While I pursued doctors and medical attention, I was dismissed from any seriousness due to the traumatic losses in my life. (I was currently dealing with the grief of my mother's death two years prior and the breakup of an engagement just one year before.) While I appreciate the BioPsychoSocial approach to medicine - I don't think that a "nervous belly" or "depression" warranted the symptoms I was feeling. I'm a Counselor for Heavens Sake! (And yes, I reminded that particular doctor of my DSM-IV diagnosis criteria knowledge. Hmmph! Take that I say!
) Being diagnosed was one of the most validating occurences in my life. I wasn't crazy! (Or depressed! Or nervous!) No friends, I had a genetic disorder. My body physically cannot break down gluten. And when it tries to, it damages my body. I instantly gave up all gluten, dropped 10 pounds and was the happiest person alive. I walked on air. And then it hit - the gluten free crash...
I thought that I could just avoid learning how to cook gluten free and just stick to the purely safe foods like chicken, potatoes, fruits, veggies, cheese and SUGAR! No need for knowledge, I was apparently too lazy and presumptious for that. But then slowly I began running in to "grey area" products. They say that cheese is gluten free but not all cheese. Some cheeses have enzymes that contain my arch enemy. How do you know? I began to decend from my flight of gluten freedom. Suddenly I had become trapped. I was at a standstill - as if I was checkmated wherever I went. I began to feel defeated and quit my diet. I didn't care because it didn't matter anyway. I was destined to feel crummy and helpless. Unfortunately for me, Celiac Disease did not quit me and I we faced a battle of the wills. Note to readers - genetic disorders win out hands down everytime. Dang it! It was not until I realized I had socially isolated myself due to the crumminess that I felt dependent on "digestion aides" that I noted how big of a pickle I was in. Beyond nothing charming about that, I'll say! Luckily once I had recognized the maladaption that I had fallen into, I quickly looked for reinforcements.
No sooner did I break that I found Cheryl Heppard - Certified Holistic Health Coach. My Savior in 2009. Cheryl restored my confidence in being able to take care of myself. I began to learn about gluten free food and begin to enjoy cooking. I now am captivated by cooking shows, learning what ingredients goes into food and how much prepared food really can be deemed Gluten Free. I also can tell when a dish is not GF and can think of my own adjustments. CHOPPED on the Food Network has quickly become one of my favorite shows!
I am now committed to my health and happiness and have made a beautiful partnership with my condition. I do not let it dictate my life but have learned to live by it's guidelines. And I have come to find happiness within myself and situation. I no longer feel the need to socially isolate myself and am regaining my "charm"! There has been a mess of social and emotional implications with my gluten free journey and I would have benefitted tremendously by a supportive community. For this reason alone, I am beginning to build a gluten free support group into my practice. While many groups and suppliers are trying to provide this service, I am committed to helping others with my clinical background. My program will incorporate Cheryl's expertise for those who need practice and nutritional assistance with their gluten free journey. Together, we are going to provide a healthy, happy, educated and competent community for the gluten free. My doctor told me to "just read books" because professionals know less about it than I would. Sigh...I'm committed to making sure that's no longer the case.
Starting in February 2010, I will be starting a "Living Gluten Free" support group at my office in Birmingham at Be Well. The sessions will run weekly for $20/session. Because group support is not for everyone, I've alloted for the first session free. If you or anyone else you know could benefit from a gluten free support group, please contact me at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for pre-group screening.
As innocent as gluten is - it can sure be a bigger struggle than one can imagine. Let's bring Celiac and Gluten Free awareness to our community.
