Celiac's Disease

Wow, what an interesting month it has been. Both my kids have had tummy problems so I decided to have their blood checked for Celiac's Disease just because it runs in the family. I basically wanted to rule it out, and didn't really think it was possible for either of them to have it. Boy was I surprised when the Dr's office called me and gave me the crazy news. It is interesting that a phone call that lasts all of 2 minutes can change your life so much. Celiac's disease sounds like he is dying, but basically it is an allergy to gluten. Which is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. So basically everything has some form of wheat in it. Cereal, bread, pasta, chicken nuggets, creamed soups ...basically everything. I have had to start over with foods in my house. 2 months ago I wouldn't have believed that I could bake bread with out wheat flour. Who knew that you can make bread with rice flour?
It is definitely much more complicated cooking, and a little more testy. But possible. There are so many resources online, thank goodness! I couldn't have done this 20 years ago. I still don't want to do it now, but when your 4 year old can't eat anything out of a box you have to rethink your dinner strategy. Everything has to be made from scratch. There are more gluten free options at the store, but most of them are very bland and the texture is very gritty. Not to mention the cost. We are grateful that it is not a life threatening problem. It definitely has changed our lives. No more eating out with the kids. No more McDonalds trips. No more pizza on weekends. And much more planning and time spent in the Kitchen. I will always have to pack a lunch for school.

But here are the pros:

Logan is feeling better, no more random vomiting.

He has much more of an attention span, he did a puzzle for the first time in his life, sounds pathetic I know, but the kid just wouldn't sit still for 5 minutes. Now he will sit with me and work on letters, do a puzzle, or draw and paint.

We are learning some really interesting things, and have found some new yummy foods.

I am being forced to cook. (I was cooking before, but this makes me plan ahead)

We are eating healthier.

We are much more aware of the foods we eat and the health benefits of them.

No more baked goods at our house. Not really a pro, but it will help me get thin.

I still feel like this is just pretend and everything is going to go back to normal soon. But I guess that is how life is with most trials. This one I won't be able to ride out though. It is forever and life altering.

I try not to think of all the cons. Sometimes it is a little overwhelming. We are going to the allergist this week to see if there are any other allergies. Which is very likely. Most children diagnosed with Celiac's disease have other allergies. He has still been having a couple problems so we are hoping that he doesn't have an intolerance with dairy. We could definitely use some prayers because I am not sure I can handle dairy on top of gluten. Nor could our budget. I will let you know next month.

I am trying really hard not to make him feel too different at our house, and to make it so he doesn't have to ask me if he can eat something..."mom is this gluten free?" has become a common question. I want him to know our house is a safe haven for him to eat and be normal. It just requires a lot of time in the kitchen and a lot of dishes. It is a good thing I love him. Because it makes it worth it.

And no, he doesn't always get heart shaped pancakes with pink syrup. This was Valentines Day breakfast. They were very yummy gluten free buttermilk pancakes with buttermilk syrup.