Friday, July 17, 2009

Deal.

I have been handed a new set of cards.

I was playing Go Fish. But someone just dealt me a hand of Old Maid. And I'm not sure what to do with these cards.

One spring day in 2005, I got a call from my dad. My Mom had been undergoing some routine tests that day and he said "Oh, they're all fine. But they think she might be allergic to wheat." "Wheat? Bummer. I guess no more bread for her."

Which just shows my own stupidity.

So, for the past four years--my Mom has lived gluten free. She avoids all foods with wheat, barley, or rye in them. Bread, yes. Cookies, cakes, and pasta. But also shampoos, makeup, meats, lotions--just about anything you can think of. We've all felt bad for her. She got dealt a rough hand of cards.

Well, guess what? Can you guess? This morning, I called my doctor to find out the results of my lab work, the nurse said "Oh--and the doctor tested you for celiac. And that's positive."

Such an offhand way to tell someone they're never going to have gingerbread or birthday cake or Olive Garden ravioli again. Like she wasn't dealing me a whole new hand of cards. Because, unlike this nurse--judging by her tone--I know exactly what it means to be celiac. It means being different. It means a whole lifetime of checking labels and explaining why you can't have some. It means that I'll never again have my mother-in-laws hot scones or homemade bread. Ever. It means that someday when my husband and I go on a mission, there are places they won't send me... because I won't be able to get the right kind of food.

It changes everything.

I'm just not sure what to do with it.

6 comments:

  1. Oh. No. I'm so sorry. I think I would die. The only thing positive I see? You'll be 138 in no time. Dang, girl... Check this out? I just was looking online for stuff for my friend that is GF... http://www.celiacspecialtiesshop.com/index1.html

    Good luck, I really do feel badly...

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  2. Wow! That does change a lot! You wouldn't think that something like a small grain could change a life so quickly...but, it does. I didn't realize your mom had it too.
    I know others that have been eating GF for awhile. Do you want me to ask for recipes? (One friend makes her own rice flower for herself and scrumptious bread/waffles for her family - that she can't even eat. She wants her kids to have the memories. Hmm...Better woman than I.)

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  3. Yep, Celiac sucks! That's ONE thing I don't have, thank goodness. You are fortunate to live when you do now, because you KNOW what makes you sick, and there are many alternatives. You'd be surprised to know just how many people have learned to "deal." There's a good reference book for you: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9781599951881.htm

    I do hope you can adjust to your new lifestyle. Losing weight will be a bonus. Learning how to read labels isn't too hard.

    Keeping up a good attitude might be, but you WILL get used to it. And remember, it could be worse....what if you couldn't have chocolate? Hang in there!!!

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  4. oh becca! i am so sorry! this will change your life more than i can imagine... but you will feel better and be healthier soon!

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  5. Yuck. Because no matter what the diagnosis, no one likes to be told "you can't have [this]" and realize all your routines are turned on their ear. I'm sorry. And forgive me for being such a quiet reader lately. Even my own blogging is lame, so don't feel bad.

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  6. Bummer! Do you know what your specifice reaction to wheat is? Like some people get bad headaches, etc. I am just curious and nosy.
    Fortunately, we live in a time where there are lots of alternative ways to eat so you can still enjoy some things. Unfortunately, you are stuck shopping at Whole Foods for the rest of your life, and that is expensive. Boo. Sorry. Love you.

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