I Miss Bread!

[Sheggles]

My story isn't that exciting, and my guess is it's all been said before. My main reason for becoming a member here is that I need to vent and my poor family has heard nothing but whinging from me since this whole thing started. I guess I'm just after a bit of advice and a shoulder to cry on.

My belly dramas started just over 3 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. I had a sludgy gallbladder just after she was born but an elimination diet seemed to bring it under control. I'd have the odd bad day or two, but nothing that couldn't be handled with some rest and lots of water. Fast forward to end of last year - The pain became unbearable and, thinking it was my gallbladder, I made an appointment with my gp all but demanding it be removed. Tests were ordered, I went on a gallbladder-friendly diet, and I was referred to a surgeon. When the tests all came back clear he put me on the waiting list for an endoscopy/biopsy and suggested I try a gluten elimination diet. I was warned that there was a significant wait (up to 90 days) and told to do the gluten challenge if I noticed a reduction in pain while off gluten. I didn't really take him seriously but was willing to give anything a go. How wrong was I?! 6 weeks of no gluten and I was pain free. No headaches, no fatigue and no crippling belly cramps. So I started the gluten challenge. Oh the pain! Unbearable amounts of pain! I wound up I'm hospital a few nights ago with severe cramps and horrific bloating (I looked like I was at least 6 months pregnant). The doctor there told me to do a mild challenge - 1/2 a piece of toast 2-3 times a week - because it was obvious my system can't handle it.

So here I am - missing bread and craving pasta, crying for no reason, and terrified that I'm facing a life of reading labels. I guess I'm really just wanting someone to say "I know how you feel", and give some advice on how to deal with the torturous cramps during the challenge.

Phew! That felt good to say. Sorry it's so long, and thanks for reading it.

[BlessedMommy]

So did you end up getting diagnosed with celiac after the gluten challenge?

[MycasMommy]

Pasta is an easy cure. Tinkyada makes  A GREAT rice pasta. If you only cook it al dente it doesnt taste like a bunch of those terrible corn/quinoa ones either. I made a beautiful lasagna last night and every person in the house was very, very happy. You can order this stuff online if you cannot find it in your grocery store.

 

That being said, I hope they get to the source of all your issues. If it does turn out you have ot be gluten free, it is not the end of the world. You wont have to give up bread nor pasta. You will have to change the KIND you eat. You will have to read labels very carefully. There are other things you will have to give up of course, unless youre of a mind that if you can buy it at a store then you can "home made" it, like me . 

 

Just focus on the challenge and getting through this part so you can get better.

[cristiana]

So righ MycasMommy ... rice pasta is excellent.  Also, although gluten-free bread does take some getting used to I think it tastes so much better if you toast it.

 

Re: cramps: sliced ginger allowed to diffuse in boiling water can be very calming the stomach.  Drink it warm.  You may find it easier to avoid dairy while you are doing the challenge - I got severe bloating when my celiac disease was at its worst and it really helped dropping milk products for a while, although I seemed to be able to get away with a bit of hard cheese like cheddar.  Whenever I get a bloating flare - for whatever cause - I find a very good probiotic has always helped.

 

Hope some of this does help you.

[Sheggles]

Thanks guys :-) I've tried a few of the breads and they were pretty awful but more edible when toasted. I do enjoy baking and have 3 kids to cook for, I was thinking I'll give bread making a go once I snap out of the terrible mood. I'm not a fan of ginger but it has to be better then the cramps. The doctor gave me some buscopan and that seems to help a little, it makes me a bit drowsy though.

I haven't been diagnosed yet, I still haven't got a call back about the appointment. I was told up to 90 days after the 26th of November so I'll hopefully hear back from them soon. I'll be out of the country on holiday from the 28th of February so I'm really hoping I'll know something by then. If I can't take the call I'll be moved down the list and I'll have another month or so to wait *sigh*

I've been snacking on safe food more than sitting down to actual meals. Nuts and fruit have been my saviour, but I'm getting mighty sick of rice crackers.

[squirmingitch]

If you are dx'd celiac then I would suggest one cookbook as an absolute must have above all others especially since you stated you enjoy baking. It is "The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook" by America's Test Kitchen. Quite frankly my hubs & I tried every gluten-free bread out there available to us in the stores as well as making our own from scratch & in our opinion they all sucked big time! And one would like to have bread that doesn't have to be toasted. I got the cookbook mentioned, made the Classic Sandwich Bread, the dinner rolls and the biscuits. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! Smells like real bread, looks like real bread, feels like real bread & most importantly the taste & texture of real home made bread. AND you don't even have to toast it to be able to eat it. 

 

It is scary thinking you might have to eat gluten free -- I think we've all experienced that terror. And there is a period of mourning involved too. But the difference in our health makes it all so much worth it. Ask any one of us. We've been there, done that. Go ahead & get things off your chest; that's what we're here for.