Gluten Free, the (only) way for Me

I am making an absolute, 100% commitment to ME to be completely Gluten Free. Here's how/why I've come to this conclusion.

How

I see my 20-40 feet of intestines as an "upper" and "lower" half, which they are. This is why doctors do Endoscopy and Colonoscopy. Endoscopy for upper and Colonoscopy for lower. I have problems in both. The difference is that my prior doctor only discussed my lower problems and told me to cure with medications and that I could still eat whatever I wanted and my new doctor has first focused on my upper problems and is helping me (mostly) via food recommendations.

So the new doctor has found a lot of inflammation in my stomach and esophagus so far. And he knows that I get severely bloated and distended. He also knows that me off gluten makes my upper problems disappear. Thus, the first thing he suggested - adios wheat/gluten!

I am confident that the wheat/gluten is the 100% cause for my upper digestive problems. As for the lower, I am still working on this. I am headed in the right direction, but (the lower) is not to the place I want it to be. 

Why

If the "how" didn't explain enough of the "why," then perhaps you've never felt even a slight bloat in your life and you just simply can't relate. Be Thankful!

There is not a day that goes by when I am "upper-bloat" free that I don't thank God! So many times lately I've been having these "mental blocks" where I feel like any moment I may bloat up again. My brain is remembering the past several years of constant discomfort. It's almost like some post-traumatic stress, and I clearly need to reverse those thoughts.

The only way I know how to take care of those lingering issues is to make a pact with myself to be completely, 100% Gluten Free because each day I'm not faced with an "episode" is yet another day of building confidence.  

Will this be easy? No! Will I cry sometimes, as I already have? Sure! Will I want to re-think this pact? Most definitely! But will doing this make all the difference in my life? Absolutely!

iRelate

Yesterday I was in Chicago meeting with a company. My last meeting there was with the Division CMO. We began talking about me, my background and social media in general. After awhile he said to me, "Do you have a Blog?" I responded, "Yes, actually two. One that's primarily marketing and social media-focused, and the other health/fitness/food-focused." It was the latter that sparked his interest. He wanted to know more, so I told him briefly how it was "born" and why I'm so passionate about it today.

He then said, "My 14 year old son has Crohns. He is gluten free, too." And then instantly, I think we could have talked all day on the topic about frustrations, food choices, "discoveries" and so much more (especially because they have treated it to the degree I have - via food - or the lack thereof certain foods - smart people!)

After speaking with him, it made me realize even more how important this Blog is to me. This is not just a "Blah, blah blog" to me! Not only are there people like me out there, but there are more than I could even imagine. They are people just like me, fighting their own battles. And they are not just adults, they are children, too. His son is 14, and the little girl at my cousin's daycare is just 3 (with Celiac). I complain, cry and get negative from time-to-time about all this, but younger kids and children are the ones who really don't understand why they are the way they are. It's an ongoing daily struggle, but what I hope and pray this Blog does is truly reaches out to even one person in the form of motivation, help, advice or just a place to come to say....I read Confessions, Truths & the Journey of a (Mis)Fortunate Fitness-Foodie Junkie because, "iRelate."

CHEERS!

(ps. I am dabbling into the idea of "moving" this blog & transforming it into something bigger. It won't happen overnight because I'll have a lot of work cut out for me, but I'm extremely excited and I think it will provide even more value to all who stumble across it! If you have thoughts/ideas/suggestions/needs/wants from this Blog, please feel free to email me, tweet at me @sarahkayhoffman or leave a comment here.) 

Endoscopy Full Results

My full endoscopy results came in yesterday.

Seems as though I'm basically a dog just out there chasing my tail! 

The Doctor said I definitely have a lot of inflammation, but it doesn't point to any specific cause. If I don't know the cause, I don't know the action - well, the full action anyways. 

I don't have Celiac, though he said that staying away from Wheat/Gluten will probably only help me. The only harm he sees with me eliminating Wheat/Gluten is total daily caloric intake (and me not getting enough). I don't have a problem with this, though! I teach myself daily that when I'm hungry, I eat!

In a few weeks, he wants to do further "exploring" via, you guessed it - more blood tests. I won't lie, it's getting old. Very old! I'm just trying to remain positive. And of course, I'm dotting my "I's" and crossing my "T's" when it comes to being careful with food. Between the two, it's been my best bet against this "fight with my 40 feet of intestines!"

My mom says, "I think you're quite healthy." To her I responded, "I sure am. It's just a bum-tum."

I take each day at a time. Smart (food) choices, healthy (workout and movement) habits - and of course, a smile!

CHEERS!

Endoscopy: Partial Results

I once read that a "successful" blog is not a "Dear Diary." I do agree, to a degree. But since this is my personal blog where I share with you my "journey" with all things health, fitness & food related, I think it's only fair that I insert the "Dear Diary" portion. I have even dabbled in the idea of changing the name of my Blog to Dear Diary: (something xyz)?

So I digress....

I woke up today, starving! That's why it's called BREAK-FAST. You are supposed to "break" the "fast." (Don't forget that - make sure you break it, each and everyday. Not just when it's "convenient.) But today, not for me. No food, no water - nothing. Today was Endoscopy day! 

I got to the surgery place, where they took my blood pressure and started my IV. One highlight of my day was when the nurse asked, "Wow - your blood pressure is so low. Do you workout a lot? Run? High intensity?" Of course I responded, "Yes." She said '"that's fantastic how "abnormally (yet normal) low" it is!"'

From there, I waited until my doctor was ready. By the time they actually start anesthesiology, you basically have 1 more minute of coherence to roll over on your side. And that's the last I remember. It was over shortly after....leaving you with just a burning throat!

Side Story: While I was waiting to "snap out of it" a little more, I heard a man ask the doctor, "So do I need more Nexium?" The doctor said, "Well, you can either cut your Martini's or take 2 Nexium/day, which is expensive." He laughed and said, "Oh no, not my Martini's." And I could relate to that! Though, if I could manage anything with a change in diet alone vs. the medication I would in a heartbeat! But still....ouch:)

They waited until my husband got there to give him "preliminary" results, as they know patients aren't fully "aware" yet! They told us that they did find inflammation in both my esophagus and my stomach. They took biopsies, which will help determine anything beyond that. 

My followup is next Wednesday. 


I'm not sure what all this means, but it doesn't surprise me that there is inflammation. I'm back to my diet from the "wheat stray" yesterday. Trust me, I will be "testing" those waters again. Just not for awhile. 

Until then, I'm happy, healthy, (un) bloated & internally (currently) screaming....

HECK NO WHEAT-POINT-O!

CHEERS!

Wheat - a Culprit?

If you remember, I told you in yesterday's post that I was going to be doing a 100% Durum Whole Wheat "Test."

Immediately upon finishing my Leg Workout (which, by the way today I was up to 6 sets - so hard!!) I grabbed my 3/4 cup of "wheat." Clearly I was starved. I gobbled it down quickly.

Within a few minutes I got that red dot in my cheek. It's painless, but shows up with certain foods I haven't pinpointed yet. A few hours later I definitely felt a slight bloat. I'm not going to say I was miserable because I wasn't (and then again, I only had 3/4 cup). But something didn't feel right.

I am keeping my eye on this in the next day or so. Nothing new will be added until then, as I want to truly make this a "test." 

Tomorrow I have my endoscopy. We will see if my biopsies find anything. Wish me luck as they "count-me-down" to sleep - 5, 4, 3, 2 (I'm out)!

Until then....

CHEERS!

I'll Make it through...Thank You Mr. Coconut Butter

Have I ever told you before about my Artisana Organic Raw Coconut Butter? If not, now is the time. If so, tough - listen again because it's that good!

Today is Day 3 of my GAPS. Overall, I feel better than I did the 1st two days. But I'm still virtually carb/sugar free. Oh it's so hard! You don't realize it until it's gone. You can say you've given up sugar, but just because you are eating "sugar-free" or "artificial-sugar" products doesn't mean you are actually sugar-free. And that's the rough part. I was thinking, "A sugar-free stick of gum or some sugar-free jello sure would taste great right about now."

But then I remembered a "sugary taste" that I can have (and that I should have) that I haven't had yet (except a little yesterday) - Artisana Organic Raw Coconut Butter. It is so unbelievably good! I just eat it plain, for the calories and for the taste. I try to limit to 2 Tbsp/day, but if I go over, oh well! For "normal" people, you can put this on toast, fruit or any baked goods. For me and for anyone else like me, eating it plain suffices way beyond belief! Do yourself a favor - get yourself some today. You can thank me by posting pictures (you + Mr. Coconut Butter) on my Facebook Page or Tweeting at me!

In other news, I had my doctor's appointment today.  All my tests came back fine. He is still certain there is something going on (obviously) especially since I have cut Wheat, Gluten and Dairy and "magically" I'm better. I have another endoscopy next Friday. This time, he said, "the tube will be longer." And if that shows nothing, he said that I may be the rare (handful) of his patients that don't ever show things by blood work or other tests/panels, yet have an intolerance that is only "cured" by keeping away from those foods.  


I will do whatever it takes to feel better. Whatever!

Day 3 Food:

• Slow-cooked chicken
• Magic Mineral Broth
• Homemade chicken broth
• Slow-cooked turkey
• Lean beef
• Avocado
• Broiled chicken in Coconut Oil
• Raw Coconut Butter
• Probiotics

I had more energy today, but still not a ton. I was able to make it through a 35 minute (fairly intense) workout before I crashed. After the doctor's appointment, I felt tired again. I just need rest because I know the end (of the fatigue) is in sight. And that is super encouraging and inspiring to me!

CHEERS!