Grocery Store Gauntlet
I have been lost today, drifting around town desperate to keep my mind off of cakes, pies, hoagies and pizza. Success, however, was short lived and I found myself fondling frozen waffles. I’m sure passers by were perplexed, after all it’s not normal to see a grown woman clutching granola to her chest and bawling.
For years I have had a horrific searing pain in my abdomen, not unlike being jabbed in the gut with a branding iron or extremely pointy knife. At various times it has been a nuisance and on occasion it has landed me in the ER. I have had cameras jammed down my throat, fingers prodding that which should only be an exit and suffered the indignity of pooping on cardboard- all to no avail. The pain seems to flare up with no rhyme or reason, rendering me useless for hours at a time. Sometimes I will endure it daily, other times it won’t make an appearance for 6 months. Generally I enjoy a reprieve while pregnant.. Not this time.
After the careful examination of my knees which occurred while I was doubled over in pain during the last 4 days I came to 2 conclusions:
1) I need to shave my knees more carefully, there are some freakishly long hairs
2) I need to solve this stomach situation STAT
My lovely doctor worked me in immediately and then threw me some of the worst news a frozen waffle fondling, cupcake coveting, french fry fiend such as myself could hear: It might be a gluten intolerance.
Do you realize that there is gluten in EVERYTHING? Ok maybe not everything, I’m pretty sure apples and bib lettuce are gluten free but things like soy sauce, salad dressing, chicken broth, double fudge chunk brownie ice cream, and 100% of the bakery are now on my no no list. My blood was drawn today but apparently the blood test can be a bit sketchy so regardless of the result she wants me gluten free for at least a month to see if my symptoms settle down. While the idea of relief makes me smile, the cold harsh reality of fighting pregnancy cravings is another matter entirely. Please send prayers… or better yet gluten free cinnamon buns with apple pie filling slopped all over the top.
ps gluten occurs in wheat, barley, rye, and oats (due to the fact they are processed with gluten laden grains). For a more comprehensive idea of my absolute no-no list check this out and weep for me.
August 23rd, 2006 at 3:33 am
I used to have a terrible pain that would come on occassionally and landed me in the ER. It turned out that I had a cluster of gall stones. You must not, or they would have found it. It literally felt as though my ribs were poking through my stomache.
I will eat a waffle for you, dear fidget! I will eat two.
August 23rd, 2006 at 3:54 am
This may be my Asian-ness speaking, but RICE! I cook rice for my friends that have gluten allergies. It’ll seriously satisfy a lot of your cravings!
August 23rd, 2006 at 1:16 pm
You will soon love rice. Our sitter has celiacs. And I did gluten free when I was bfing Q.
It sucks. However, there are a lot of options now.
Go to the gluten free mall online. Tons of stuff.
August 23rd, 2006 at 1:20 pm
pain vs pastries … I am so sorry you may have this condition. On the bright side at least you may know why and where the pain comes from.
August 23rd, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Oooph. I can’t imagine life without gluten, although it probably tops life without pain. Hope it helps you to give those things up for a while.
August 23rd, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Awww! Suck! I took a look a the list and stopped in the “B” section because I saw Beer on there and well, that’s just criminal. Although, I suppose you’re not drinking right now anyways
While it would be awesome to know what it is, i really hope you don’t have to swear off all the yummy stuff!
August 23rd, 2006 at 2:50 pm
I know it stinks, but I’m glad you’re belly’s going to feel better. Between all of us and what you find yourself, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of yummy options soon. I’ll scope out the aisles at Whole Foods next time I’m there, and they have a website too. Hugs.
August 23rd, 2006 at 3:25 pm
They should publish a list stating what you CAN eat. It might be less confusing and save time to go through. I feel for you. Hopefully this cures what ails you.
August 23rd, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Oh great - I wonder if this is my problem too?
You could take a Prilosec everyday but changing your diet is the much healthier way to go!
ps. we’re all sick AGAIN!
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Wow, that’s tough, especially when you *torture yourself by posting salacious photos of chocolate cakes* on your blog. Aw. I wonder if celiac disease is what has been bothering my friend her whole life.
I hope you get good news and are able to stalk some donuts soon.
August 24th, 2006 at 12:03 am
I have a nephew-in-law that has that, and is a celiac (or is that hte same thing?). anyway, he feels SO SO SO much better when he doesn’t eat things w/ gluten in it.
August 24th, 2006 at 4:14 am
That sucks!
September 25th, 2006 at 11:20 am
Celiac is definitely worse if you find out later in life, luckily I was diagnosed at age 2. I never really got to enjoy and get addicted to non-celiac food. If you’re dying for some tasty gluten-free food check out our website - www.celiacfoodreviews.com We both review the products celiac and non-celiac.