The celiac story

I just wanted to let you know my story. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2002 right after #1 son was born. I was not feeling myself, but figured it was on account that I was a nursing mother and that was never something I was good at. I woke up in terrible pain one night when #1 son was about three months old. My smart husband rushed me into the emergency room because the pain was so bad that I was hyperventilating. I am still grateful for that wise decision. They told me I had an upset stomach.... Duh. They also gave me a recommendation to follow up with my family Doctor. I called him the next day and he saw me right away. He thought that I may have an ulcer or a case of acid reflux so we tried both medications. One for one month and the other the next month. When my stomach was still sensitive to touch he recommended That I see a specialist. I did. I had an endoscopy done and a blood test and a biopsy of my small intestine. It was a scary day going in for the results. I had to bring my mum with me for support. She and I were so relieved when we found out I didn't have cancer...Long story... But we had never heard of celiac sprue. He told me that if I eliminated certain foods from my diet I would be fine. I met with a dietitian and learned that a lot of foods are very glutenous. I was very excited to be better so I have been Gluten free for Five Years!! I have a young family so it was pretty easy to have us all be gluten free. It can be more expensive, but not having to cook two meals every night makes it worth it. (Not having cross contamination makes it more worth it.) I have found so much support and Gluten free foods right here in little Caldwell Idaho. I can't believe the difference it has made in my life. This morning I even had Gluten free Pancakes!! If you would like to try them here is the recipe:

Gluten free pancakes

1 1/2 cups Gluten free flour (I used Bob's red mill all purpose GF Flour You can use rice if you like.)
1/2 cup corn starch
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon
Sift them all together


Add 3 eggs or egg substitute
1/2 cup oil of choice
1 1/2 cups milk or water

Blend with a hand mixer until no lumps are present. Pour a small amount into a preheated, greased fry pan. Cook on one side until bubbles don't close up any more. Flip and cook other side half as long. ENJOY!! I like them with Choc. Chips or blue berries baked in, but my husband likes to smother them with Peanut butter. To each his own. there is no wrong way to eat a pancake.

Best of luck to you and yours enjoy your new life Gluten free....