Comments on: Parting (with Gluten) is Such Sweet Sorrow…Or Is It?

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:39:08 +0000

Welcome Debbie!
I’m glad you pointed out that you have pulmonary problems when you ingest gluten. So frequently we forget about the other systems that are affected, and focus only on the potential for GI upset. It truly can affect all of our systems!
Glad to hear that you are feeling better, even though it took a while and many doctors!

By: Debbie Pierce

Debbie Pierce — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:59:37 +0000

Thank you. I do agree. I spent years desperate to find out what was wrong with me. Allergists, Endocrinologists, Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, etc. And all it took was for me to not eat wheat/gluten? I’ll take it! My #1 symptom if I ingest gluten is that I am unable to breathe properly for 24+ hours so I sure know if I have been exposed.

People ask me all the time how can I stand it. I just smile and say Easy! I can BREATHE!!

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:08:41 +0000

Thank you Rogene. That’s an excellent observation by your mom-it’s odd to me, but it almost seems like a badge of honor to some, almost as if “let’s see who can suffer the most!”
Gluten free life, and now gluten free married life, is good.
Thanks for the wedding wishes

By: Rogene

Rogene — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:46:28 +0000

Rant anytime you want Erin. This one is really needed. Those of us who believe this need to say it over and over and over again. There are so many celiac folks out there who seem to “enjoy poor health” as my mother used to say, but we have to keep saying it as well as living happy, healthy gluten free lives. Leading by example is so important. Keep up the good work!

Best wishes on your marriage. You certainly chose a beautiful place to get married.

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 11:12:29 +0000

Melissa!
Thank you so much. We had just an incredibly wonderful experience.
And I couldn’t agree more on the “choose your own adventure” when it comes to an autoimmune disorder. I think all of us in healthcare probably have their most-feared autoimmune disorder. Mine is severe scleroderma. Scares the bejeezus out of me, and my heart goes out to those who deal with it every day, I think they are amazing.
Today is our “wedding celebration” party. Since we couldn’t have the whole family/friends thing at the ceremony, we’re having a big bash here at the house.
Full report and pics of the gluten free cake to come!

By: glutenfreeforgood

glutenfreeforgood — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:47:21 +0000

Erin,

First off, beautiful wedding photos and congratulations! I love it that you had the doggies involved. And, your dress was over-the-top gorgeous — as were you! Thanks for sharing the love with all of us.

Great post and I couldn’t agree more. But I’ll let you do the ranting, since you do such a feisty and humorous job with this stuff. =)

It’s such a “no big deal” thing to me that I’m always surprised when people are ready to jump off a cliff because they can’t go to Dunkin’ Donuts anymore. I’ve been eating like this for a decade now and it’s a gift to be introduced to all this abundance we have available. Wonderful GF grains that I’d probably never know about. Things like teff and Montina. It’s wonderful.

If you’re going to “get” an autoimmune disease, pick this one! We’re the lucky ones.

Peace, love and happy marriages!
Melissa

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:03:23 +0000

Hey Monica!
Thanks.
I’m sure some people won’t be happy with my opinion, but that’s okay. I felt as if it needed to be said.
We have to make some changes of course, but nothing so life changing as having a life threatening illness.
I also have been told how sorry people are, and it makes me giggle. Like you, I can’t imagine missing something that makes me so, so, sick.
I hope others find solace and comfort in the article also, especially those first diagnosed.

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:00:46 +0000

Hi Shirley!
We arrived home last night. It was amazing, we had perfect weather, and a perfect wedding. So incredibly happy
We did do quite a bit of relaxing, hiking, and just enjoying life. Now we prepare for the big party on Saturday for our family and friends.
Anyway-yes, I agree that a period pf mourning is certainly normal and acceptable. And then GET OVER IT!
Perspective shapes it all.

By: monica

monica — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:10:42 +0000

Kudos Erin. This really needs to be said…a lot. It does take time and a different mind set to become not just ok with eating gluten free (and maybe casein free or low lectin etc, etc, but the points you make about not needing chemo, surgery etc are huge and hopefully allow some to see this in a much better light.
I have been gluten free for over 5 years now and when people find out, they nearly always tell me how sorry they are for me. I felt pretty sorry for myself too at first, but these days, I shrug it off and tell that feeling so much better makes it all worth it and it’s just plain true. Why would I miss eating something that makes me sick?
I hope your words of wisdom help others. I wish I could have read this when I was first diagnosed!

By: gfe--gluten free easily

gfe--gluten free easily — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:17:29 +0000

Oh, Erin, I love you for writing and sharing this post!! Beautifully written … the whole scenario and your sentiments. Almost everyone decides that being diagnosed as celiac or with non-celiac gluten intolerance/sensitivity is a gift in the long run. Why not embrace it from the beginning? Sure, one has to grieve just a bit, but grieve and then let it go. And, don’t look back!

Are you home now married lady? Or still in the beautiful Smokies? I hope you’re still relaxing and loving life.

Hugs,
Shirley