My gluten-free life started in 2005. I was newly engaged and living in Chicago,
IL – life was good. That summer, a few weeks after an unexplained seizure, I became
very sick. I couldn’‘t keep any food down, had no energy and lost 11 pounds in two
weeks. I was sent to a doctor who suggested Celiac as a possibility right away,
but I didn’‘t believe it. I’‘d always been one of those people who could eat anything
—fried food, beer, pizza – you name it. I could not and would not believe that it
was Celiac. And then, an endoscopy proved me wrong. On one hand, I felt very lucky
that it was something that could be controlled by changing my diet. And, I was lucky
that I was diagnosed quickly, unlike most Celiacs who suffer through years of misdiagnosis.
But still, I mourned for my old way of life. I would miss bagels and cupcakes, not
being able to order take out or easily dine out at one of Chicago’‘s many great restaurants.
I cried when a dietician, explaining my new diet said “I see you are engaged – there
will be no wedding cake for you”. I was overwhelmed, but my determined mom took
me to the grocery store and read every single label with me. After three hours and
much frustration, we got through that first shopping trip and over time I began
to heal.
Today, still living in Chicago and now married, I have a 2 year old son who is just
awesome. Being a working, GF mom is still a struggle. Rushing home from work, picking
up my toddler from school and making a GF dinner is enough to bring me to tears
some nights. But I’‘ve learned new tricks and short cuts. The labels on foods are
now so much easier to understand, and GF food is much more accessible. And there
are even several great restaurants with GF menus. Since my diagnosis, a few friends
have also been diagnosed with Celiac, and I love being resource for them. I try
to reassure them that they will not only feel better and more healthy once they
embrace the gluten-free lifestyle, but also they will learn how to enjoy eating
out, entertaining and food again.