Happy New Year to all who are reading this.
This year has got off to a good start.
One holiday booked at a hotel in Cornwall.
One weekend away booked in a Bed and Breakfast for my Parents Golden Wedding.
One Afternoon Tea, yet to be booked, but a lovely gift from friends for our Silver Wedding (and yes they did check for me)
Out to lunch on Boxing Day, went to Ask Italian (Fab GF Pasta) all went well (this was in Dorking) unlike the walk up Box Hill, which never happened because of the temperature and the weather!!
Christmas was good fun as well and apart from one hiccup where I was ill the Friday before Christmas everything went well. After a bit of investigation we think I may be sensitive to sulphites in wine, as that is the only logical explanation we could come up with.
I feel really good, the diet is under control.
Freego is worth looking at if you want GF food all in one place,with minimal delivery cost, but fast delivery I have been very impressed with them and will be using them again.
This post is a bit disjointed but I think it covers the salient points.
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Finally......
After what seems like a very long and drawn out process, last week I had my annual blood tests done.
Finally after nearly two years of having the dreaded B12 jabs my results for this came back normal, which means I do not need to have them anymore!! YAY!! I was absolutely ecstatic at this news as even though I have been whittling them down slowly from 4 to 2 and now 0, they are very painful and it wasn't something I wanted to go on. What I had accepted though was, that it might be necessary to go on, but my body for once has done what I expected!!
Still awaiting results for the TTG levels and I'm hoping they too will be zero, but I am aware that the drop may not be as dramatic as last year as 28-9 was an amazing drop, so although 9-0 shouldn't be that difficult I believe that it may have slowed down a little so I may not have dropped that last 9 antibodies, I could have gone down to five or so.......but who knows anything is possible.
Had my results back yesterday from the TTG test, not quite what I was expecting but there is a sensible explanation. Last year my results went from 28 -9 as I said above, yesterday I was told my results for this test were 10 (Gone up! Definitely what I wasn't expecting) however having said that I was very ill a few weeks ago after having glutened myself with a packet of M and M's so therefore the antibodies are likely to still be around. I believe over the summer I also may have been unintentionally glutened but it wasn't as bad as the time before. So if you think about it the antibodies still being there makes sense, and the number is suggestive that I have my diet under control to a certain degree. Overall I am really pleased with what I have managed to achieve in the last year, so let's keep going how we mean to go on.
Next stop I hope, a well earned holiday (somewhere other than here, but I still need to build up my confidence).
Finally after nearly two years of having the dreaded B12 jabs my results for this came back normal, which means I do not need to have them anymore!! YAY!! I was absolutely ecstatic at this news as even though I have been whittling them down slowly from 4 to 2 and now 0, they are very painful and it wasn't something I wanted to go on. What I had accepted though was, that it might be necessary to go on, but my body for once has done what I expected!!
Still awaiting results for the TTG levels and I'm hoping they too will be zero, but I am aware that the drop may not be as dramatic as last year as 28-9 was an amazing drop, so although 9-0 shouldn't be that difficult I believe that it may have slowed down a little so I may not have dropped that last 9 antibodies, I could have gone down to five or so.......but who knows anything is possible.
Had my results back yesterday from the TTG test, not quite what I was expecting but there is a sensible explanation. Last year my results went from 28 -9 as I said above, yesterday I was told my results for this test were 10 (Gone up! Definitely what I wasn't expecting) however having said that I was very ill a few weeks ago after having glutened myself with a packet of M and M's so therefore the antibodies are likely to still be around. I believe over the summer I also may have been unintentionally glutened but it wasn't as bad as the time before. So if you think about it the antibodies still being there makes sense, and the number is suggestive that I have my diet under control to a certain degree. Overall I am really pleased with what I have managed to achieve in the last year, so let's keep going how we mean to go on.
Next stop I hope, a well earned holiday (somewhere other than here, but I still need to build up my confidence).
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Goodness me, and those snacks I posted about!!
Have I really been away that long, I was absolutely amazed that I hadn't posted on here since Christmas. And again I have to say is it really the middle of August.
First things first the snacks of crisp and crunch etc. Here is the promised recipe.
1 Glutafin Baguette
1 bottle of Good quality Olive Oil ( you won't need all of it!!)
Salt to taste.
Heat the grill to around 160c
Take the baguette and slice into wafer thin slices. Cover the slices with the olive oil (until they are the golden colour. Sprinkle with salt.
Place the slices on the grill on foil, and bake for around 5 mins. Take out and put in bowl. Enjoy.
As I am very greedy I managed half a baguette on my own!!! but the other half I did put in the freezer.
Be Warned: They are habit forming!!
I have been away from the blog for a lot longer than I thought, but to be honest there are several things going on there. One is I have now got my head back into it's rightful place, and I needed to be away from here in order to deal with this. Also thanks to some very 'old' (for that read long term) friends, I am not so afraid to go out of my comfort zone to eat now, and I am not afraid to ask questions.
You are the customer, therefore they should be helping you. A certain lady by the name of Jude reappeared in my life when I was quite low and invited me out for a drink, my old personality resurfaced and I said yes, just to go to the pub outside of my normal (read nowhere, here) haunts. She then contacted me again and said she would meet me in town for lunch if I picked the place, as I would need to ask all the questions etc. I took her up on the offer and I had a fab experience at Nando's who couldn't have been more accomodating. This was back in February, and I said to Jude then, had she asked me 6 months earlier the answers would have either been excuses not to go, or a straightforward NO. Thanks to her, my confidence has soared and I am again becoming more adventurous, and therefore back to my normal 'pre-coeliac' me!!
My Friends and family if you are reading this you have been so good, even when I've been grumpy or a little 'I don't want to do anything....ish' have been absolutely fantastic. Invited to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Garden Party one Chocolate Gateau that was set aside for myself and one other Coeliac attending, that was of restaurant quaality. We were even given lunch made with help from myself in the form of instructions of what to do, so I didn't have to take any food with me. Thank You Kay.
A Lemon Drizzle Cake delivered on the Doorstep whilst I was out. First attempt at Gluten Free. Guinea Pig Yes....But 'Hey' it was free cake for me! Thank You. Marianne.
Several trips to lunch, and pubs and an awful lot of laughing, with the Jude mentioned above and many more to come I hope! THANK YOU.
And to Nic for arranging a shopping trip to Reading to go Christmas Shopping, turning up with gluten free Cake on the station, so that we could use any of the cafes and know that I could have something to go with it while we were out, we then had the nicest surprise when I discovered a street vendor who understood Coeliac and I had lunch out that I wasn't expecting (so I carried my sandwiches all around town that day in my bag!) Thank You, that meant a lot to me.
Recently I seem to have people crawling out the woodwork. Dinner with Jude and a HUGE pud in my Facebook profile pic, with a lot of laughter and a couple of bottles of wine later, for starters.
Then a School Friend who I had not seen since before we picked up our Exam certificates, and myself finally managed after two years to get together. Again much laughter and talking about people I hadn't heard about for years.(and the obligatory bottle of wine.)
Another shopping trip with Nic and out to lunch this time at Bella Italia....that was an amazing experience, it's not often I get told 'we know all about Coeliacs I'll let the chef know' end of conversation. I think Nic must be my good luck charm!
Before you all say, gosh you eat out a lot, yes, but this was my previous life it has been modified but that doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. Then when both my girls were away at Camp, DH and I had a few days to ourselves. We went down to Southsea for the day, and I took a GF cone with me. Well you have to have ice cream at the seaside don't you!! We had a lovely day, came home and then went to checkout a little pub that advertised outside that it did, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan food. I asked for the menu and was told I could have Burger in a BUN....wow....with Chips and Cheese plus any relish I would like......well you can imagine I had died and gone to heaven at that point......no contest. We are due back in October for a family celebration of our Silver Wedding.
It has taken a long time and I am still discovering things and finding things either aren't for me or have been taken off the menu, but the good thing is my old 'normal' if different approach self, is beginning to resurface. It's never going to be quite right but the acceptance bit is now happening. I have a lot more confidence now, and am not afraid to vote with my feet when things aren't quite right. Fun with food is creeping back in and on the whole most places are fairly accomodating.
Jason at Oslar Coffee deserves a mention here, as because I asked him to, he now has wraps to go (GF), Crisps, Biscuits, Cake Bars and Ice Cream (I've yet to give him the info for small amounts of GF cones, instead of the bulk order he can't afford atm) Having said that the tubs and spoons are there and all the Ice Cream is GF. As a result I am a very regular and loyal customer....He listened to what I would like and other people have benefitted from my comments, to the point that quite often he never has any wraps for me when I want them!! Thank You.
Communication is the key, and some friends like the ones I am very lucky to have. It takes time and don't expect to be able to deal with everything at once, you won't.
Because my confidence has grown, and knowing that the best way to learn and to help myself is to help others I have volunteered with CUK as a Mentor on the Member2Member programme. Re engaged with my love of reading, and as a consequence have also become a volunteer with a local charity that helps Children rediscover and gain their confidence back with reading, from may be not being where they ought to be in their reading, for a variety of different reasons. Can't wait to get started on that, next term.
As for my Scouting, I have stopped doing weekly meetings which has helped enormously and now hold the unenviable position of District Cub Scout Leader (although I'm one of 6!) which means 2 visits a term and a little bit in between. so therefore I am not being pulled in several directions at once. I have a mostly administrative role, but I am also a Training Advisor to new leaders. Which is a better balance than I had before
Yes in a sense I will miss the Cubs, however as I am a Lollipop Lady I get to see the kids everyday anyway and the volunteering during the day with the reading charity will mean I will see them then too. I realised that doing things in the evening (apart from spontaneous fun) was not agreeing with me and I needed to change some things. I work far better in the afternoon than I do in the evening. I also find that six week chunks is more manageable for me as I get the rest during the holidays that at present my body is telling me I need. It's understandable really, I have spent years doing all these things running on empty and under par. Now everything is starting to sort itself out my body is definitely saying at the end of term, you need to stop and recuperate. This time I'm listening!!
Yes mistakes happen and I do get ill, last time was the worst as it laid me up for a week (steer clear of M and M's) with excruciating pain. But my recovery is much quicker than it was to start with, and it's easier (even if it did take me 3 days) to work out what has caused the problem. I have the medication here to deal with it if the need arises.
At present I am trying to fend off a head cold which has invaded my sinuses. Given time it'll go.
I am now nearly the 'real' me again and much happier for it. Thank you to all my friends mentioned above and several others I haven't mentioned (you know who you are) who have been there for me when I least expected it. This journey is ongoing, but it has been made easier by your willingness to learn with me and listen for hours on end to me prattle on about food, and how complicated life is, and probably bore you stiff!
First things first the snacks of crisp and crunch etc. Here is the promised recipe.
1 Glutafin Baguette
1 bottle of Good quality Olive Oil ( you won't need all of it!!)
Salt to taste.
Heat the grill to around 160c
Take the baguette and slice into wafer thin slices. Cover the slices with the olive oil (until they are the golden colour. Sprinkle with salt.
Place the slices on the grill on foil, and bake for around 5 mins. Take out and put in bowl. Enjoy.
As I am very greedy I managed half a baguette on my own!!! but the other half I did put in the freezer.
Be Warned: They are habit forming!!
I have been away from the blog for a lot longer than I thought, but to be honest there are several things going on there. One is I have now got my head back into it's rightful place, and I needed to be away from here in order to deal with this. Also thanks to some very 'old' (for that read long term) friends, I am not so afraid to go out of my comfort zone to eat now, and I am not afraid to ask questions.
You are the customer, therefore they should be helping you. A certain lady by the name of Jude reappeared in my life when I was quite low and invited me out for a drink, my old personality resurfaced and I said yes, just to go to the pub outside of my normal (read nowhere, here) haunts. She then contacted me again and said she would meet me in town for lunch if I picked the place, as I would need to ask all the questions etc. I took her up on the offer and I had a fab experience at Nando's who couldn't have been more accomodating. This was back in February, and I said to Jude then, had she asked me 6 months earlier the answers would have either been excuses not to go, or a straightforward NO. Thanks to her, my confidence has soared and I am again becoming more adventurous, and therefore back to my normal 'pre-coeliac' me!!
My Friends and family if you are reading this you have been so good, even when I've been grumpy or a little 'I don't want to do anything....ish' have been absolutely fantastic. Invited to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Garden Party one Chocolate Gateau that was set aside for myself and one other Coeliac attending, that was of restaurant quaality. We were even given lunch made with help from myself in the form of instructions of what to do, so I didn't have to take any food with me. Thank You Kay.
A Lemon Drizzle Cake delivered on the Doorstep whilst I was out. First attempt at Gluten Free. Guinea Pig Yes....But 'Hey' it was free cake for me! Thank You. Marianne.
Several trips to lunch, and pubs and an awful lot of laughing, with the Jude mentioned above and many more to come I hope! THANK YOU.
And to Nic for arranging a shopping trip to Reading to go Christmas Shopping, turning up with gluten free Cake on the station, so that we could use any of the cafes and know that I could have something to go with it while we were out, we then had the nicest surprise when I discovered a street vendor who understood Coeliac and I had lunch out that I wasn't expecting (so I carried my sandwiches all around town that day in my bag!) Thank You, that meant a lot to me.
Recently I seem to have people crawling out the woodwork. Dinner with Jude and a HUGE pud in my Facebook profile pic, with a lot of laughter and a couple of bottles of wine later, for starters.
Then a School Friend who I had not seen since before we picked up our Exam certificates, and myself finally managed after two years to get together. Again much laughter and talking about people I hadn't heard about for years.(and the obligatory bottle of wine.)
Another shopping trip with Nic and out to lunch this time at Bella Italia....that was an amazing experience, it's not often I get told 'we know all about Coeliacs I'll let the chef know' end of conversation. I think Nic must be my good luck charm!
Before you all say, gosh you eat out a lot, yes, but this was my previous life it has been modified but that doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. Then when both my girls were away at Camp, DH and I had a few days to ourselves. We went down to Southsea for the day, and I took a GF cone with me. Well you have to have ice cream at the seaside don't you!! We had a lovely day, came home and then went to checkout a little pub that advertised outside that it did, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan food. I asked for the menu and was told I could have Burger in a BUN....wow....with Chips and Cheese plus any relish I would like......well you can imagine I had died and gone to heaven at that point......no contest. We are due back in October for a family celebration of our Silver Wedding.
It has taken a long time and I am still discovering things and finding things either aren't for me or have been taken off the menu, but the good thing is my old 'normal' if different approach self, is beginning to resurface. It's never going to be quite right but the acceptance bit is now happening. I have a lot more confidence now, and am not afraid to vote with my feet when things aren't quite right. Fun with food is creeping back in and on the whole most places are fairly accomodating.
Jason at Oslar Coffee deserves a mention here, as because I asked him to, he now has wraps to go (GF), Crisps, Biscuits, Cake Bars and Ice Cream (I've yet to give him the info for small amounts of GF cones, instead of the bulk order he can't afford atm) Having said that the tubs and spoons are there and all the Ice Cream is GF. As a result I am a very regular and loyal customer....He listened to what I would like and other people have benefitted from my comments, to the point that quite often he never has any wraps for me when I want them!! Thank You.
Communication is the key, and some friends like the ones I am very lucky to have. It takes time and don't expect to be able to deal with everything at once, you won't.
Because my confidence has grown, and knowing that the best way to learn and to help myself is to help others I have volunteered with CUK as a Mentor on the Member2Member programme. Re engaged with my love of reading, and as a consequence have also become a volunteer with a local charity that helps Children rediscover and gain their confidence back with reading, from may be not being where they ought to be in their reading, for a variety of different reasons. Can't wait to get started on that, next term.
As for my Scouting, I have stopped doing weekly meetings which has helped enormously and now hold the unenviable position of District Cub Scout Leader (although I'm one of 6!) which means 2 visits a term and a little bit in between. so therefore I am not being pulled in several directions at once. I have a mostly administrative role, but I am also a Training Advisor to new leaders. Which is a better balance than I had before
Yes in a sense I will miss the Cubs, however as I am a Lollipop Lady I get to see the kids everyday anyway and the volunteering during the day with the reading charity will mean I will see them then too. I realised that doing things in the evening (apart from spontaneous fun) was not agreeing with me and I needed to change some things. I work far better in the afternoon than I do in the evening. I also find that six week chunks is more manageable for me as I get the rest during the holidays that at present my body is telling me I need. It's understandable really, I have spent years doing all these things running on empty and under par. Now everything is starting to sort itself out my body is definitely saying at the end of term, you need to stop and recuperate. This time I'm listening!!
Yes mistakes happen and I do get ill, last time was the worst as it laid me up for a week (steer clear of M and M's) with excruciating pain. But my recovery is much quicker than it was to start with, and it's easier (even if it did take me 3 days) to work out what has caused the problem. I have the medication here to deal with it if the need arises.
At present I am trying to fend off a head cold which has invaded my sinuses. Given time it'll go.
I am now nearly the 'real' me again and much happier for it. Thank you to all my friends mentioned above and several others I haven't mentioned (you know who you are) who have been there for me when I least expected it. This journey is ongoing, but it has been made easier by your willingness to learn with me and listen for hours on end to me prattle on about food, and how complicated life is, and probably bore you stiff!
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
What is the difference?
After several conversations with different people it became clear that there was a necessity to define three things:
Allergies
Autoimmune:
Immunodeficiency:
Coeliac Disease is the Second of these three. Lets start though with the definition of an Allergy.
When you have an allergy it is because your body overreacts to otherwsie harmless stimuli, causing uncomfortable and sometimes harmful symptoms.
When you have an autoimmune disease (as I do, Coeliac Disease) your body essentially attacks itself, causing damage to your digestive system, respiratory system, or muscles for example.
An immunodeficiency disorder is when your body stops protecting you from foreign stimuli like viruses, toxins, bacteria and tumors.
So the difference between gluten sensitivity (allergy) and Coeliac disease (autoimmune) is this:
With Coeliac Disease gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes serious harm to the digestive system. People who have Coeliac Disease MUST cut all gluten products from their diet (hence 'strict' gluten free diet), if they don't it can cause irreparable damage to the digestive system. If you have problems when eating bread, cakes or crackers it doesn't mean you are Coeliac. You may have gluten sensitivity which means that your body produces histamines whenever it detects gluten in your system (allergy).
'A little bit won't hurt' statement as, you can see here, could not be more dangerous as it WILL cause damage, and make the Coeliac ill.
That is not to say that gluten sensitivity can cope, as they are more likely to be prone to anaphylactic shock. Which needs an Epipen and immediate medical attention i.e 999 emergency.
The current NICE guidelines (UK only) on the diagnosis of IBS, is before your Doctor confirms a diagnosis of IBS you should be screened for Coeliac Disease first. This consists of a blood test, if positive then you will need confirmation, if negative then IBS can be considered (www.coeliac.org.uk/health)
Allergies
Autoimmune:
Immunodeficiency:
Coeliac Disease is the Second of these three. Lets start though with the definition of an Allergy.
When you have an allergy it is because your body overreacts to otherwsie harmless stimuli, causing uncomfortable and sometimes harmful symptoms.
When you have an autoimmune disease (as I do, Coeliac Disease) your body essentially attacks itself, causing damage to your digestive system, respiratory system, or muscles for example.
An immunodeficiency disorder is when your body stops protecting you from foreign stimuli like viruses, toxins, bacteria and tumors.
So the difference between gluten sensitivity (allergy) and Coeliac disease (autoimmune) is this:
With Coeliac Disease gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes serious harm to the digestive system. People who have Coeliac Disease MUST cut all gluten products from their diet (hence 'strict' gluten free diet), if they don't it can cause irreparable damage to the digestive system. If you have problems when eating bread, cakes or crackers it doesn't mean you are Coeliac. You may have gluten sensitivity which means that your body produces histamines whenever it detects gluten in your system (allergy).
'A little bit won't hurt' statement as, you can see here, could not be more dangerous as it WILL cause damage, and make the Coeliac ill.
That is not to say that gluten sensitivity can cope, as they are more likely to be prone to anaphylactic shock. Which needs an Epipen and immediate medical attention i.e 999 emergency.
The current NICE guidelines (UK only) on the diagnosis of IBS, is before your Doctor confirms a diagnosis of IBS you should be screened for Coeliac Disease first. This consists of a blood test, if positive then you will need confirmation, if negative then IBS can be considered (www.coeliac.org.uk/health)
Sunday, 1 December 2013
A very useful site if you are going away................
The link below will take you to a very useful site if you are going abroad or even if you are just staying at home, I have used the English restaurant card for my stay in hospital and it was worth it's weight in gold and I now always have one in my bag and because you can give them out to Staff in restaurants or anywhere that may need to feed you they are a good tool and save a lot of embarrassing awkward questions. They are free and all they ask is if you cannot donate please post their address on your blog, this is what I am doing now as I've just printed off another 3 to make sure I'm safe over the Festivities when going out with friends.
www.celiactravel.com and go to the Gluten Free Restaurant Cards section, then select the language you wish.
Have Fun.
www.celiactravel.com and go to the Gluten Free Restaurant Cards section, then select the language you wish.
Have Fun.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Choclate Tray Bake recipe
Here is a recipe for a chocolate tray bake, which is brilliant for Birthday Parties. Before you ask, no I haven't tried this with GF flour, but have confidence and see what happens, if you've got small ones they'll probably enjoy it no matter what it looks like!!
12oz SR Flour
3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
8oz Caster Sugar
8oz Soft Margarine
4 Eggs beaten
4 Tbsp Milk
1 3/4 oz Milk chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz Dark Chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz White Chocolate Chips
Grease a 13x9x2" cake tin. Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in the Chocolate Chips. Spoon the mix into prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 30-40 mins at 180c until risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin. Once cool cut into squares and serve. For a great dessert serve with whipped cream. This serves around 15.
Rather than buy the little packs of choc chips, by the cheapest safe bars of chocolate of each flavour break off the right amount from each bar and place in plastic bag, take out your frustration with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces, it can be better than the chips because you end up with different sized chunks in the cake (and it's cheaper and goes further!)
If you test this out before I do please do let me know how it turns out.
12oz SR Flour
3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
8oz Caster Sugar
8oz Soft Margarine
4 Eggs beaten
4 Tbsp Milk
1 3/4 oz Milk chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz Dark Chocolate Chips
1 3/4 oz White Chocolate Chips
Grease a 13x9x2" cake tin. Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in a bowl and beat until smooth. Beat in the Chocolate Chips. Spoon the mix into prepared cake tin and level the top. Bake for 30-40 mins at 180c until risen and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin. Once cool cut into squares and serve. For a great dessert serve with whipped cream. This serves around 15.
Rather than buy the little packs of choc chips, by the cheapest safe bars of chocolate of each flavour break off the right amount from each bar and place in plastic bag, take out your frustration with a rolling pin to break into smaller pieces, it can be better than the chips because you end up with different sized chunks in the cake (and it's cheaper and goes further!)
If you test this out before I do please do let me know how it turns out.
Have Confidence in yourself
Many People find that trying to cook Gluten Free is going to be really complicated, and this applies to Cakes more than anything else.
If you have baked regularly before, have confidence in your ability. Things can go wrong with a Gluten Free Cake just as much as they can with an ordinary cake. I discovered this last week!! I made a sponge cake with a script mix, which normally wouldn't have caused me any problem BUT I was in a hurry, and I rushed putting in the raising agent and didn't measure it out properly. Result a sponge that spilled all over the cooker took longer to cook and wasn't particularly nice to eat, but hey it was Cake and it was a waste to throw it away.....so I ate it!!
Yesterday I got baking again and I made sure I used the Juvela script mix, as my Christmas Cake trial only needed plain flour, so no raising agent at the last minute. I used an old recipe that I've used before and it came out fantastically well......moral, make sure you have time, and don't rush things. I also made another sponge cake and used the Gluten Free Doves Farm Self Raising Flour...this time no problems at all, partly I suggest because the flour altready had the raising agent in it.
All baking to a point is to do with confidence, just think how you thought about baking before, if you were confident when using ordinary flour, be the same with the GF flour. I hate the Gluten Free recipe books as many of them use this, that and the other flour mixed together, when really all you really want is the two bags of flour you used to have in the cupboard i.e. One SR and one Plain. Then use as you would ordinary flour with all the recipes you already have at home.
Scones is the one I have problems with. Juvela fixed my gingerbread for our gingerbread house as my recipe didn't work, due to the lack of gluten in the flour, but once you add an egg, no problem.
If you have a simple recipe that you have been using for years with no problem, I would just say substitute the flour and see what happens, but have the confidence that it will work, because 98% of the time it will.
Don't doubt yourself, we've all had sunk cakes (I've just made a ginger cake, and usually it sinks, this time with GF flour, it hasn't!!) and made mistakes, when I forgot to put any flour at all into Nigella's chocolate marmalade cake!!
Gluten Free flour (Doves Farm is the best) is not as difficult as everyone makes out. Trial and error is the order of the day, I have only had one thing not work quite as it should and that was the Gingerbread, but now I can make gingerbread men
I can understand why you are nervous, but who isn't the first time they take on something new, but have confidence and try things, is it really going to be that bad if your cake isn't quite what you expected?
If you have baked regularly before, have confidence in your ability. Things can go wrong with a Gluten Free Cake just as much as they can with an ordinary cake. I discovered this last week!! I made a sponge cake with a script mix, which normally wouldn't have caused me any problem BUT I was in a hurry, and I rushed putting in the raising agent and didn't measure it out properly. Result a sponge that spilled all over the cooker took longer to cook and wasn't particularly nice to eat, but hey it was Cake and it was a waste to throw it away.....so I ate it!!
Yesterday I got baking again and I made sure I used the Juvela script mix, as my Christmas Cake trial only needed plain flour, so no raising agent at the last minute. I used an old recipe that I've used before and it came out fantastically well......moral, make sure you have time, and don't rush things. I also made another sponge cake and used the Gluten Free Doves Farm Self Raising Flour...this time no problems at all, partly I suggest because the flour altready had the raising agent in it.
All baking to a point is to do with confidence, just think how you thought about baking before, if you were confident when using ordinary flour, be the same with the GF flour. I hate the Gluten Free recipe books as many of them use this, that and the other flour mixed together, when really all you really want is the two bags of flour you used to have in the cupboard i.e. One SR and one Plain. Then use as you would ordinary flour with all the recipes you already have at home.
Scones is the one I have problems with. Juvela fixed my gingerbread for our gingerbread house as my recipe didn't work, due to the lack of gluten in the flour, but once you add an egg, no problem.
If you have a simple recipe that you have been using for years with no problem, I would just say substitute the flour and see what happens, but have the confidence that it will work, because 98% of the time it will.
Don't doubt yourself, we've all had sunk cakes (I've just made a ginger cake, and usually it sinks, this time with GF flour, it hasn't!!) and made mistakes, when I forgot to put any flour at all into Nigella's chocolate marmalade cake!!
Gluten Free flour (Doves Farm is the best) is not as difficult as everyone makes out. Trial and error is the order of the day, I have only had one thing not work quite as it should and that was the Gingerbread, but now I can make gingerbread men
I can understand why you are nervous, but who isn't the first time they take on something new, but have confidence and try things, is it really going to be that bad if your cake isn't quite what you expected?
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
I hadn't realised...........
Wow I hadn't realised it had been nearly 2 months since the last time I posted. This post could just as easily be entitled my GP and me!!!
Firstly, between myself and my GP we seem to have sorted a lot of the things that the Coeliac Disease was responsible for: B12 under control, Diet under control, flu jab done, pneumo vaccine sorted, and my Folic Acid is also under control. We are now singing off the same hymn sheet which is making life a lot easier.
Secondly I had a very frightening end of September when my Diverticulitis flared up big time, resulting in another visit from Paramedics but I managed to keep myself out of the hospital. The stress of them not being able to deal with my diet would not have helped my recovery, and the emergency doctor who came out to see me that day agreed that I would be better off at home, so that's where I stayed, and because of the way my GP surgery deals with appointments etc I was able to talk to the same person every time I rang, at the end of that week...that was what I call fantastic care, and the least stressful way of dealing with a problem that was very debilitating.
Because of the above the question of emotional baggage has come to the fore, and after months of trying to get help from the normal routes, work came up with the goods!! I now have somewhere where I will be able to sort out all the emotional issues that come with Coeliac Disease. This has come with my GP's blessing as well, which is very helpful.
I think we both know that we listen and take action on what the other has said, and that is what has given me my complete care package. It's taken a little while to get there but it's now working in my favour.
Because of the Diverticulitis flare there are still a few bits that need sorting out and now I need to have some more blood tests, BUT overall feeling like a pincushion is certainly preferable to feeling like I did a few weeks ago.
I do feel fantastic, and that is thanks to the above, but I am struggling with the whole Coeliac Disease thing as far as the emotional impact is concerned, this is what I buried a year ago to deal with the practical, and it now needs dealing with because we believe that emotional stress is what causes my Diverticulitis attacks, and the extra worry of what happened a few weeks ago happening again is not very helpful, I need some strategies to help, and that is what work have come forward with.
Obviously I am now aware that this is going to take some time to sort out but we are moving forward and that can only be a good thing. Talking to CUK re my diet and fibre intake was reassuring too, since to aid with the Diverticulitis I need a high fibre diet but I have problems with wholewheat's and whole grains, to be told by the dietitian that I had my diet well and truly under control and I was eating the right things to keep on top of my deficiencies as well as eating enough fibre was very helpful, and negated the need for another appointment with a dietitian, so that was fantastic.
I've had a tough time over the last two years (this year in particular, with hospital visits etc.) but it does now all be appearing to be calming down and sorting itself out. OK I do still have phlebitis but that is being monitored as are all my other health problems, and it is becoming apparent that a few of them are connected to the CD. It's thanks to my GP really, who has gone out of his way to make sure that I am having the care that's needed and what is available, which is a step up from the GP who had not a lot of idea before, same person different perspective, and is working for his patient, he got up to speed very quickly. Yes we've had some hiccups, but those have all been ironed out, and I now feel confident that there is an understanding of the links between my condtions and how they affect me and my life which can only be good.
All I need to do now is change the attitudes of other people..................!!!!!!
Firstly, between myself and my GP we seem to have sorted a lot of the things that the Coeliac Disease was responsible for: B12 under control, Diet under control, flu jab done, pneumo vaccine sorted, and my Folic Acid is also under control. We are now singing off the same hymn sheet which is making life a lot easier.
Secondly I had a very frightening end of September when my Diverticulitis flared up big time, resulting in another visit from Paramedics but I managed to keep myself out of the hospital. The stress of them not being able to deal with my diet would not have helped my recovery, and the emergency doctor who came out to see me that day agreed that I would be better off at home, so that's where I stayed, and because of the way my GP surgery deals with appointments etc I was able to talk to the same person every time I rang, at the end of that week...that was what I call fantastic care, and the least stressful way of dealing with a problem that was very debilitating.
Because of the above the question of emotional baggage has come to the fore, and after months of trying to get help from the normal routes, work came up with the goods!! I now have somewhere where I will be able to sort out all the emotional issues that come with Coeliac Disease. This has come with my GP's blessing as well, which is very helpful.
I think we both know that we listen and take action on what the other has said, and that is what has given me my complete care package. It's taken a little while to get there but it's now working in my favour.
Because of the Diverticulitis flare there are still a few bits that need sorting out and now I need to have some more blood tests, BUT overall feeling like a pincushion is certainly preferable to feeling like I did a few weeks ago.
I do feel fantastic, and that is thanks to the above, but I am struggling with the whole Coeliac Disease thing as far as the emotional impact is concerned, this is what I buried a year ago to deal with the practical, and it now needs dealing with because we believe that emotional stress is what causes my Diverticulitis attacks, and the extra worry of what happened a few weeks ago happening again is not very helpful, I need some strategies to help, and that is what work have come forward with.
Obviously I am now aware that this is going to take some time to sort out but we are moving forward and that can only be a good thing. Talking to CUK re my diet and fibre intake was reassuring too, since to aid with the Diverticulitis I need a high fibre diet but I have problems with wholewheat's and whole grains, to be told by the dietitian that I had my diet well and truly under control and I was eating the right things to keep on top of my deficiencies as well as eating enough fibre was very helpful, and negated the need for another appointment with a dietitian, so that was fantastic.
I've had a tough time over the last two years (this year in particular, with hospital visits etc.) but it does now all be appearing to be calming down and sorting itself out. OK I do still have phlebitis but that is being monitored as are all my other health problems, and it is becoming apparent that a few of them are connected to the CD. It's thanks to my GP really, who has gone out of his way to make sure that I am having the care that's needed and what is available, which is a step up from the GP who had not a lot of idea before, same person different perspective, and is working for his patient, he got up to speed very quickly. Yes we've had some hiccups, but those have all been ironed out, and I now feel confident that there is an understanding of the links between my condtions and how they affect me and my life which can only be good.
All I need to do now is change the attitudes of other people..................!!!!!!
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Is it really the END of August?
It seems to have gone on forever!!! I guess it's because my family have been gallivanting about and enjoying things. DD2 went off to Kent International Jamboree with the Explorers for a week camping, and had a wonderful time. DD1 flew out to Germany to meet up with a friend for a week.
In between those two events they both had some time with Daddy DD1 went on an overnight canoe camp, and DD2 scared hiim witless at Thorpe Park (I didn't go on either of those, the first event not enough room in the boat!! and I HATE rollercoasters, so not much point in going to the Second event!!)
When DD2 and DH went to Thorpe Park, I took myself into Reading for the day as I needed to do some mobile phone research and it was an ideal excuse to go and look around the shops. I also managed to have lunch out that day in Cafe Rouge, who were a revelation to me, and I had a wonderful time.
Somewhere in the middle of all of that we fitted in our short break in Cardiff, as mentioned previously. DD1 has also attended Reading Festival and had a really good time. Her AS results came in whilst she was in Germany and she is very happy with them.
We have also in the last few days been up in the Peak District with my family as my Dad was 70 on Thursday. I impressed myself yesterday when I managed to scale Bradwell Edge without an awful lot of difficulty. Last time I tried to do anything like that was around 4 years ago, in Somerset when I hit the proverbial wall half way up, and I didn't know why, this time around I didn't struggle at all, I think that maybe the fact that the anaemia has been sorted out, and the thing that was causing it has also been sorted out maybe the logical answer, anyway I was well impressed that I kept up better than I hoped I would.
The evening before this said walk we had gone out to dinner at a wonderful place called 'The Poachers Arms' in Hope. Gluten Free choices and although there was a lot of bread the only things I was unable to have were the Fish and Chips and the Pie, so well worth a visit if you are ever in the area (Peak District National Park) I even had Bakewell tart!! Such a nice change from the 'oh I don't know what you can have'....scenario that is so often presented to me. Had a good time and I now have somewhere else I can eat with confidence (although probably won't be there that often, Mum and Dad still very active and quite often down here catching the ferry to France).
The summer holidays are nearly over and the grind of normality will soon sink in (certainly by Friday anyway!!)
The trip to Cardiff seems an absolute age away, and another 5 days seems like a long time too....which says to me that this summer break has been much better than the last one. Hardly surprising considering what was going on this time last year.....waiting for tests, procedures and eventually diagnosis and trying to enjoy the summer....was nearly impossible. This time around, apart from the odd hiccup, has been much better.
In between those two events they both had some time with Daddy DD1 went on an overnight canoe camp, and DD2 scared hiim witless at Thorpe Park (I didn't go on either of those, the first event not enough room in the boat!! and I HATE rollercoasters, so not much point in going to the Second event!!)
When DD2 and DH went to Thorpe Park, I took myself into Reading for the day as I needed to do some mobile phone research and it was an ideal excuse to go and look around the shops. I also managed to have lunch out that day in Cafe Rouge, who were a revelation to me, and I had a wonderful time.
Somewhere in the middle of all of that we fitted in our short break in Cardiff, as mentioned previously. DD1 has also attended Reading Festival and had a really good time. Her AS results came in whilst she was in Germany and she is very happy with them.
We have also in the last few days been up in the Peak District with my family as my Dad was 70 on Thursday. I impressed myself yesterday when I managed to scale Bradwell Edge without an awful lot of difficulty. Last time I tried to do anything like that was around 4 years ago, in Somerset when I hit the proverbial wall half way up, and I didn't know why, this time around I didn't struggle at all, I think that maybe the fact that the anaemia has been sorted out, and the thing that was causing it has also been sorted out maybe the logical answer, anyway I was well impressed that I kept up better than I hoped I would.
The evening before this said walk we had gone out to dinner at a wonderful place called 'The Poachers Arms' in Hope. Gluten Free choices and although there was a lot of bread the only things I was unable to have were the Fish and Chips and the Pie, so well worth a visit if you are ever in the area (Peak District National Park) I even had Bakewell tart!! Such a nice change from the 'oh I don't know what you can have'....scenario that is so often presented to me. Had a good time and I now have somewhere else I can eat with confidence (although probably won't be there that often, Mum and Dad still very active and quite often down here catching the ferry to France).
The summer holidays are nearly over and the grind of normality will soon sink in (certainly by Friday anyway!!)
The trip to Cardiff seems an absolute age away, and another 5 days seems like a long time too....which says to me that this summer break has been much better than the last one. Hardly surprising considering what was going on this time last year.....waiting for tests, procedures and eventually diagnosis and trying to enjoy the summer....was nearly impossible. This time around, apart from the odd hiccup, has been much better.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Tea Loaf recipe
Sulatana Tea Loaf.
8oz Sultanas (you can use any dried fruit)
1/4 pint Cold Tea
8oz SR Flour
Pinch of salt
6oz Demerara Sugar (I used Castor, but next time I shall use this)
1 Large Egg beaten
4 Fluid oz Cold Water
Soak Sultana's in tea overnight (I soaked the fruit for about 2 hours, as I was desparate for Cake and had run out of Margarine!!)
Grease 2lb loaf tin - Gas 4/160
Mix flour, salt and sugar.
Add sultana's, tea, egg and the Cold water
Mix well to make a sticky batter (be warned this is very wet!!)
Pour into tin
Bake for 1 hour and 20mins.
Cover with Greaseproof paper 15mins before the end if browning too much.
Makes 1 loaf, and freezes well.
8oz Sultanas (you can use any dried fruit)
1/4 pint Cold Tea
8oz SR Flour
Pinch of salt
6oz Demerara Sugar (I used Castor, but next time I shall use this)
1 Large Egg beaten
4 Fluid oz Cold Water
Soak Sultana's in tea overnight (I soaked the fruit for about 2 hours, as I was desparate for Cake and had run out of Margarine!!)
Grease 2lb loaf tin - Gas 4/160
Mix flour, salt and sugar.
Add sultana's, tea, egg and the Cold water
Mix well to make a sticky batter (be warned this is very wet!!)
Pour into tin
Bake for 1 hour and 20mins.
Cover with Greaseproof paper 15mins before the end if browning too much.
Makes 1 loaf, and freezes well.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Cardiff is fantastic!!
So had a couple of days away. Ended up in Cardiff because we visited the Dr.Who experience (that is good fun!!) Booked Holiday Inn in Cardiff City Centre (I knew it was close to the Millenium Stadium, but didn't realise it meant next door!!, and the Castle was across the road.)
On the online booking form it asked for any special request, so naturally I asked for a meeting with the chef as I was Coeliac. Unfortunately what I hadn't realised was that the Hotel would not receive that information until the morning you arrive, so they didn't have a lot of notice. However they did their best and catered for me superbly, now this may not mean much to you but when my fish and chips came out minus chips, I was a bit miffed however, the Chef had noticed that the chips they used were coated in flour so didn't do me any, which was a result, he had realised that they wouldn't be safe for me to eat. When I asked if I could have some chips the Chef did me proper chunky spud chips with the skins left on to go with my slightly unconventional breaded (GF) fish. Pudding all I could have was the fruit salad with ice cream, but that was fine I was full anyway!!
In the morning when we came down to breakfast there was a note against our room number about my dietary requirements, but there was obviously a change in Chef, as the buffet was a little unsafe I asked for my breakfast from the kitchen. I was offered Vegetarian Sausages which was a laugh, because they're worse than ordinary sausages for being stuffed with wheat!! I was then told that the bacon wasn't gluten free (still trying to get my head around that one!!) Anyway I got a very hot plate full of two fried eggs, scrambled egg, tomatoes and mushrooms (I don't like Baked Beans!) and a toasted GF roll, as they didn't have any bread left (on my fish night before methinks!) No questions asked, no funny looks, just catered for.
After the Dr Who experience on Thursday (before we got to the Hotel) we came out and all needed a drink and a snack, so rather than staying at the experience we walked out along the bay and DD1 spotted a sign which said Gluten Free cake available at the Lightship 2000. This was after I had resigned myself to the fact that it may not be possible for me to have a snack, however, when we found the Lightship a toasted GF crumpet with butter was on the menu, which made a pleasant change from just cake or nothing! so I had that (I could have had a Brownie as well, but I didn't as they were pecan ones). Happy number 1.
We then went to the Hotel (see above), but while killing time waiting to see the Chef, we wandered into Cardiff itself, and investigated a lot of the arcades which are the old part of the city. In the process just in case the Hotel couldn't cope with me, we were on the look out for places that understood (apart from the big chains Prezzo, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express etc.) and I was taken aback when we found a little coffee shop in the back of one of these arcades where nearly everything on the menu was marked with the crossed grain symbol, unfortunately we had arrived at 3:55 and the kitchen closed at 4:00pm but we logged it for further reference (It was called 'The Plan' and it wasn't in the Castle Quarter arcade, unfortunately I can't remember which one it was in....now theres a challenge for you if you are visiting Cardiff.) Happy number 2.
We then returned to the hotel and what is explained above happened. On Friday morning after breakfast, we went for a walk to see if we could just get into the Castle grounds (but no it was admission only, and far too expensive for all of us) so we went to Bute Park next door, there was a fab sculpture there of a picture frame, so we took the obligatory photos (unfortunately there weren't many people about so the four of us couldn't get in one photo) and then wandered back to the hotel via a shop specialising in Welsh Love Spoons.
Before we went to Cardiff I had looked up places to eat that would cater for a gluten free diet, what I hadn't banked on was a teeny tea shop just two miles up the road.......all I can say is they are a Coeliac friendly haven and a gem I ought to keep to myself but I can't. For the size of Waterloo Gardens Teahouse their service was impeccable. Cross contamination was well understood, they cleaned the knives or found clean ones for each slice of Cake............and there was a choice of ....wait for it.......Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and even all in one cake!! Plus did I say there was a Choice, yes, I did if you just wanted GF Cake it was clearly labelled as such and I could have eaten most of them, and there were around 16 of them. Added to which there were over 20 different teas to choose from, and I could have had a GF lunch, in this really teeny teahouse, brilliant and I have contacted them to tell them how fantastic they were. Shhhh!! don't tell anyone but here's the link www.waterlootea.com they are very friendly and busy. Happy number 3.
So all in all a nice break in Cardiff and they appear to be Coeliac aware which makes a nice change. If you are going to holiday inn and book online put the note in the special requests, but ring them a couple of days before you go so they can prepare for you. Although as I discovered nothing was too much trouble and they managed to feed me with no problems. I still cannot work out why Bacon wouldn't be gluten free, but there you go. LOL!!
Back to normality today, food didn't just appear.....................for a couple of days break, that I was quite worried about Cardiff came up trumps, and I was impressed, and had a very good break...flying the TARDIS was the best bit though!!
Well done Wales.....well, Cardiff, anyways.
On the online booking form it asked for any special request, so naturally I asked for a meeting with the chef as I was Coeliac. Unfortunately what I hadn't realised was that the Hotel would not receive that information until the morning you arrive, so they didn't have a lot of notice. However they did their best and catered for me superbly, now this may not mean much to you but when my fish and chips came out minus chips, I was a bit miffed however, the Chef had noticed that the chips they used were coated in flour so didn't do me any, which was a result, he had realised that they wouldn't be safe for me to eat. When I asked if I could have some chips the Chef did me proper chunky spud chips with the skins left on to go with my slightly unconventional breaded (GF) fish. Pudding all I could have was the fruit salad with ice cream, but that was fine I was full anyway!!
In the morning when we came down to breakfast there was a note against our room number about my dietary requirements, but there was obviously a change in Chef, as the buffet was a little unsafe I asked for my breakfast from the kitchen. I was offered Vegetarian Sausages which was a laugh, because they're worse than ordinary sausages for being stuffed with wheat!! I was then told that the bacon wasn't gluten free (still trying to get my head around that one!!) Anyway I got a very hot plate full of two fried eggs, scrambled egg, tomatoes and mushrooms (I don't like Baked Beans!) and a toasted GF roll, as they didn't have any bread left (on my fish night before methinks!) No questions asked, no funny looks, just catered for.
After the Dr Who experience on Thursday (before we got to the Hotel) we came out and all needed a drink and a snack, so rather than staying at the experience we walked out along the bay and DD1 spotted a sign which said Gluten Free cake available at the Lightship 2000. This was after I had resigned myself to the fact that it may not be possible for me to have a snack, however, when we found the Lightship a toasted GF crumpet with butter was on the menu, which made a pleasant change from just cake or nothing! so I had that (I could have had a Brownie as well, but I didn't as they were pecan ones). Happy number 1.
We then went to the Hotel (see above), but while killing time waiting to see the Chef, we wandered into Cardiff itself, and investigated a lot of the arcades which are the old part of the city. In the process just in case the Hotel couldn't cope with me, we were on the look out for places that understood (apart from the big chains Prezzo, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express etc.) and I was taken aback when we found a little coffee shop in the back of one of these arcades where nearly everything on the menu was marked with the crossed grain symbol, unfortunately we had arrived at 3:55 and the kitchen closed at 4:00pm but we logged it for further reference (It was called 'The Plan' and it wasn't in the Castle Quarter arcade, unfortunately I can't remember which one it was in....now theres a challenge for you if you are visiting Cardiff.) Happy number 2.
We then returned to the hotel and what is explained above happened. On Friday morning after breakfast, we went for a walk to see if we could just get into the Castle grounds (but no it was admission only, and far too expensive for all of us) so we went to Bute Park next door, there was a fab sculpture there of a picture frame, so we took the obligatory photos (unfortunately there weren't many people about so the four of us couldn't get in one photo) and then wandered back to the hotel via a shop specialising in Welsh Love Spoons.
Before we went to Cardiff I had looked up places to eat that would cater for a gluten free diet, what I hadn't banked on was a teeny tea shop just two miles up the road.......all I can say is they are a Coeliac friendly haven and a gem I ought to keep to myself but I can't. For the size of Waterloo Gardens Teahouse their service was impeccable. Cross contamination was well understood, they cleaned the knives or found clean ones for each slice of Cake............and there was a choice of ....wait for it.......Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and even all in one cake!! Plus did I say there was a Choice, yes, I did if you just wanted GF Cake it was clearly labelled as such and I could have eaten most of them, and there were around 16 of them. Added to which there were over 20 different teas to choose from, and I could have had a GF lunch, in this really teeny teahouse, brilliant and I have contacted them to tell them how fantastic they were. Shhhh!! don't tell anyone but here's the link www.waterlootea.com they are very friendly and busy. Happy number 3.
So all in all a nice break in Cardiff and they appear to be Coeliac aware which makes a nice change. If you are going to holiday inn and book online put the note in the special requests, but ring them a couple of days before you go so they can prepare for you. Although as I discovered nothing was too much trouble and they managed to feed me with no problems. I still cannot work out why Bacon wouldn't be gluten free, but there you go. LOL!!
Back to normality today, food didn't just appear.....................for a couple of days break, that I was quite worried about Cardiff came up trumps, and I was impressed, and had a very good break...flying the TARDIS was the best bit though!!
Well done Wales.....well, Cardiff, anyways.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Results TTG levels and one other
Now I'm not one for getting tests and results, and I don't always like to tell everyone what they say but in this instance I'm going to make an exception.
You ladies out there will know that every 3 years or so we have to go through a test that is not exactly ladylike, however over the last 3 years I've had to have them more often. My last one came back clear and now I have gone back onto the 3 year cycle, so that was good news.
TTG levels in June 2012 before formal diagnosis were 28. Formal diagnosis was given in September and that's when I started my Gluten Free diet. Had the results from the blood test last week, today and the TTG levels have dropped to 9..........Happy, Happy, Happy!!
It's tough but I've achieved an amazing drop of 19 in less than a year, gobsmacked doesn't even cover it!!! I'm aiming at 0 by next year and judging by what has happened this time around that isn't unachievable.
Now all I've got to sort out is to stop this feeling of not being interested in food.....I think that could take a while.
You ladies out there will know that every 3 years or so we have to go through a test that is not exactly ladylike, however over the last 3 years I've had to have them more often. My last one came back clear and now I have gone back onto the 3 year cycle, so that was good news.
TTG levels in June 2012 before formal diagnosis were 28. Formal diagnosis was given in September and that's when I started my Gluten Free diet. Had the results from the blood test last week, today and the TTG levels have dropped to 9..........Happy, Happy, Happy!!
It's tough but I've achieved an amazing drop of 19 in less than a year, gobsmacked doesn't even cover it!!! I'm aiming at 0 by next year and judging by what has happened this time around that isn't unachievable.
Now all I've got to sort out is to stop this feeling of not being interested in food.....I think that could take a while.
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
So took the advice of CUK and referred myself to talking therapies. Their response use CUK's website!!
Why is there no help out there, unless you are me you will not understand how this condition is making me feel.
Yet again I have been told i need to take my own food to something where 1) I was told I would be catered for and 2) they've had a years notice to sort it out. Well miffed as I'd given them as much information as possible, and now they're excluding me because of my MEDICAL diet.
It's not my fault, I didn't ask for it, I don't want it, and it's not a lifestyle choice..but it's not even considered.
So frustrated right now and feel very excluded from everything, How is anyone supposed to stay positive when even with a years notice they still can't cope with feeding me.
Try and help yourself and end up with useless information, I don't know what these people think I have been doing for the past 9 months, sitting on my backside and not taking any notice of how I feel or what's out there to help, what a completely useless waste of time
Why is there no help out there, unless you are me you will not understand how this condition is making me feel.
Yet again I have been told i need to take my own food to something where 1) I was told I would be catered for and 2) they've had a years notice to sort it out. Well miffed as I'd given them as much information as possible, and now they're excluding me because of my MEDICAL diet.
It's not my fault, I didn't ask for it, I don't want it, and it's not a lifestyle choice..but it's not even considered.
So frustrated right now and feel very excluded from everything, How is anyone supposed to stay positive when even with a years notice they still can't cope with feeding me.
Try and help yourself and end up with useless information, I don't know what these people think I have been doing for the past 9 months, sitting on my backside and not taking any notice of how I feel or what's out there to help, what a completely useless waste of time
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Forgot to mention..........
Forgot to say yesterday....my Vitamin D levels came back normal yay!!!
Just the TTG levels now to sort out, wonder if they'll be lower than 28? Hope so!! I'll let you know in due course.
Just the TTG levels now to sort out, wonder if they'll be lower than 28? Hope so!! I'll let you know in due course.
Monday, 15 July 2013
Do I feel better...mmm....not sure!
Before you all panic, no, I haven't given up on the GF diet. I can't and I won't, this will take you back to the 'heart v head' argument that I posted about earlier. I know a GF diet is the only way I will stay healthy and full of energy, but noone said it would be easy.
I guess what I mean with the title is I'm not sure I'm less stressed, but I have removed the two big stressors that were coming up this month.
On Saturday I did attend the Group BBQ, having spent most of the day making sure I had loads of things to eat to take with me (including some Bratwurst to cook.) When we arrived, to my delight my chef friend was manning the BBQ, he had read up on Coeliac Disease (result!!) and was aware of the cross contamination and had provided separate utensils to use with my food (I told him I wouldn't need a separate BBQ because of a wonderful product, foil trays which allow the flames and smoke to come through and cook the food, but it keeps it off the grill!! They come in packs of 10 in Lidl.) although if I'd asked he would have provided one. The only drawback was it was so hot on Saturday that by 8:30pm I had had enough and wanted to go home (my asthma was playing up, and I was finding the air like trying to breath treacle.)
Today, we had our celebratory get together for the 60th Anniversary of the School Crossing Patrol service (UK) Because I had been busy with the food for Saturday, there was a lot left in the fridge that I was able to just pack into my coolbag and take with me. I had a good time, and was presented with a commemorative badge/medal and a certificate. There will be lots of embarrassing photo's in the local paper next week too!! They did a fun shot of all of us on the Zebra crossings outside the council offices taking off The Beatles Abbey Road album cover......there were about 19 Lollipop people across both the crossings!! I actually enjoyed myself as the food here was secondary, and it managed to happen fairly inconspicuously which was rather nice.
Food is still stressing me out, but I do feel a little better. Maybe my complete breakdown the other day over an order of food that didn't quite work, might have got some of it out of my system now. It's just because I think this is the first time I have ever had to deal with the BBQ season, and things just having food rather than parties.....if you see what I mean.
DH did take me out for Dinner on Friday at our local Coeliac friendly restaurant, and on Monday the local Coeliac group have arranged a 3 course lunch for all of us, so that should be good. Things are improving, but I'm not naive enough to believe that this is going to be the end of finding this difficult. Over 40years of being able to eat anything, is not going to vapourise overnight, this is going to take time, but I want it sorted now.
Yes I do feel better than I did a few days ago, but I know it won't be the last or only time, be patient with me.
I guess what I mean with the title is I'm not sure I'm less stressed, but I have removed the two big stressors that were coming up this month.
On Saturday I did attend the Group BBQ, having spent most of the day making sure I had loads of things to eat to take with me (including some Bratwurst to cook.) When we arrived, to my delight my chef friend was manning the BBQ, he had read up on Coeliac Disease (result!!) and was aware of the cross contamination and had provided separate utensils to use with my food (I told him I wouldn't need a separate BBQ because of a wonderful product, foil trays which allow the flames and smoke to come through and cook the food, but it keeps it off the grill!! They come in packs of 10 in Lidl.) although if I'd asked he would have provided one. The only drawback was it was so hot on Saturday that by 8:30pm I had had enough and wanted to go home (my asthma was playing up, and I was finding the air like trying to breath treacle.)
Today, we had our celebratory get together for the 60th Anniversary of the School Crossing Patrol service (UK) Because I had been busy with the food for Saturday, there was a lot left in the fridge that I was able to just pack into my coolbag and take with me. I had a good time, and was presented with a commemorative badge/medal and a certificate. There will be lots of embarrassing photo's in the local paper next week too!! They did a fun shot of all of us on the Zebra crossings outside the council offices taking off The Beatles Abbey Road album cover......there were about 19 Lollipop people across both the crossings!! I actually enjoyed myself as the food here was secondary, and it managed to happen fairly inconspicuously which was rather nice.
Food is still stressing me out, but I do feel a little better. Maybe my complete breakdown the other day over an order of food that didn't quite work, might have got some of it out of my system now. It's just because I think this is the first time I have ever had to deal with the BBQ season, and things just having food rather than parties.....if you see what I mean.
DH did take me out for Dinner on Friday at our local Coeliac friendly restaurant, and on Monday the local Coeliac group have arranged a 3 course lunch for all of us, so that should be good. Things are improving, but I'm not naive enough to believe that this is going to be the end of finding this difficult. Over 40years of being able to eat anything, is not going to vapourise overnight, this is going to take time, but I want it sorted now.
Yes I do feel better than I did a few days ago, but I know it won't be the last or only time, be patient with me.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Even more good news....well to me anyway!!
Rang the Docs again today to ask the question about my B12 jabs. I have one booked for August, but I have been told that because my levels were normal last week and last time I had a lot of jabs the levels went very high that I can now have my B12 jabs once every 6 months instead of once every 3 months, so I've gone from 4 jabs a year to 2 wooohooooo!!! That's what I call an improvement.
This is looking good for my TTG Levels...but I shall just have to wait to find out.
All these positives are really good, now it's just a case of seeing if I can cope with a large BBQ on Saturday evening amongst lots of people. It's interesting how many people are asking questions because I've been up front about how difficult life can be sometmes, I had a long conversation with someone yesterday about how Coeliac disease to me, anyway, was a complete shock and that because I showed no symptoms the control of my diet has a lot to do with will power, which is quite difficult to explain:
I can walk past a Bakery and know that I could eat anything in the window, and know that, outwardly, any way, it wouldn't make me ill. My head however is telling me that if I do that I will damage my insides and ultimately will make myself ill as I will be unable to absorb the vitamins and minerals from any food I eat and the anaemia will eventually come back. So my heart (I could murder a belgian bun right now) and my head are constantly arguing with each other, and I have to make sure that I am listening to my head and not my heart...........see what I mean, clear as mud that was, wasn't it!!
Anyway the good news is my levels appear to be stabilising, which is suggestive that a) I am sticking to the GF diet b) my gut is starting to heal and c) that maybe coeliac disease might be tough but it can be done......just don't get too cranky with me when I have an off day as I am craving everything I shouldn't be eating.........French Bread is the one I am missing most, along with Jam Doughnuts!!
Onwards and upwards.
This is looking good for my TTG Levels...but I shall just have to wait to find out.
All these positives are really good, now it's just a case of seeing if I can cope with a large BBQ on Saturday evening amongst lots of people. It's interesting how many people are asking questions because I've been up front about how difficult life can be sometmes, I had a long conversation with someone yesterday about how Coeliac disease to me, anyway, was a complete shock and that because I showed no symptoms the control of my diet has a lot to do with will power, which is quite difficult to explain:
I can walk past a Bakery and know that I could eat anything in the window, and know that, outwardly, any way, it wouldn't make me ill. My head however is telling me that if I do that I will damage my insides and ultimately will make myself ill as I will be unable to absorb the vitamins and minerals from any food I eat and the anaemia will eventually come back. So my heart (I could murder a belgian bun right now) and my head are constantly arguing with each other, and I have to make sure that I am listening to my head and not my heart...........see what I mean, clear as mud that was, wasn't it!!
Anyway the good news is my levels appear to be stabilising, which is suggestive that a) I am sticking to the GF diet b) my gut is starting to heal and c) that maybe coeliac disease might be tough but it can be done......just don't get too cranky with me when I have an off day as I am craving everything I shouldn't be eating.........French Bread is the one I am missing most, along with Jam Doughnuts!!
Onwards and upwards.
Saturday, 6 July 2013
A bit of Good news
I've had some good news this week and hopefully it will get better by Friday. Yesterday I was told that my blood test as part of my annual review had come back telling me that my B12 levels are stable, but my Folic Acid has dropped low again, so I am back on tablets for this for 3 months. I'm hoping that this means I can stop having the B12 jabs, as I hate them, so, I am really hopeful (might be a bit premature though!!)
The full blood count also came back normal.
I am awaiting results for Vitamin D to make sure those levels are also at a normal level, and I am still awaiting the results of a blood test that was ordered after I had been seen by paramedics in June (apparently that should be back by Friday)
So as I said hopefully, by Friday I shall have more good news, so keep your fingers crossed.
I am due to have my TTG levels checked in September, and then obviously my Folic Acid levels will need to be checked again in October.
Friday 5th July:
I have been told that the blood test ordered in June has come back normal, which was a huge relief. They were checking to see if I had the gene that makes blood clot more readily than normal, to see if I was at even higher risk of DVT than I was already. It's taken a long time to come back, but at least I now know.
Vitamin D result is likely to take another couple of weeks, but I'm hopeful that will come back normal too.
As for the B12 jabs, well that requires another phone call, as I forgot to ask again!!!
But overall it's not looking too bad.
The full blood count also came back normal.
I am awaiting results for Vitamin D to make sure those levels are also at a normal level, and I am still awaiting the results of a blood test that was ordered after I had been seen by paramedics in June (apparently that should be back by Friday)
So as I said hopefully, by Friday I shall have more good news, so keep your fingers crossed.
I am due to have my TTG levels checked in September, and then obviously my Folic Acid levels will need to be checked again in October.
Friday 5th July:
I have been told that the blood test ordered in June has come back normal, which was a huge relief. They were checking to see if I had the gene that makes blood clot more readily than normal, to see if I was at even higher risk of DVT than I was already. It's taken a long time to come back, but at least I now know.
Vitamin D result is likely to take another couple of weeks, but I'm hopeful that will come back normal too.
As for the B12 jabs, well that requires another phone call, as I forgot to ask again!!!
But overall it's not looking too bad.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Now here's a dilemma
When you find yourself getting stressed about something, how do you deal with it?
There are two fairly effective solutions:
1. Remove yourself from the thing that is causing the stress or
2. Remove the thing that is causing the stress from yourself
All very well and good until it comes to food........humans and food are inextricably linked and you can do neither of the above solutions. If you remove yourself from food the outcome will not be good, and equally if you remove food from yourself the outcome again will be deadly.
So how on earth do you deal with a stressor that cannot and should not be removed? No I don't know either, but this is where I'm at now. Food is stressing me out, I don't want anything to do with it (but I have to to survive) I can't remove it, and I shouldn't remove myself from it (and before you all panic I won't remove myself from it) But sometimes when just walking through the kitchen makes you burst into tears how do I deal with that? I can't have a break from it for 2 weeks, food is ever present as it's a basic human need. Unless I employ a chef to feed me (now wouldn't that be good!!) three meals a day for a fortnight, that just arrive on the table, there is no let up in this stress at all.
My friends and family have been very good, but I can't help feeling that I am in a glass box, I feel distant even though I'm being included, which isn't helping the feelings of isolation from everybody around me, and I do not want to attend things that involve food because it will just upset me (but won't help the feelings of isolation.) I know there are some of you out there who know exactly what I'm talking about, and some of you are reading this saying it can't be that bad.
Put yourself in my position: When we go to anything I have to take my own food. If we go to a venue I have to ring ahead and ask all sorts of questions which sound silly, but are necessary. Knowing full well that if a mistake is made I wouldn't know since I get no effects whatsoever (I'm what is known as a silent Coeliac). except malabsorption and that takes quite a long time to show up, and can only be tested by blood tests. I am not about to compromise my strict GF diet to find out what the effects of eating gluten would be 9 months down the line. I cannot just turn up and expect to be fed, like the rest of you do. This becomes a problem, because I get bored with what I make and take with me, it is also more expensive, and I don't get the respite of not having to think about more than one dish for everyone, i.e. I am expected to provide my own food plus a contribution for everyone else.
I've lost interest in food, I don't want anything to do with it, it is stressing me out every time I think about it, I can't get away from it and as a consequence I cannot deal properly with the stress which is starting to make me ill. I'm eating because I have to, not because it's enjoyable. All the enjoyment has been sucked out of food and I have no idea how to combat it. I faced up to Coeliac Disease and confronted it, but this is much, much harder, and it's made even harder by not being able to explain what this feels like or how it affects me.
Nothing is impossible, but this has me stumped as to how to deal with it.
There are two fairly effective solutions:
1. Remove yourself from the thing that is causing the stress or
2. Remove the thing that is causing the stress from yourself
All very well and good until it comes to food........humans and food are inextricably linked and you can do neither of the above solutions. If you remove yourself from food the outcome will not be good, and equally if you remove food from yourself the outcome again will be deadly.
So how on earth do you deal with a stressor that cannot and should not be removed? No I don't know either, but this is where I'm at now. Food is stressing me out, I don't want anything to do with it (but I have to to survive) I can't remove it, and I shouldn't remove myself from it (and before you all panic I won't remove myself from it) But sometimes when just walking through the kitchen makes you burst into tears how do I deal with that? I can't have a break from it for 2 weeks, food is ever present as it's a basic human need. Unless I employ a chef to feed me (now wouldn't that be good!!) three meals a day for a fortnight, that just arrive on the table, there is no let up in this stress at all.
My friends and family have been very good, but I can't help feeling that I am in a glass box, I feel distant even though I'm being included, which isn't helping the feelings of isolation from everybody around me, and I do not want to attend things that involve food because it will just upset me (but won't help the feelings of isolation.) I know there are some of you out there who know exactly what I'm talking about, and some of you are reading this saying it can't be that bad.
Put yourself in my position: When we go to anything I have to take my own food. If we go to a venue I have to ring ahead and ask all sorts of questions which sound silly, but are necessary. Knowing full well that if a mistake is made I wouldn't know since I get no effects whatsoever (I'm what is known as a silent Coeliac). except malabsorption and that takes quite a long time to show up, and can only be tested by blood tests. I am not about to compromise my strict GF diet to find out what the effects of eating gluten would be 9 months down the line. I cannot just turn up and expect to be fed, like the rest of you do. This becomes a problem, because I get bored with what I make and take with me, it is also more expensive, and I don't get the respite of not having to think about more than one dish for everyone, i.e. I am expected to provide my own food plus a contribution for everyone else.
I've lost interest in food, I don't want anything to do with it, it is stressing me out every time I think about it, I can't get away from it and as a consequence I cannot deal properly with the stress which is starting to make me ill. I'm eating because I have to, not because it's enjoyable. All the enjoyment has been sucked out of food and I have no idea how to combat it. I faced up to Coeliac Disease and confronted it, but this is much, much harder, and it's made even harder by not being able to explain what this feels like or how it affects me.
Nothing is impossible, but this has me stumped as to how to deal with it.
Sunday, 16 June 2013
This b***** disease condition...
Yeah I'm upset. This B***** disease has just deprived me of having a fun evening with my friends. It is not my friends fault, it is the fault of the establishment where they are going to eat, the best they could offer me was a Salad!!
Do they really think I am going to attend a restaurant and spend extortionate amounts of money to be presented with a bowl of lettuce, while watching everyone else tuck in to decent food?
The venue in question told me that there were loads of items on the menu I could eat, and when I looked everything was either breaded or battered (even the fish and chips was battered in beer batter so worse than normal!) or it was Pasta or bread based. Clearly this venue has no idea what 'gluten' is, never mind what it's contained in.
I have made a suggestion that we could change venue, but that might present more of a challenge since the invites have already gone out asking people for their choice from the menu. However I shall wait and see, if we can change the venue to one where I know I can eat safely I will be a happy bunny, but if we can't there is no point whatsoever me even attempting to go.
Feeling very isolated and forgotten about, and just because some restaurant can't or rather won't try and accomodate my diet. So I have to stay at home while my friends have a good time. No fair!!
P****** off and very angry, at the catering industry.
Rant over, feel better now even though I am very upset.
Do they really think I am going to attend a restaurant and spend extortionate amounts of money to be presented with a bowl of lettuce, while watching everyone else tuck in to decent food?
The venue in question told me that there were loads of items on the menu I could eat, and when I looked everything was either breaded or battered (even the fish and chips was battered in beer batter so worse than normal!) or it was Pasta or bread based. Clearly this venue has no idea what 'gluten' is, never mind what it's contained in.
I have made a suggestion that we could change venue, but that might present more of a challenge since the invites have already gone out asking people for their choice from the menu. However I shall wait and see, if we can change the venue to one where I know I can eat safely I will be a happy bunny, but if we can't there is no point whatsoever me even attempting to go.
Feeling very isolated and forgotten about, and just because some restaurant can't or rather won't try and accomodate my diet. So I have to stay at home while my friends have a good time. No fair!!
P****** off and very angry, at the catering industry.
Rant over, feel better now even though I am very upset.
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Wow!! Or What a Wonderful Wedding
I was so scared about attending my brothers wedding yesterday, they had a wedding lunch, which of course was family only, and then they had an afternoon tea (which I believe I stated in a previous post is possibly the worst thing for a Coeliac!!)
I needn't have worried, I had forgotten that my 'now' Sister in Law was an events manager. It was lovely, and to boot the sun came out. The reason I was so worried is obvioualy this was a very important celebration and the first one I've attended since diagnosis, and I did not want anything to go wrong. What was so nice was when lunch came out the lady who was in charge of our table said coeliac sausages for you and then mentioned that the onion gravy was also gluten free (yes we had bangers and mash!!) but in such a discreet manner that the only person who noticed was my husband.
Then the afternoon tea, when I went to see what was available I was told, oh just help yourself from the table, when I explained that I was the lady who was Coeliac she looked at me and said oh yes the Chef is doing yours now, and well all I can say is WOW!! I had an oval plate to myself with around 16 triangular sandwiches on one half being smoked salmon, and the other half cheese. My Mum's face was a picture, and then she said 'Is that ALL for you?' having previously checked, the answer was yes!!
Unfortunately the Bride and Groom had warned me that I wouldn't be able to eat their wedding cake, as it wasn't Gluten Free, but they more than made up for it with the amount of Cake that was plated separately for me (and no I didn't eat all of it!) 5 slices of fruit cake and 5 chocolate brownies.
There was free flowing Tea and Coffee and wine and champagne for those of us that weren't driving. So although I had my reservations before lunch, I was impressed with the service of the staff, and obviously both my brother and his wife for the effort they put in, to make sure I had a good day too. I was just a bit miffed I couldn't have the Scones with Cream and Jam. (but I guess over time you get used to that.) I was concerned that my brother would forget that I have a new illness, as up until now, I have always been able to eat everything. So it was a rewarding experience.
So if you ever go to 'The Dene' in Woldingham, if you talk to the staff I'm sure you will be catered for. Obviously we had a Private Function area, but I was impressed with the attitude and the service.
Oh and my 5 year old nephew was brilliant as the 'Best Man' that was sooooo cute. It was a lovely day.
I needn't have worried, I had forgotten that my 'now' Sister in Law was an events manager. It was lovely, and to boot the sun came out. The reason I was so worried is obvioualy this was a very important celebration and the first one I've attended since diagnosis, and I did not want anything to go wrong. What was so nice was when lunch came out the lady who was in charge of our table said coeliac sausages for you and then mentioned that the onion gravy was also gluten free (yes we had bangers and mash!!) but in such a discreet manner that the only person who noticed was my husband.
Then the afternoon tea, when I went to see what was available I was told, oh just help yourself from the table, when I explained that I was the lady who was Coeliac she looked at me and said oh yes the Chef is doing yours now, and well all I can say is WOW!! I had an oval plate to myself with around 16 triangular sandwiches on one half being smoked salmon, and the other half cheese. My Mum's face was a picture, and then she said 'Is that ALL for you?' having previously checked, the answer was yes!!
Unfortunately the Bride and Groom had warned me that I wouldn't be able to eat their wedding cake, as it wasn't Gluten Free, but they more than made up for it with the amount of Cake that was plated separately for me (and no I didn't eat all of it!) 5 slices of fruit cake and 5 chocolate brownies.
There was free flowing Tea and Coffee and wine and champagne for those of us that weren't driving. So although I had my reservations before lunch, I was impressed with the service of the staff, and obviously both my brother and his wife for the effort they put in, to make sure I had a good day too. I was just a bit miffed I couldn't have the Scones with Cream and Jam. (but I guess over time you get used to that.) I was concerned that my brother would forget that I have a new illness, as up until now, I have always been able to eat everything. So it was a rewarding experience.
So if you ever go to 'The Dene' in Woldingham, if you talk to the staff I'm sure you will be catered for. Obviously we had a Private Function area, but I was impressed with the attitude and the service.
Oh and my 5 year old nephew was brilliant as the 'Best Man' that was sooooo cute. It was a lovely day.
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