It it DEFINITELY the Thought That Counts!

Skinny Girl popcorn, gluten free Chex mix, gift card to Trader Joe's, and gluten free pasta!  What do they all have in common?  They were all thoughtful gifts I received this year for Christmas!  It is amazing how many people are starting to become educated about my Celiac Disease and more aware of what it means for me to be gluten free.  They have discussed with me the ups and downs of my disease and then have, one way or another, thought about how they can make my life easier!  For example, they buy gluten free noodles just in case I win their recipe at the staff party or they research gluten free recipes and then bake me gluten free snacks instead of giving me their normal gluten filled homemade goodies!  I cannot express how much joy this gives me!  When I receive a gluten free present, it definitely puts a new meaning to the idea that "it is the thought that counts"! Thank you to all who have at some time or another thought of a way to show your understanding and support of my disease and gluten free diet!  I will forever be grateful and remember your effort and kindness!

My Unexpected Christmas Present

So I am laying on the coach tonight, Christmas Day.  The presents have been unwrapped, the day was spent with my family, and I have a big smile on my face! However, I do not feel good.  My stomach is twisted in pain, I feel like I want to throw up, and my neck/shoulders ache like no other!  It seems that I received one additional present this year for Christmas...gluten!  This is the frustrating thing about having Celiac Disease!  You try to do everything you can to enjoy the holidays and prevent cross contamination, but yet it sneaks in somewhere.  My family can tell you that before Christmas, I suggested to everyone how they could make their dishes gluten free.  (Definitely hard to do without overwhelming the family members and causing them extra worry).  Today, I made sure to be the first in line, so I could use non-contaminated utensils.  (While practically running over a family member to beat him to the table of food).  I also only ate and drank things that contained only gluten free ingredients.  (Trust me, I asked every single person what was in their dishes before eating them).  However, as the day wore on, I became tired.  I chalked that up as just part of the holidays.  Then my pants became tight.  Yep, must have eaten too much I thought.  Then the stomach pains and nausea set in and I knew I was in trouble!  My body began to ache and I am now fully miserable!  I have a heating pad on my neck, my stretchy pants on, and I get sick at just the thought of food.  I know that I will just have to sleep it off and wait for it to get out of my system but it makes me frustrated!  Why can't I just enjoy a holiday without all of the food planning, worry about cross contamination, unwanted attention I have to draw to myself in order to ensure I am safe, and the horrible side effects?  I know that it could be worse with this disease...I have experienced it and thank goodness this was just a small exposure to gluten.  I write this in hopes that you think about the people at your family holidays and get togethers that have food allergies or other health issues.  Try to educate yourself, ask questions about what they are going through, and most of all, help make them feel comfortable when they have to stand up for themselves to ensure that they can enjoy the holidays as much as you.  Just your support and understanding will mean the world to them!  If you are unsure where to start, then ask me.  I am willing to answer any questions you have...