Al

I started my knowledge quest in late 2001. I had gastro and neurological issues. The gastro issues [reflux] is what forced me to see the doctor. I stumbled across some posts concerning Peripheral Neuropathy [PN] and gluten. I was searching for the cause of my PN. At the time I didn't realize my neurological issues were connected to gluten. Heck at this point, I was ready to try anything. I was reading people's stories that were very similar to mine. They had issues with gluten - what ever that was!

My health was continuing to decline. I was still feeling like garbage all the time, I lost about 40-50 pounds. Had been on 4 different reflux meds [2 at once for awhile!]. Test after test turned up nothing. Yes, I did have an EGD, the biopsies were negative for CD. After getting nowhere with the doctors for a year and a half on my gastro issues, I decided to do a dietary trial and see how it went. After several months of on-again off-again gluten consumption, I suspected gluten was my problem. My neurologist was the only doctor that took me seriously, he was willing to do "whatever I wanted" [he would run a complete Celiac Panel]. I started the gluten challenge, but called it off after 5 days. My symptoms started to worsen, I wanted no part of it. I just wanted my life back again. If removing gluten was the key, so be it.

I've been gluten free since May 2003 and I have not looked back. I have enjoyed many health benefits. All of my gastro issues have resolved; no more GERD, no more "feeling hung over" all the time, no more "gas", no more grinding/churning stomach. Many, but not all of my neurological issues have resolved. Sadly, my PN still exists but it's not as painful as it once was. I was able to cease the neuropathy meds I was on. A detailed account of my journey can be found here.

I think you can understand why I want to help people understand that gluten can affect us even though we don't fit neatly "inside the box" of Celiac Disease. So many of us fall through the diagnostic cracks. If I had not been researching and learning about what was going on, I probably would not be here today. At the very least, I'd not be as healthy as I am.

I remember what it was like feeling alone and scared, desperately seeking answers. I remember what it was like trying to figure out how and what I was going eat. I remember being so lost, confused & frustrated trying to find safe food in the grocery stores. I could go on, but these are some of the reasons I have a passion for help others navigate their way around this gluten polluted world.

I will say that I have enjoyed the challenge of gluten free cooking. I like to cook, so this was just the twist I needed to inspire me in the kitchen. I watch the Food Channel and see how many dishes are naturally GF or could easily be made GF.

I have not made this journey alone. Seeing me through my worst times, my wife Peg stood by me. She hid her dreadful thoughts of death [I too secretly felt I was dying] behind a brave facade while I was becoming a mere shell of myself. She believed in me and my research even when I wasn't sure if I believed it myself. She supported me during my crazy dietary trials. Once I decided that I must remain GF, she stepped up to the plate with her skills in the kitchen! She truly accepted the challenge of cooking and baking gluten free food for me. GF baking has a steep learning curve, but she stuck with it and now has converted almost all of my non-GF treats to GF ones! She spoils me rotten with breads, cookies, bars and other treats. Without Peg, my success would not be this great. This is most certainly true!

Good luck to those of you conducting your own knowledge quests. Keep searching, the answers are out there.

Peg

The supportive spouse offers up her views. Coming soon!!