Wednesday, 15 October 2014

a gluten free accomplice.

There will be a lot more baking around here from now on. After several months of doctors visits for what the medical profession likes to call "fatigue" Miss K has been diagnosed with coeliac disease. (see below) I was diagnosed 17 years ago, almost on the same day.

We shall call ourselves the gluten free girls.

There will be lots of gluten free cake.

Cake is good.

so far we've baked jam tarts, ginger cookies, lemon drizzle cake and banana bread.

what's your favourite cake?





the following information is taken from Coeliac UK

Coeliac disease(spelled celiac in other countries) is an auto immune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. Coeliac disease is common and affects 1 in 100 people. However only 24% who have the condition have been diagnosed. If a first degree family member has the condition then the chances of having it increase to 1 in 10. 

Treatment consists of a lifelong gluten free diet.

The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from very mild to severe. Coeliac disease is known as a 'multi system' disorder – symptoms can affect any area of the body. Symptoms differ between individuals in terms of type and severity.

Possible symptoms may include:
  • severe or occasional diarrhoea, excessive wind and/or constipation
  • persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting
  • recurrent stomach pain, cramping or bloating
  • any combination of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency
  • anaemia
  • tiredness and/or headaches
  • sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases)
  • mouth ulcers
  • hair loss (alopecia)
  • skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • tooth enamel problems
  • depression
  • infertility
  • liver abnormalities
  • repeated miscarriages
  • joint and/or bone pain
  • neurological (nerve) problems such as ataxia (poor muscle coordination) and neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet)
  • amenorrhoea (lack of periods in women)

ask your GP for a blood test if any of this sounds familiar.
Posted by at
Labels:

17 comments:

  1. ChristinaOctober 15, 2014 4:11 pm

    I am glad that months of not knowing are behind you know although of course being a patient with Coeliac disease is not easy. I hope having a diagnosis, followed by the appropriate diet will help Miss K to find her energy once more. Baking is good for the soul, absolutely. I assume gluten free baking is easier than it probably was when you were first diagnosed? Good luck and enjoy your baking. Cx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. driftwoodOctober 18, 2014 9:17 am

      you're right, baking IS good for the soul xxx

      Delete
  2. Magic BeanOctober 15, 2014 7:09 pm

    OK, so that's Wednesday's baking... what is on the menu for tomorrow...?
    Hooray for baking partners in crime, Ax

    ReplyDelete
  3. itsjustperiOctober 15, 2014 7:47 pm

    Without sounding heartless I'm so glad that she has a diagnosis and you know what can help to make her better or in this case do without. I had a test a while ago but I'm thinking about getting another one. I also found that my mam made much better gluten free cakes than normal ones :-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. LeanneOctober 15, 2014 8:43 pm

    I like every kind of cake. Seriously. It's why I'm on a diet.
    I'm glad that you at least have a diagnosis, and that you can now manage her diet around it.
    Leanne xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. PennyOctober 15, 2014 8:45 pm

    Wishing you both many happy adventures together with baking, and many good wishes to your daughter as she learns about living with coeliac. X

    ReplyDelete
  6. CJOctober 15, 2014 10:15 pm

    I'm really sorry to hear that Miss K has coeliac disease, but hopefully now you have a diagnosis and can adapt her diet she will start to feel a bit better. I think things are easier for gluten-free people now than ever before, and I do hope you find some lovely recipes. I make a cake with almonds and eggs and chocolate which is utterly delicioius, I can highly recommend it. Wishing you both all the very best, CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. ellenOctober 15, 2014 10:47 pm

    I am so sorry to hear this, but as they say, knowledge is power. I do believe that it is so much better now to find recipes that will not only be good for you both, but ones that will be yummy and so healthy. It is wonderful that you both can share in this baking process, tho. I know you would wish it was not necessary for either one of you. Thinking of you both.

    ReplyDelete
  8. **Anne**October 15, 2014 11:42 pm

    I'm glad you have a diagnosis so your daughter can start to feel better with the right diet. Good luck with the baking.
    Anne xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. MeganOctober 16, 2014 5:42 am

    Thank goodness there is so much more information and acceptance out there these days. And she has you to bake with. Hope she is feeling much better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jill at emeraldcottageOctober 16, 2014 10:35 am

    Always a massive shock when one of your child is diagnosed with anything but often a sense of relief; now you know (for sure) what you're dealing with. I suspect you are very adept at making the right choices and will be a great support to her. Well, support for each other I guess. Are there any groups out there for young coeliacs ?
    Hoping you both stay in good health, and lots of happy thoughts and hugs for you both
    Jill xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jennifer HaysOctober 16, 2014 4:08 pm

    I'm glad you know now that she has the same issues you do and that there are ways to help you both. I've sometimes wondered if I might have it too. I think it will be really fun for you to work together to make foods you enjoy and that allow you to feel good physically.

    ReplyDelete
  12. alice cOctober 16, 2014 6:06 pm

    What a worrying time it must have been for you all. Miss K is so fortunate that you can show her that living with coeliac disease does not mean compromising on flavour or fun which will mean that by the time she is living independently the recipes and dietary adjustments will be part of her everyday life.

    ReplyDelete
  13. LorrieOctober 16, 2014 8:45 pm

    My sister was recently diagnosed with celiac and she's taken baking to a whole new level. Her pie crust is wonderful. Wishing you and your Miss K lots of deliciousness together.

    ReplyDelete
  14. TracyOctober 17, 2014 11:12 am

    Oh, my... so sorry Miss K has been struggling. And it can be a struggle until the diagnosis comes in. Thankfully there is a lot of good information about Coeliac disease, as well as great (and every expanding!) range of gluten free options. One of my nieces has this... so birthday parties are gluten free. :o) Wishing Miss K better soon with diet improvements. Making it fun helps! :o) ((HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  15. ChickpeaOctober 17, 2014 5:44 pm

    I am not Coeliac but intolerant to gluten so I will be looking forward to any gf recipes you post. Now you know it is coeliac she will feel so much better on a gf diet.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amy at love made my homeOctober 18, 2014 7:11 pm

    As you know, it will all be OK in the end. I am another fellow in this group! At least these days it is a lot easier than it was hey. I hope that your daughter will be feeling much better again very soon. xx

    ReplyDelete

thanks for visiting, I love to read your comments, and I'll reply if I can see your email, or here in the comment box.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)