It was eight years ago.
I was three months pregnant with our second child.
My mom was visiting and giving me a head rub…which she always does when she visits me (don't you just love mamas).
I was extremely tired and talking to both Kelly and my mom.
I started to not talk correctly. What I was thinking in my head was coming out as something else when I spoke.
My left hand then went numb.
This was followed by a pressure that started in my left hand and then went up my arm.
I was so scared at this point and so was my family.
Kelly immediately took me to the hospital.
By the time we had arrived most of my symptoms had dissipated but I felt exhausted.
The rest of the evening was the doctors talking to me about my symptoms being a stroke or even a tumor.
Here I was three months pregnant and I had a little 1 1/2 year old boy at home and I was trying to stay calm when the doctors talked of tumors.
I then had a CAT scan.
There was no tumor.
This started months of tests to conclude what had happened.
The answer was inconclusive. They finally guessed that it was a TIA….mini stroke.
For the next three years I had a few times of experiencing auras…for me that looks like rippling water over my vision.
Three years after my first trip to the hospital it happened again.
This time is was worse. Same tests and same lack of answers.
Over the years the symptoms continued and also new ones began.
Sometimes these stroke symptoms could happen four times a day and then I wouldn't have anything for a few weeks.
I started to have symmetrical numbness on my face, scalp and even my eyes, nose and tongue.
I have also had a weird sensitivity to too much sound.
My head would feel cloudy and almost as if I were in a dream.
I have had MRIs and almost every test the doctors could think of.
I have been offered medications all along the way and always declined because they didn't really know the reason why all of this was happening.
About three years ago I kind of gave up with the traditional doctors.
I have been to an acupuncturist, chiropractor and naturopath.
I had seen some improvement over the year and then could never find a pattern for why the A typical migraines were happening…that is what the doctors finally said was happening to me.
They told me that because they truly didn't have an answer…and I so desperately needed one.
This has effected so much of my life and how I feel everyday.
About six weeks ago one of my friends (who is also a chiropractor and specializes in nutrition) asked me to give her integrated medicine clinic a try.
I did.
I had the most comprehensive physical of my life. During that exam is when they found the lumps in my breast (which ending up being nothing).
They also did a round of blood tests.
They also ordered another MRI to rule out tumors, lesions or MS……everything was fine with my brain.
Most all of my tests came back fine…in fact wonderful…except a few small things.
My thyroid was barely working and my vitamin D levels were really off. This could have stopped right there with most doctor's offices but it didn't.
My friend (the chiropractor) looked at the results and said, "this makes so much sense".
I had no clue what she was talking about.
She said that hypothyroidism and gluten intolerance go hand in hand. I told her that I don't eat gluten…I don't eat bread, pasta etc because I don't like them and I feel sick (isn't that funny now?). She told me gluten is in everything and let me tell you (now that I am looking) it is.
It was in my gum, spices etc.
She then proceeded to tell me that if I cut out gluten my thyroid would start working again within 3-6 months instead of being on thyroid medicine for the rest of my life.
She also began some in depth blood work regarding allergies.
That first day (four weeks ago) that she told me I could have a gluten allergy I have cut out all gluten in my life.
If I had a chance to feel good…REALLY GOOD…I was starting that day.
I have also gotten back the first round of tests and it has come back that I am allergic mildly to coffee, dairy, flax seed, chocolate and wheat. I am also very allergic to rice.
I have more tests coming and more details will follow.
Eight years and I had never been tested for allergies that could be causing me to have stroke symptoms.
I know more answers are coming but I have not lost my vision or speech since I cut out gluten and dairy.
After the last test came back I have also cut out coffee and I have not had any numbness on my hands or face since that day.
My doctor was amazed that I didn't feel lethargic all of the time because of my thyroid. I know that the only reason I have felt as good as I have all these years is because we eat really well.
I
don't eat breads and pastas. We eat only organic fruits and vegetables. We only buy grass fed meats.
We use coconut flour, almond flour and coconut oil to cook.
Most of the things that I needed to do I was already doing…now I am taking it to a new level.
I feel hope for the first time that my head will feel clear and these "A typical migraines" will no longer effect my life.
I know there has to be someone reading that is going through the same thing and is so frustrated because they don't have answers.
I haven't written about this before because I didn't have answers…now I hope I do.
Over the next few weeks I would like to share with you some of the recipes that my whole family loves.
They are gluten, dairy and rice free.
They are also paleo…which just means raw and unprocessed.
Good whole foods that have been around for thousands of years.
I thought I would start off with a really easy one that even Kelly loves.
I also make extra so we have leftovers for lunch.
Chicken Cucumber Salad
1 1/2 pounds organic chicken breasts
1 1/2 cucumbers
1 cup dried organic cranberries
1/2 red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
cumin
cinnamon
celtic sea salt
coconut oil
2 garlic cloves
The first step is to cut the chicken breasts into 1" cubes and cook in 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
I like to add cumin, cinnamon and garlic while it is cooking.
Once the chicken is finished I just put it aside.
Dice up the cucumbers and onion, cut the cherry tomatoes in half and combine the cranberries.
I then generously sprinkle (or dump in our case) cumin and cinnamon in the mixture.
Once everything is tossed I add the chicken and sprinkle with the sea salt.
This salad is sooo good and so good for you.
It is even better the next day because the flavors have mixed perfectly.
This is nothing fancy but it is perfect for lunches and even dinners on a hot summer night.
I will try to have more recipes next week for anyone else that is trying to avoid gluten or just eat better.
For anyone that has made it to the end of this VERY long post…thank you…I just had to share this amazing news with you guys.
*******************************************************
I have been getting a lot of emails today asking for the name of my doctor.
For those in the Denver area you can contact
East West Health Center
Dr. Shamanie Haneca
She specializes in Chiropractic and Functional Medicine
303-694-5757
If you are not in the Denver area go to www.stopchronicdisease.com
This site will help you find a natural doctor in your area that specializes in Functional Medicine.
I hope this helps.
Yay! I’m so glad you are feeling better!! I hope you keep it that way!!
I can only imagine what fear you have had to deal with these past years. I am so happy that there may be an answer finally in sight. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Melinda
Wow that’s quite a story. I too am dealing with health issues, and even though I take medications for my high blood pressure, thankfully I have not experienced the mini-strokes or TIA’s that you describe. I *DO* however have an underactive thyroid. My PA took blood tests to check my thyroid activity and it came back significantly below normal. She started me on synthetic thyroid medication, which I could not tolerate. It gave me heart palpitations, anxiety, and panic attacks, so I quit taking it. She will not prescribe Armour thyroid for me (dessicated animal thyroid) so I just suffer feeling like crap most of the time. I never thought about the whole gluten thing… I am going to give that some more thought and re-read your posting so I am clear on what you are saying. It certainly is food for thought… thanks for this timely posting.
Jeanne, i am happy for you that you are finally getting some answers…and that you may be symptom free soon…your chicken salad sounds delicious…i look forward to seeing what other recipes you post…i need to start cooking more healthy…
I am so glad you are feeling better!!! I hope it keeps working for you. Since I’ve switched to grassfed my cholesterol has dropped by 26 points!! I think there is so much to be said for eating how we are meant to.
I am glad you are finally getting some answers and that you are starting to feel much better.
I would need answers too. I have felt just that way in regards to my families health on many occasions. Often dealing with allergies. Thank goodness my children all out grew them. My husband however still suffers from such things. He has waited 6 months to see an allergist and has had his share of very scary moments, one like you describe. We are also hoping for answers.
Thank you for sharing your story. Allergies seem to be effecting more and more people and your story will help others.
So glad you are able to share this…isn’t it amazing the effects of food and changing a few things has changed your life!!!? I am glad you will share this because you never know whot this may help! your recipe looks sooo yummy!
Wow Jeanne, I will keep you in my prayers. I too suffer from migraines but I am being told it is my age….I’m not convinced. I wish you continued success.
Carla
Wow! What a story of staying the course. My little girl stomach always hurts and we kind of get blown off as it her just being a kid. Now I wonder what all she may be allergic to. I should dig deeper with her problems now! Thanks
I’m glad that you’re getting answers at last. I’ve had to take a long road with health problems too. I really appreciate you sharing your story and recipes. I’m looking forward to more of them.
I know we’ve already talked about this, but I am so thankful you called and told me about the gluten/thyroid connection. I am on a whole new path now…and finally getting some answers! 🙂
I can’t wait to try your salad! Looks like a GREAT lunch! 🙂
Oh my, that post brought back some scary memories and put tears in my eyes! I remember the day that you first had your symptoms years ago. So scary. I’m so happy that you have figured things out and can be symptom free! Yippee for your good friends who led your way! Love you!
Jeanne, I can hardly believe you have gone through this….as I HAVE as well. ALL the test and inconclusiveness. Mine started in May of 2005. I haven’t written about it and for the past three months have prayed on if I should incorporate how the migraines with aura have changed my life (mostly for the better….NOW) Hmmmm? Funny how life works and better how healing happens. Happy you are feeling more YOU, these days.
I cannot believe you posted this. I can’t tell you my whole story, because it would be as long as your post, but I had such a similar experience for the last 6 years. They thought brain tumor, spinal cord injury, MS, & seizures but it was none of those. Finally it settled on migraines which I’ve always had. Then about 4 years ago I moved and my new doctor discovered a thyroid problem. I’ve had bad allergies all my life and when they are especially acting up, the crazy symptoms come in force. At first I would panic every time something happened, but now I’m used to it. I don’t know what triggers what (thyroid, allergies, migraines), but it seems like they are all connected somehow. I’ve done acupuncture and chiropractic too.
Anyway, glad you are doing better. Health is a strange thing that we so often take for granted. I wish more mainline doctors incorporated more natural/diet things into their thinking.
-FringeGirl
once again you inspire me. #s 2&3 are wheat and dairy free and I am attempted to eliminate it from the rest of our diets, but gradually, so that it simply becomes part of who we are and our daily routine. I am really excited about you sharing your recipes as some days it is difficult to find things that will work… I can’t wait to try this salad!
xx
Wow, that’s quite a burden you’ve been carrying. I’m glad you’re finally getting some answers. Isn’t it amazing that what we put into our body has such a profound effect on so many things!
Medical mysteries are SO frustrating!! Good for you for sticking with it. What a scary time for you, though; and ironically what a “simple” answer. Simple in theory, not necessarily in reality. It sounds like you aren’t having too much trouble with it, though. Thanks for sharing, Jeanne.
Wow, now you got me thinking I might have the same thing! I have IBS and have had to cut out all eating out (resturants&fast food) and can only eat organic and non processed foods. My body has done a total 360 since I have done that. I have my physical in August and want to have some allergy tests done to see if I am allergic to anything. My headaches have subsided but I do have the occasional one due to my sugar dropping. It is amazing what we eat can make us feel so horrile. I am so glad you have some anwers and are able to change your diet to help you instead of medication. Blessings my friend!
~Molly P
Not knowing what’s wrong…but knowing something is wrong…can be so frightening. It must feel amazing to finally have some answers! Wishing you well:)
P.S. The recipe sounds yummy!
Praise God for your chiropractor who had the wisdom to put two and two together!
Your recipe looks DELICIOUS. I shall be trying it out on my family soon! 🙂
Hi Jeanne ~
So glad you have pursued answers, even if you don’t get one – the picture does become clearer. I truly believe diet (what we eat) plays a big role in our health – thanks for sharing this delish recipe! I know I’m going to LOVE it! My grandad had celiacs, so more and more I’m trying to cut that out of my diet – I love pasta, but notice I don’t feel so great after eating it…
Best wishes for continued good health & happiness & keep sharing yummie recipes!
Hugs ~
Heidi
I’m so glad you found out what was wrong. Isn’t it so much easier to treat the problem than to not know at all?! My friend Clairissa (you might remember her from CO before she moved to Georgia) has MS and she has really changed the way she eats too. She posts lots of good, organic recipes on her blog. Let me know if you want to be invited to look. I am a FIRM believer is healthy eating. And I know my family benefits from it as well. If my kids can learn healthy habits, I’ve done my job! Keep it up my friend (although the coffee thing must really suck for you)!!!!
Jeanne, I am not sure if I ever missed your post or if this is the first time since you said that there were some lumps found in your breast. I have been waiting as I was also praying and trusting that the Lord would heal you. I am so GLAD to hear that it is all good and that you have found some answers for your stroke like sysmptoms. I am so happy for you and your loving family, enjoy your day my sweet bogging friend.
Smiles and Blessings,
Sheila
WOW! I too have hypothyroidism, was diagnosed twelve years ago and take medication everyday. I find this very interesting. My husband and I have tried to eat organic as much as possible. Just with in the past couple weeks, after watching Food Inc., we stated buying grass fed beef. My weight has been such a struggle due to my thyroid levels…we are on are way to a healthier life and the hopes of a thinner me.
PS. Thanks for sharing, what an inspiration you are!!
Jeanne
I’m sooooo desperately interested in this. I’ve had the MRIs, testing, etc…no answers for the blurred vision, excessive dizziness, etc… Does your chiropractic friend practice in Colorado? I’d be interested in talking to her/him?
Wow wee, that is one crazy road to health and I am beginning to think that so much of what we eat affects our health and i need to jump on that boat asap! I could be allergic to gluten and that is why i have chronic pain…blah blah blah, anyway thank you for this post and so excited to get some new recipes! 🙂 and VERY glad you are feeling better!
I’ve been considering an alternative doc for issues that can’t seem to be answered… thanks for sharing and reaffirming their worth!
I’m making that recipe tomorrow, looks delish!
Wow! I’m so glad that you’re finally getting some answers, but “NO COFFEE” – seriously??? OMG, I couldn’t do it!! LOL I’ve had some similar symptoms in my life…done the whole cat scan thing…even had a spinal tap done (ouch!) – First they said I had “syncope” then just said I was having migraines. My father had part of his thyroid removed because he had been so tired all the time only to find he had hypothyroidism (or hyper, I get them confused). He suggested I have mine checked because my entire life has been lived feeling like I haven’t slept in days…even after 12 hours of sleep I’m so tired! (I also thought I was getting TOO much sleep and maybe that’s why I was tired, but everything was the same when I cut my sleep time). So sweet Jeanne, thank you for sharing…perhaps I’ll get my butt into an office and have my thyroid checked now : ) Hope all of the changes have you feeling AMAZING!!!!
Like Tami above, I have suffered with weight related trouble since being put on Synthroid. I’ve never heard that hypothyroidism and gluten intolerance go hand in hand!! Wow…..I am going to contemplate what this means for me. I’ve long suspected my husband has some gluten intolerance….maybe we should give this a try!
Suzanne
We have to be our own Doctor. You know when you feel bad or just not right in someway. You get a quick glance by the Doctor, they give you a pill (maybe), and send you on your way. You are lucky you found someone to listen and keep testing until they found an answer for you.
Debbie
so glad you shared! love what you are learning. it has been amazing and wonderful! thanks for sharing yummy recipes, too. i can’t wait to see what my family thinks of them!
So glad to hear you have some answers and are starting to feel better! How scary!! Can’t wait to see your recipes.
Janet
Bravo to you and your Doctor! Keep up the recipes, because they can make us all feel better…………….
Wow Jeanne ~ I cannot even imagine how hard a gluten free diet would be let alone dairy free too. It sure changes your way of living and I applaud you for your paleo diet. I try not to eat a lot of processed food for the salt content alone as it is crazy. I am on weight watchers right now and I am so glad that summer is around the corner so we can get lots of local fresh fruits and veggies.
After hanging out with you for a few days I see that Gluten is in Everything….I am so happy your answers have finally arrived and that you are feeling better…. That salad looks wonderful.. Big hugs, Amy
Wow! I have a 27 year old stepdaughter who has migraines so bad they are paralyzing. Thanks for sharing and I hope you are on your way to a final diagnosis soon. It’s amazing how we can help ourselves simply by what we eat. Thanks!
OH MY,what a road you have traveled. It is so very hard to sit on the fence not knowing…not being able to help yourself get well…I have been there. This story has a very “Happy Ending”…I have a baking site on my sidebar that is really quite good. She has quite a few gluten free recipes that you might enjoy…
http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/
If you already know of this site just ignore this. Wishing you many healing thought…Rosie
Jeanne, so glad to know you’re getting some answers! I can only imagine the fears you were dealing with. Way to go for not giving up!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! My struggles have mainly been with severe, painful eczema, but I too started seeing success once I switched to a Naturopath doctor. I’m currently undergoing a three week elimination diet to find out what food intolerances I have. Just goes to show that diet is a more significant factor in our overall health than most people give it credit for!
I am so glad you’re starting to find answers! It can be so frustrating to not know what is going on with your body. I am very excited that you will be posting gluten free recipes since I have been struggling to cook gluten free as well. Check out http://www.mytartelette.com, she has some fabulous gluten free recipes. Good luck and thanks for writing.
Jeanne,
I have many similar issues…Hashimotos thyroiditis, celiac, Migraines and some you don’t have…possible Chronic Lyme diseas, other neuro things. And I have never had a stroke experience. That would be scary! I was using the less traditional path until things really got out of hand and then had to switch to traditional medicine. Now I am so fortunate to have a doctor who is tuned in to both and will work with the non-traditional medicine peeps. I also have had about seven months at a holistic pain clinic which has helped a lot…slow, hard growth.
You are doing so much for yourself and can feel really good that you have some of these things under control. I have a doctor fil and husband and had a doctor dad and it took to many years to get the help I needed. I think I am making a believer out of Jud!
Western medicine and Alternatives both have their place…but I think that we are entering a whole new era of different disease that is more environmentally and virally transmitted. Western medicine doesn’t have a clue what to do with that!
Just my two cents worth!!
I am LOVING my purse…beautiful and beautiful work!
Hugs,
Suz
It’s amazing what a difference it can make to eliminate certain foods. I was vegetarian in my 20’s then slowly meat crept back into my diet but not in a large way. I did however have a love affair with dairy, mainly cheese. I too was impacted after watching Food Inc and have gone back to a meatless diet. I am actually eating a vegan diet these days and can tell a difference. I am reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone and would recommend it.
Best to you on your path to health,
Shelley
I tried to post earlier today, but it didn’t work so I just had to try again. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now and have so often been inspired by your words and related to many things. I couldn’t believe the things you were talking about today! I have been dealing with some similar issues. I have taken medicine for a thyriod disorder for about 7 years, I have struggled with IBS for longer than that and just this week I am being treated for anemia. My brother came in my office a couple weeks ago and said “I think I found a book that sounds exactly like all your problems.” It was a G-Free diet book (by Elisabeth Hasselback) and I couldn’t believe all the things that sounded familar and no one has ever mentioned this before.
I am on a path to learn more about this and plan to be tested.
I look forward to hearing more about how things go for you. Thanks for sharing your story and I’m glad you are finding answers!
Also, the recipe looks yummy!
Thank God you are finding some relief!!! Come and be my friend on my blog for a giveaway!!!
What a story! Thank you for sharing. I am going to try that meal you posted…looks so yummy! My husband’s aunt owns her own natural/homeopathy office. I went there years ago for infertility issues, but she helped me with my allergies. I was on allergy shots since I was in middle school…once a week, 4 shots total. I have not had any shots or meds. for my allergies since I went to her. I need to go back again this year, because I am having a lot of headaches and things have just changed a lot since I have had the girls…women stuff! And one of the girls goes as well for her allergies and it has helped so much.
I really believe if your doctor is not giving you answers or help, then find someone you trust that will. I still go to my doctor, but I really believe we should all eat a lot healthier, including me…and I need to give up Dt. Coke in the worst way…that is going to be baby steps for this summer.
I can’t wait for more yummy meals.
I can’t believe someone else had the same experience as me! I was pregnant with my second child when it first happened also. I was talking to my 2 year old and suddenly I couldn’t say what his name was. Then I reached to get some lotion, and although I knew what it was, the word LOTION meant nothing to me. It continued like that for about 2 hours. I could spell my name but I couldn’t say it, and I couldn’t call my husband on the phone because I didn’t what his name was to ask for him. Just like you, CAT scan, and eventually MRI, to be told A-typical migraine. It has happened only a couple of times since, most recently about 6 months ago. I tried to tell a story and like you said, the wrong words kept coming out. I was so freaked out, but since it was better the next morning I didn’t follow up on it.
I’m going to start checking this out. Is this why I’m so tired all time? Oddly I took steroids last month to treat a terrible case of poison oak. It was the first time I had decent energy in 10 years. As soon as the prescription was completed, my energy went down again. I wonder what that’s all about.
Thanks so much for sharing. I still can’t get over the simularities!!
Thanks for sharing. I have Hypothyroidism and Celiacs. I have been gluten free for 5 years and on Thyroid meds for 1 yr. Last month I had an “episode” while on vacation where the wrong words just came shooting out of my mouth and my right eye felt weird suddenly. Have had 2 MRIs and an MRA. Doc thinks TIA but I think maybe psychic stroke, which I believe I have been having for years. Also had 19 vials of blood taken and thyroid numbers were really wacky. I am looking into Adrenal Function disorder now and have been trying supplemetns to at least get some energy while I figure this whole thing out. It is scary and frustrating. I have noticed lately that a lot of women in their early forties are experiencing the same sort of symptoms..brain fog, headaches, dizziness, low enrgy, etc… I am interested in what you said about allergies and will look into that. Thanks and good luck being GF, it can be tough but so worth it when you are feeling better. : )
Sue
That’s a lot to deal with, Jeanne. So glad you’re feeling better and more in control. That salad looks wonderful – definitely going to try it!
This is all so true and I am happy you finally discovered an answer! I know so many people with a Gluten allergy. Check out Mennonite Girls Can Cook – they have Gluten Free recipes. If you have a Whole Foods or a Roots Market – they also have Gluten free products. Stay well and spread the word, Jennifer stop by ….jennsthreegraces
glad you got some answers that made a difference. i have a very good friend that also eats gluten free. my sister is going to try a raw diet to help her fight off cancer.
it’s amazing how much the foods we eat affect our health.
way more than we think…
have a wonderful weekend~
chasity
I thank the Lord that He has led you to these answers to your health issues. And I commend you for all the earnest work you have done to follow through on the guidance you are receiving from your chiropractor and from the things you are learning. I know you must be so happy to feel the benefits. Thank you for sharing your journey!
I’m so glad you posted this! My Ava has all sorts of issues, and I’ve been wondering about gluten intollerances with her little system, and even questioning mine. passing this on to a friend!
You are so great to share what was probably a very scary experience. A very dear friend at work has been experiencing some strange symptoms. I have forwarded your information on to her in the hope that it may help her as wonderfully as it has helped you. Even if it just gets her to look at what she is eating as a culprit!!!
Thank you again for sharing and keep going on your road to improved health. I’ll be watching for more updates and delicious recipes!
Christy
jeanne, thanks so much for sharing your story. very interesting. i am so glad that you have gotten answers that you need. the recipe looks wonderful, i am going to make that. my husband and daughter will love it!!
My sister had a similar experience. She thought she had a brain tumor, was having anxiety attacks. Had every test, every specialist…and she ended up having hypothyroidism. So many people have thyroid issues. It runs in families, I also have it. Good luck to you, sounds like you are on the right path.
Thanks for sharing. My husband is undergoing tests to see why his joints hurt with no help so far. I have diabetes and if I eat better and exercise if feel better. Duh! However this last year of no energy, at my request check was done for Vitamin D. It was way low.
So glad to hear you have found relief and help.
Linda @ bushel and a pickle
Yow! What an ordeal…and the stress of it probably made the symptoms even worse. I mentioned on my blog that my digestive system is a wreck and has been since February when I had a tooth extracted and took preventive Penicillin. There may or may not be a connection. Anyway, I have been tested for celiac, had a colonoscopy, lab work and they finally said, “We think it’s probably IBS.” Are you kidding? PROBABLY? Then I decided maybe I had a systemic overgrowth of yeast, and I bought pharmaceutical grade vitamins, probiotics (the best I could find) and Candex. It hasn’t worked yet so I’m still trying to find out what is the deal. It’s scary to me because I have always been an exceptionally healthy person. Plus, when I looked into foods that have yeast in them, like you, I discovered that practically everything has it. The saddest thing is that my doctors just seemed like they didn’t really care; I have had to push them for everything. N.G. Anyhoo, glad you’re feeling better because you must have been so scared of those symptoms!! Bless you and prayers for vibrant good health for you and your family, too. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your road to finding answers. How frightenting for you all these years of feeling like this. your new discovery in answers sounds wonderful. I’d love for you to continue to share more recipes. This is how we love to eat and i’m always looking for new recipes.
Wishing you good health,
xo,
LuLu
Wow! This is amazing. I symphathize with your struggle. I have battled some issues for 10 years with chronic sinus infections, due to inflammation and my immune system being out of wack. I recently found my vitamin D was low and my rheumatoid factor high. I ended up with an IV PICC line for three months because I had MRSA in my sinuses. It was a struggle to get back on my feet, but I did. I have just started to be on the look out for foods with glutens. It sounds like something I need to look into. I really understand the frustration of visitng doctor after doctor and having test after test, only to still not really know what is wrong. Thank you for the website and the recipe! I will be using both. ~ Dana
Ok, now I am curious what kind of testing you had done. Would you be able to find out the name of it? I live in the Vanc WA/Portland OR area so I know there are many good drs around. I mainly go to a whole body chiro and have also been to a naturopath for the Carroll Food test which said my main allergy is fruit. My chiro did blood work and a saliva test and since then I haven’t eaten gluten, oats or corn. (Although I’m not sure exactly all the things that contain gluten – I did not know gum does?! Is there a site I can go to with a list of everything that has gluten do you know?) This has been 2 years now. I am still very low on energy and am tired alot. It has helped my anxiety/ depression immensely tho and I can def tell when I do eat the things I’m not supposed to. Sorry about the long post but I would LOVE if you could contact me with any more helpful info. I so want to find out if I’m allergic to anything else. I can’t believe you are severley allergic to rice – that’s like the main thing I eat now. I just think – what if I am too!!?! I know a 31 yr old should not feel as run down as I do most days:( So glad you are getting answers. It feels so good to finally know WHY!! jmierandco@gmail.com Thanks!
OH MY GOODNESS! You had to cut coffee too:o You poor thing. Life just sucks sometimes! So glad you are getting it all figured out. You are gonna feel so much better you won’t even care about the coffee or anything else.
Dear Jeanne,
I am so glad to hear you are not just falling into the trap of medicine…and hearing your story is so heroic of you to share this with “the world”
Making connections like that are rare – as you are – such a rare beauty on the inside of this blog when i visit
when I had my first son, I went blind for nearly a week…the doctor’s thought it was an allergic reaction to ibuprophin (sp?) but I now know it was my thyroid…I lost my site Jeanne when I was driving my newborn to the grocery store with me
thus: one more reason why I am organic junkie
so many blessings you have been given!! all through suffering and sacrifice…(sorry little long here 🙂
p.s. my email is temporarily ndfmama@gmail.com
Jeanne: Thank Heavens you finally received
the answers- it is amazing that more doctors do not work with diet instead of drugs!Hope you start to feel wonderful!Thank you for the informative post! I just received another one of your beautiful bags-THANK YOU-Jean
Jeanne, Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have a similar situation that has gone on for years and all of my doctors have not been able to attach a name to it. Their only advise is to have surgery which would entail cutting a nerve close to the brain stem. Your story gives me hope that I can find a solution other then surgery.
Please let us know how your progressing with your diet change. Thanks also for the recipe.
xx, Michelle
My sister just went thru this ordeal, after several years of doctors not knowing what was wrong and giving her all kinds of medicine that did little to nothing. She went to a great doctor who took the time to figure her symptoms out and give her a detailed blood test. She is on a gluten free diet as well and only eats organic. She was also diagnoised with Hashimoto. My sister is a great advacate for women to make sure their doctors actually listen to what the symptoms are and not make an across the board guess. I am sure she would love to chat with you, you can reach her at kimcook.com. (She is a photographer in Denver) Hope you feel better! Best wishes
I’m so happy to hear you’ve finally found some answers to your symptoms…I’m actually in the process of trying to find out why I have headaches everyday…for 18 years now. I’m scheduled for an mri and now that I’ve read your post…I have information to give the doctor’s too…thanks so much Jeanne!
Wowsa, Jeanne! What a journey. Thank goodness for your discovery. Be well.
Jeanne, thank you so much for sharing this. I just tried calling my mom to tell her your story. My mom has been having episodes and has gone to the ER twice for what we thought might be a mini stroke or we even thought a reaction to meds. She has migranes all the time. The doctors never give her any answers. It’s so frustrating! I can’t wait to share this with her. We are so familiar with the GFCF diet. We did it for my son who has autism. Your recipe looks and sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing.
Adrienne
Hello Sweet Jeanne, I received a little note from you on my blog and wanted to say a hello back. It was nice meeting you at the Art Saves event and you made me feel at ease since I went alone. Now that I have read your blog, I feel you have given me some answers to check into with, some similar symptoms.
I’ve lost alot of faith in doctors and have tried to ignore things, but that won’t work much longer.
Thanks for the recipe, it sure looks yummy.
Warmly with Blessings,
Karla
It amazes me how many people’s health problems are tied to gluten/thyroid issues! My husband’s family runs rampant in that dept. We have a family friend who is a food nut and she really focuses on raw and organic. You can check out her food adventures here: http://happyfoody.com/
p.s. I had some scary health issues going on this spring. Went to a neurologist and they prescribed me an anti-seizure medicine……..for chronic migraines. I did my own digging and decided to try a little less drastic route. I started taking a decongestant before bed if I’m feeling any pressure and a multi-vitamin every day and have hardly had a migraine since. Funny how sometimes we can know our bodies and needs better than the experts!
Thank you for sharing your story…I need to do that at some point on my blog…I was diagnosed with RA 15 years ago when my son was in first grade. I’ve gone to docs all over the country 🙂 I was told once that I have a wheat allergy, but I never realized that could be the missing puzzle piece to my thyroid issue.. Thank you I think I should be retested and find out my allergies again….
Thank you ~~ I am going to tell a friend about your post she has those mini strokes too.
I am so glad you are feeling better!!! I hope it keeps working for you. I think there is so much to be said for eating how we are meant to.
Jeanne,
Thank you for sharing your story. I have had a similar experience starting in 1999. They tested me for all of the same things, stroke, MS, etc and finally settled on Atypical migraines. I too have the auras, numb feeling on my left side, unable to say what I am thinking, stuttering and sometimes what I call a tap dancing walk. I’m off all meds now because when I first had them I was either pregnant or nursing and finally I just gave up on meds. I never thought of allergies. Thank you for sharing your story. I totally understand how scarey it can be as I had 3 year old and one year old at the time and couldn’t imagine what would happen if something was seriously wrong with me. Now the kids are used to mommy’s migraines, stuttering at times and funny walking which usually only happen at night. I look forward to your gluten free recipes and might look into that some more.
Thank you for your post on your health issues. I know from experience that it is sometimes hard to talk about. I was on another blog and happened across yours. I was loving your blog so much and when I really started reading, realized you are in Colorado. So am I!
Anyway, I have been suffering from many health issues and because of your site, looked at the new health blog and am going to give the Dr. a try! I hope she can help me too!
Anyway, not to get too long winded, I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris and much health and happiness.
Terrie
Wow! I’m sitting here in both tears and in utter shock. I have been seriously ill for 10 years with no answers… I am so happy that you are on the road to good health and recovery! Like yourself, I too have had the exact same symptoms as you have. I also have NO vitamin D in my body and it’s very hard putting it back. I won’t ramble on about myself but I was drawn to your blog via Artful Blogging. I just loved your story and collage – that alone caught my attention about “letting go.” Thank you. You’ve helped in so many ways but I never expected to find this here on your blog. Absolutely a blessing… I wish you much success, love, and happiness. I will be following your blog regularly! Again, thank you. ?