M.I.A.

Howdy! I know I have been Missing In Action lately and I apologize. To say that I have been busy is a gross understatement. I have had a co-worker go on leave which means instead of having 24 facilities/prisons to oversee I have double that!!! I've also had to travel for business which has deducted even more free time. I keep telling myself to be grateful for the job security. But sheesh, I am T.I.R.E.D. !!!

I have surgery coming up on Thursday and have frankly been too busy to think about it much if at all. I guess that could be a good thing. If I don't get back to leave a post prior to surgery please say a prayer for me and the surgeons.

I'll see ya on the flipside...

Photo Friday

Congratulations to Laurie and Rex Flynn!



Married May 23, 2009 in San Angelo, Texas

The picture below is of Rex and Laurie and her picture perfect kiddos.

Braden, Zachary and Emily



Best Wishes for a joy-filled life together. You all deserve the 'happily ever after.'

What nickel allergy??

Well, after going to the allergist, count them, 3 times this week, I can officially declare that I do NOT have a nickel allergy! Woo Hoo! It stinks I had to go through weeks of waiting to get to this point but such is life.

Now, I can have the least invasive surgeries (is there such a thing?) on June 25 and recover in a week to 10 days.

Onward and upward...

G-Free Becomes a Little More Mainstream

For years, Elisabeth Hasselbeck couldn't figure out what was making her sick. She asked doctors and consulted nutritionists, but no one seemed to have any answers. It wasn't until spending time in the Australian Outback, living off the land on the grueling Survivor TV show, that, ironically, her symptoms vanished. Returning home, she pinpointed the food that made her sick -- gluten, the binding element in wheat. By simply eliminating it from her diet, she was able to enjoy a completely normal, healthy life. But that wasn't all. Hasselbeck discovered the myriad benefits that anyone can enjoy from a gluten-free diet: from weight loss and increased energy to even the alleviation of the conditions of autism.

In this all-inclusive book, Hasselbeck shares her hard-earned wisdom on living life without gluten and loving it. She gives you everything you need to know to start living a gluten-free life, from defining gluten - where to find it, how to read food labels - to targeting gluten-free products, creating G-Free shopping lists, sharing recipes, and managing G-Free living with family and friends.

Photo Friday

John took Liam about 2 weeks ago to get his haircut. John has always managed to avoid this task but he had no choice that Saturday! When John returned with Liam all I could do was stare at my child's haircut. My first thought, and I know this makes me a terrible mother, is that Liam looked like Lloyd (Jim Carrey's character) from "Dumb and Dumber." Needless to say, John is banned from taking Liam to the salon in the future.

P.S. Keep in mind these pictures are 10 days AFTER the haircut. Poor baby!

Let the Weddings Begin!

Last weekend was the start of the summer wedding season. The pics in this blog are of John's cousin, Jonathan's wedding. He and his girlfriend, Corrie were married in Poughkeepsie, NY this past weekend.

Jonathan is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in NY. (The same school that Cat Cora graduated from!) He is the executive chef of the Decoy Bar and Grill in Bend, Oregon. Corrie is an aesthetician in the area and is gorgeous as you can see. They are a precious couple and we wish them many blessings in their future together.

I promise I would've married John if only for his family. I love them--truly. They are the sweetest and most kind-hearted and generous folks around. They put the 'yankee' stereotypes to shame. However, trust me, they do have some of the yankee traits; they love to eat good food (esp. Italian and seafood), drink good wine, have 'loud discussions' and family always comes first. What do you expect from people of deep Irish and German roots?

This is John's 95 year old grandmother, Isabel. She is a pistol, adorable and STILL living on her own.



The picture below is of my father-in-law John, aka Jersey John and his sister, Eileen. Jersey John is a blessing. How many ladies can say they get a Mother's Day card in the mail every year from their father-in-law?? Eileen is an angel. She has become just as much an aunt to me as she is to my husband. She is wonderful!!



The last picture is of Grandma Isabel and my sister-in-law, Liz. She is terrific. I just wish Liz and my two nephews (James & Collin) didn't live so far away in BOSTON! Ugh.

Jonathan + 24 soccer games = TIRED

My oldest son, Jonathan, was a starter on the Hillsboro HS soccer team this season. This was quite an achievement because he was a sophomore and sat out his freshman year. He ended up working his tail off for several months even before the first soccer game with conditioning and indoor soccer. Scrimmages and workouts begin again in less than a week. Wow. I'm very proud of his efforts and the entire team's. They are in a very tough district where two of the top ten teams in state play. I thought you would all enjoy seeing some pretty fantastic shots of Jonathan at work.

Photo Friday

Isn't this the most quaint cottage you've ever seen? When I was in Cape Cod last August for vacation, we drove by this cottage at least once a day. I could not get enough of it. It was built in 1715. Cape Cod is where I wish I was spending this Memorial Day weekend.

Hope everyone has a safe and joyful 3 day weekend!

Chocolate + Cream Cheese = Fabulous!!!!

I found this recipe off the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)website. I thought the cupcakes were amazing. However, they are very rich. I didn't add any icing because the cupcakes had filling already. You have to give this recipe a shot whether you are gluten free or not!

Black Bottom Cupcakes


Chocolate Cupcake Batter

4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened) in bar or chip form
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder


Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces. cream cheese
1 unbeaten egg
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon of salt
¾ of a cup of chocolate chips

Prepare batter by chopping chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate with butter, stirring, until smooth.

Remove top of double boiler or bowl from heat and whisk sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk well.

Sift ½ cup cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.

To prepare cream cheese filling, cream together cream cheese, egg, sugar and salt.

Fold in chocolate chips.



Preheat oven to 350°F.

Put paper in muffin tins. Fill 1/3 full with flourless chocolate batter.

Top with cream cheese filling.

Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I am SO TIRED of all the rain. Oh, and did I mention it is still fairly cool here in NashVegas?? It was 40 degrees when we woke up this morning. Liam has needed to take a jacket to school with him the past 2 days. I am from Texas and this cooler weather in mid-May should be welcome to me. It's not. Can we just get in the mid 70's or low 80's and just stay there????

The picture below is of our backyard. It looks like the Northwest with all the shades of green. You cannot even make out our creek behind the trees or the other part of our land for all the trees. Yes, it is pretty but I am ready for some warmth that lasts longer than 24 hours before the next cold front hits!

Nashville averages 48 inches of rain a year. As of May 15, we were already at 26 inches. Ugh...The price you pay for living in a "green" state.

Grilled Chicken Kebabs

With the weather warming and days lengthening, it’s time to fire up the grill. Liam LOVES this recipe. He will eat more chicken then I will off of these kebabs. Choose any veggies you like. The original recipe calls for mushrooms but since no one in my household jumps for joy at the prospect of eating 'shrooms, I use zucchini instead. Make it your own...

Gluten-Free Grilled Chicken Kebabs
Serves 6


3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small shallot, finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium onions, peeled and quartered
2 medium zucchini, quartered
2 large red, yellow or green bell peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces
10 wooden or metal skewers. (To prevent scorching, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using on the grill.)


In a large glass bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt and pepper until blended.
Toss chicken cubes into marinade, cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, turning occasionally. I marinate them overnight.
Preheat the grill.
To assemble kabobs, thread a chicken cube onto skewer, followed by a vegetable. Alternate zucchini, onions and bell peppers with chicken pieces until each skewer is full.
Grill 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently. Serve hot.

Photo Friday

It's better if you don't ask questions... :-)

Precious Pics

Check out these beautiful family pictures of my dear friend Jennifer and her husband Jeremy and son Landon. She is expecting Keaton in late summer. I just love these pictures. Landon is adorable and has the greatest smile. (He got that from his momma.) And Jennifer looks amazing pregnant. Some women just look terrific while carrying a child and she is one of them!

I am hoping to see Jenn and her family in Houston this summer. Did I mention Jenn is a former student? AND she is pushing 30?!? OK, she will hate me for that last statement. I think it is more telling of my age! Her graduating class was the first class I ever taught. Anyway, I'm so proud of the momma she is and more importantly who she has become in the Lord. Love ya, Jenn!

A New Date!

Well, it looks like my surgery has been officially rescheduled for June 25. It is not as soon as I would like but considering they had to block out 6 hours ( just in case) for surgery for two different doctors at a hospital where only one operates on regular basis, I guess it will do. I am still having two different procedures done but one is up in the air until we have the nickel test completed and the results back. If I don't have a nickel allergy I should be back at work in a week or so. If I do have a nickel allergy it will be 4-6 weeks out of the office. Yikes!!! NOT what we want because that means a much more invasive surgery. The next step in this saga is the nickel allergy test scheduled for June 1.

On a positive note between now and the surgery, I have a few things to look forward to: 1. Elvis Costello in concert 2. Fleetwood Mac in concert and 3. My good friend Elaine (from TX) is coming to visit for a week.

Celiac Vaccine?!?!?!!?!!?!!

It looks like help is on the horizon for those with Celiac disease. I cannot even begin to tell you how wonderful it would be to eat normally again. It may take a few years, but it will be worth the wait!

===========================================================================


Celiac Vaccine Trial is Underway in Australia



This month in Melbourne, Australia, clinician scientist at the Walter And Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Dr. Bob Anderson, will begin the Phase 1 clinical trial of an experimental vaccine for the treatment of celiac disease. If this scientific team is successful, it could mean that a strict gluten-free diet for celiacs is a thing of the past.


The early trial will test the drugs safety on 40 volunteers that have celiac disease. If the Phase 1 trial is successful this year, Phase 2 will determine the clinical effectiveness of this vaccine. A company, Nexpep, has been created to lead in the development of the vaccine.


"The vaccine itself is intended to gradually desensitize the coeliac sufferer, so that gluten is tolerated. Consequently, the villi in the small intestine should revive and absorb nutrients in the normal way. Ideally, that would mean the end of gluten-free diets for people with coeliac disease." says Anderson.


Click here to read more about this groundbreaking treatment and clinical trial led by Dr. Anderson.


Dr. Anderson joined the NFCA in 2008 as a member of its prestigious Scientific/Medical Advisory Board, and will be stateside to join NFCA as a distinguished guest and event honoree at the 2009 Washington DC Area Gluten-Free Cooking Spree on May 1st.


Dr. Bob Anderson is a recognized international leader in the immunology and clinical management of celiac disease. Dr. Anderson holds a doctorate and specialist physician qualifications in internal medicine and gastroenterology.


Published in 2000 (Nature Medicine 6, 337-342), his work at Oxford University revealed that the toxic components of gluten could be simply studied in patients with celiac disease using their blood shortly after they consumed gluten. After returning to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, where he is now a Laboratory Head in the Autoimmunity and Transplantation Division, Dr. Anderson established high throughput screening to map out the entire T-cell response to gluten in patients with celiac disease.


Dr. Anderson is the inventor of four patents that describe the toxic components of gluten and their therapeutic, diagnostic and functional food applications. Dr. Anderson is a founder of Nexpep Ltd (est. 2005).


Dr Anderson is a frequently invited speaker at local, national, and international clinical and scientific meetings. He has chaired and spoken on the science of celiac disease at the "Advances in celiac disease" session each year since 2005 at the annual scientific meeting of the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr Anderson has established "celiac clinics" at two of Melbourne’s leading teaching hospitals, where he continues to see patients as a consultant gastroenterologist.


Dr Anderson founded and is currently Chairman of the Board of the Coeliac Research Fund, a charity established to raise awareness, lead health professional education and support research in coeliac disease. In this capacity, Dr Anderson has initiated educational campaigns for family doctors and specialists in Australia and New Zealand. Dr Anderson is a consultant to several diagnostics companies in the United States, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland.

Photo Friday

Nickel Allergy?!?!?!?

I'm trying really hard to remain upbeat about all that is going on with my health. I really, really am. However, at some point the level of exhaustion just takes its toll and it is all I can do to function on a daily basis. I've now had three doctors tell me I should be in a wheelchair and at home unable to complete the basic chores required of a mother and employee. Yeah...o...k....like that is an option.

I went in for my 2nd iv iron infusion yesterday and it did not go well. It is truly too long of a story and one that I will not bore you with. However, the short version is that I did not get any pain medication and it hurt. H.U.R.T. The whole process was a drag and yes, I know it could've been worse.

During the infusion I received a call from my doctor that my surgery scheduled for May 13 had to be postponed because they believe I have a nickel allergy. Why does this matter? Apparently, one of the surgeries uses a 'device' with nickel properties. If I have a nickel allergy (unknowingly) I could go into cardiac arrest. Lovely, eh? So, when I went to my pre-op this week they asked if I had a nickel allergy. Not that I am aware of I replied. Do you have any reactions to rings, bracelets etc.? Um, does my platinum wedding set count? Um, yes, it does.

For those of you around me a lot, you have seen how awful my ring finger can get if I wear my platinum set for more than 3 days in a roll. That is why I alternate between my gold and platinum wedding ring sets. I always thought of it as an inconvenience but it turns out it may be more than that!

Believe it or not, there are only 2 doctors in all of Nashville who conduct nickel allergy testing. So, I have an appt on June 1 to get tested. IF the result is positive we will have to develop a Plan B for surgery which will be much more invasive with a much longer recovery time. I am praying the result is negative and we can move forward with Plan A which is a much faster recovery.

It really upset me yesterday because I am really, really wanting this surgery so that I can move forward in feeling better. I cannot explain how poorly I feel and I often feel like a failure or a weak person for having no energy. I'm not a "fun" mom, wife or friend at the moment. I'm probably not a very fun co-worker right now either. I don't like to draw attention to myself so even putting into words all of these emotions is tough for me.

I know that my health could be a lot worse right now. I do realize that, honestly I do. I don't want to complain; I just want to feel normal again. The doctors told me this health issue has been hovering and impacting my life for probably 2-3 years now. I believe it.

I'll keep everyone posted as to the results of the nickel allergy and new surgery dates. Thanks for the continued emails, cards and phone calls of support.

Tuscan Chicken and Pasta

It's time for another recipe. I have been craving comfort foods lately. It could be because of the stress in my life at the moment or it could be the fact that we have been getting an abnormal amount of rain here the past few weeks. I do not know how the people in Seattle cope!!! Thankfully, my family really does like gluten free pasta so it makes it easy to prepare one dish meals like the one below. I found this recipe from my good ole magazine, "Living Without." It is very versatile and you can play around with it to suit your tastes. Of course, if you do not have celiac disease you can use any pasta you wish!



Tuscan Chicken with Gluten-Free Pasta
Serves 4 to 5

This simple one-dish meal can be ready in less than 30 minutes. For extra veggies, add roughly chopped and sautéed greens (kale or spinach).

¼ cup olive oil
3-4 garlic cloves, sliced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
1/3 cup Madeira wine, sherry or dry white wine (I use whatever I have on hand-no preference.)
1 cup gluten-free marinara sauce (Paul Newman's marinara is outstanding!)
½ pound gluten-free penne pasta*
½ cup dairy-free Parmesan cheese, optional

In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta al dente following package directions.
Sauté ¼ cup olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes in a large skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

Cut chicken breasts into 1x2-inch pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and place in a warming oven.

Add wine to the skillet and bring to a boil. Add marinara sauce and simmer for one minute. Add chicken, thoroughly drained pasta and cheese (if using) to skillet and stir to combine. Serve with additional cheese, if desired.

Home of the Blues

I have been out of town since Sunday afternoon for business. I was originally supposed to visit one of my facilities (prisons) in the Southwest but the plan was changed at the last minute. Instead I went to my 'home away from home' in rural Mississippi. I have a facility there that I have been to 7 or 8 times which is A LOT considering how many facilities I have to work with on a regular basis. I met 4 government officials from Mexico in MS (can you say culture shock??) so that we could all work with the staff and inmates for a Mexican Education Program we have implemented.

As you can imagine, the staff from Mexico arrived just in time to be screened at the airport for the Swine Flu. Germ X is illegal (due to alcohol content) in the facilities so we washed our hands a TON. I think I washed my hands 13-14 times a day while in the facility. We worked for about 10 hours a day together in two classrooms. They were great but EVERYONE was a bit apprehensive about catching the swine flu. Personally, I am not into the hype the media is trying so hard to suck us all into. Just use common sense!!!

Anyway, these are some photos from the area I was in this past week. The area is home of the Blues and also Morgan Freeman! You all know I love history and though I would never want to live in MS, this area has a certain charm to it.

I love these boys...plain and simple.

Apple Clafoutis

It's spring in Nashville--finally. I love the fresh fruit that starts coming into season. One of the new dishes I have learned to bake is Clafoutis. In France, this amazing custard-like dessert is traditionally prepared during cherry season but it can be enjoyed any time of year using fresh apples or any seasonal fruit. Serve warm with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or topped with ice cream.

I have only tried it with Granny Smith apples but as soon as it is cherry season, I will be all over a cherry clafoutis. There are several gluten free clafoutis recipes out there but the one below is the easiest in my opinion. It comes from the magazine, "Living Without." Enjoy!

Apple Clafoutis
Serves 8

3 cups sliced apples, tossed with 2
tablespoons sugar
3 eggs
1½ cups milk
½ cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup rice flour
¼ cup sweet rice flour
½ teaspoon baking powder

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan and line it with sugar-tossed apple slices.
3. Beat remaining ingredients together until smooth, about one minute.
4. Pour ⅓ batter over apples and bake for 15 minutes, just until fruit is set.
5. Add remaining batter and bake another 45 minutes or until done.

More Iron AND surgery?!!?!!?

Woo Hoo! I get to go in for Round 2 for iv iron infusion on May 5th. Cinco de Mayo!! (And my good friend Cathy's birthday!!) I am not as tense as I was going in for my 1st iv iron infusion. I know what to expect and I should be more relaxed. No worries! Dr. Patton is trying to get my iron level up as quickly as possible before I have surgery.

I am scheduled for surgery on May 13. I will have two different doctors performing two different procedures. One doctor will operate first and then bow out and then the second doctor will be up to bat so to speak. I am beyond grateful to both of them for working out their schedules so that I would only have one time under general anesthesia.

It looks like if there are no complications I will be under general anesthesia for about 4 hours and this does not excite me but I will be having two different procedures so I guess 4 hours of surgery is not a lot. I will be having the surgery done at Centennial which is a little out of my comfort zone since I am always at Baptist for medical issues including Liam's birth-but one of my doctors is contracted with Centennial and the 2nd has rights there as well, so there I will be!

Except for the fact that I will be under general anesthesia,the pain and recovery, I am really thrilled about the surgery. I see a light at the end of the tunnel now. If all goes according to plan, I will be feeling much, much better in about 8-12 weeks after the surgery. I can hardly remember what it is like to feel normal. I am looking forward to a return to normalcy and so is my family. Ha!

I'll keep you all posted.

Bittersweet

Ok, so this probably won't be a very happy go lucky post. It will though be an honest posting that I imagine one or two of you out there will be able to relate to as well.

I found myself reflecting all last week on some pretty deep issues. I have searched my heart and thought processes and at times faced some sharp shortcomings within myself. I asked myself over and over, "Why do you continue to allow yourself to be disappointed by people?" People are not perfect and they never will be. Still, I am currently very disappointed with a couple of people in my life. The ironic thing is that this is not the first or even second time I have been deeply hurt by either of them. I persist in caring for and loving them. One of my better traits is loyalty but man, sometimes it just hurts.

I need to forgive these individuals and I know that is what I am called to do as a follower of Christ. I am working on it and have been for a long time. Every time I think I have moved forward in the forgiving process something happens that pulls me the opposite direction. What is truly ironic, is that these individuals probably have NO idea the hurt they have inflicted or may not care.

One of my favorite artists is Plumb. Wow, her songwriting and voice are incredible. She has a song titled, "Bittersweet" that I have loved for a long time. I identify with the song and find myself listening to it more and more and more. I hold onto these lyrics and the hope that I will find myself released from my disappointment so that a healing within me can take place.

Bittersweet


I've been carrying this old luggage
And It's been really bugging me
So when you called to see me
I couldn't believe it
Could it really be?

You need to feel forgiveness
I need to feel resentment
Running down the drain
This bruising chain I've carried
Is the pain that I am burying today

(Chorus)
Now I can breathe
And I feel grace rush over me
It pours through my skin
And lets you in
And we are free
Now I can breath
And I feel grace brush over me
It runs through my veins
And what I taste is bitter sweet

The clock is always ticking
Bitterness grows by the minute
Why can't we realize
The wounds that we're inflicting
On our flesh it isn't healing
By keeping love inside (Yeah)

(Chorus)

Now I can breathe
And I feel grace rush over me
It pours through my skin
And lets you in
And we are free
Now I can breath
And I feel grace brush over me
It runs through my veins
And what I taste is bitter sweet
Bitter sweet

I Need a Little Sympathy (STAND BACK!!)

For those of you who do not like or know of Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks, the blog post will likely confuse the heck out of you!

I have been listening to so much Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac lately that I'm amazed I'm not running around in gypsy wear and platform boots.

(STAND BACK!)

I should probably say that I WOULD be running around in gypsy wear and platform boots but (1) I don't have any gypsy wear; (2) I don't have any platform boots; and (3) it's a good thing I don't have any platform boots because I would have broken many body parts in an attempt to wear them. Graceful, I am not! Particularly in heels that are taller than the length of my foot. How in the world Stevie bops around stage in those things I will never know.

(I NEED A LITTLE SYMPATHY--STAND BACK!)

OK, I will turn off Stevie Nicks and stop boring you with song lyrics and my musings that have nothing to do with this post.

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. What a fabulous time in the Christian calendar. I love Easter Sunday and everything that leads up to the special day. Ash Wednesday, Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Stations of the Cross etc. I just love the entire journey. We have watched "The Passion" on the Saturday evening before Easter for the past few years. I adore that movie though I sob every single time I watch it.

I spent Good Friday in the hospital getting an iron infusion treatment. I will spare all the details but suffice to say, I have iron in my system now. I will have to go for a minimum of two more treatments and then we will see where I am at to determine if I continue beyond 3 infusions. The process was lengthy and even a bit painful. They give you pain medicine in advance of the treatment as well as medication to make you drowsy. I was all about the medicine!

I was just about asleep when they had to move me and the other patients into the hallway due to the tornadoes that were hitting the Nashville area. It was a bizarre experience to be drugged and in the hall with other patients in hospital beds. I was trying to stay awake and hold a conversation with Chatty Patty next to me who must not have had a visitor for a very long time. She wanted to talk and talk and talk. I was in the hall for more than 90 minutes. But I can tell you all about this lady next to me and her life history and medical issues since she was 30. Whew!

The doctors have determined my low iron is a mixture of my celiac disease flaring up and female issues. Again, I will spare details mostly because there are men that read this blog. The short of it is that I will have two "female" surgeries that will hopefully get the vast majority of my problems under control. The celiac disease will be a little trickier to deal with but we'll cope.

I have been asked a lot if I feel better after the iron infusion. No, I don't. If you were to look at the bruises on my arms from the treatment you would think I had gotten beat up. I don't feel that poorly, but I do not have any more energy--yet.

I wish I could share a bunch of photos from Easter. Alas, Liam and Jonathan would not cooperate. I did take a quick photo of Liam with my mom at church, but it is not that great. Ugh. I will share a photo of Jonathan from his most recent soccer game. He is a starter (as a sophomore!!) for Hillsboro HS and he is the one in green and yellow.

I hope everyone is off to a great week!!!

Decisions

Sometimes it stinks being an adult. What was I thinking when I was younger and could not wait until I was an "adult" and could do whatever I wanted? Hmmph!

I had a long conversation with one of my doctors last night and now I have some decisions to make. There about 3 options and none of the three are desirable to me but that does not change the fact that a decision has to be made.

Please pray that I will have wisdom even though my heart is breaking with any of the options.

I have to make a decision by Friday afternoon so that we can begin pre-op visits etc.

Alas, tomorrow is also Round 1 of my IV Iron Infusion therapy. Joy!

Thanks again for the kind words I have been receiving. The reflection of Christ's love in you is wonderful to witness.

Prayers for Friday

Well folks, it looks like I am headed for my first round of IV Iron Infusion on Friday. My iron levels are dangerously low and immediate action is called for by the doctors. Tests are not yielding many answers. It looks like I will also have to undergo a biopsy on my small intestines soon. In the meantime, I need some help in the iron department.

I looked up the procedure on the web and came across many, many sources. Below is a simple explanation that those of us not in the medical field can understand. Please say a prayer for me Friday as I am little apprehensive.

Also, I posted a blog about what Celiac Disease is as well as a list of 20+ reasons to get tested. I would encourage EACH of you to read through the list. Especially if you are of Scottish or Irish ancestry.

Thanks!!



IV iron infusion

Q. What should I expect from an IV iron infusion? What side effects might there be during infusion and after infusion? How long is it before the iron is absorbed into my blood? How long before I feel better? Will I feel like working the next day? I have heard so many different stories about this procedure, and I need to know correct information.

A. Iron infusions are given for severe iron deficiency and increase blood iron levels immediately.

The most serious side effect from iron infusion is anaphylaxis, a severe immediate allergic reaction that can result in death. Other side effects that can occur during or following iron injection include extremely low blood pressure, flushing, headache, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, nausea, rashes, pain and inflammation at the injection site, fever and chills.

Generally iron given by infusion will take 4-5 hours and will result in improvement of iron deficiency anemia in 2-3 weeks. Depending on the severity of the anemia, it can take several months for body iron stores to return to normal.

If you don't have side effects from the injection, you should be fine to go to work the next day. Since iron injections can have serious side effects, they should only be given when necessary and by a physician in the hospital or office setting where anaphylaxis can be treated if it occurs.

What is Celiac Disease?

So many of you have asked about my disease. The information below was taken from glutenfreeliving.com.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, as if it were a poison.

It affects one in 133 people, although most have not been diagnosed. 97% of people who have Celiac Disease do not even know they are ill with the disease. Scary!!

When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten their immune system reacts by destroying the part of the small intestine that absorbs vital nutrients. This malabsorption can lead to serious illness.

Symptoms of celiac disease can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, weight loss or gain, constant fatigue or weakness, headaches, infertility, depression that does not respond to medication, abdominal pain, bone pain and anemia. For children, symptoms include failure to thrive, short stature, distended abdomen, dental enamel defects, and unusual behavior changes.

Celiac disease is tricky, however, and sometimes has no outward symptoms. Since it is a genetic disease, relatives of those who have been diagnosed have an increased risk.

Diagnosis is made through a series of blood tests, followed by a biopsy of the small bowel to see if the absorbing lining is damaged.

The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow the gluten-free diet. When gluten is taken out of the diet, the small intestine heals and a return to full health can be expected. Long-term complications of undiagnosed celiac disease include malnutrition, lymphoma, colon cancer, stomach cancer,osteoporosis, neurological complications and miscarriage.

There is also a skin form of celiac disease called dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) which appears as an itchy, blistering rash. It is diagnosed through a special skin biopsy and is also treated with the gluten-free diet.

This material is not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained directly from a physician.

20 REASONS

20+ REASONS TO GET TESTED FOR GLUTEN ISSUES*

1. A family member has been diagnosed with celiac/gluten intolerance or a disease(s) that are associated with celiac/gluten intolerance
2. Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating; IBS; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; stools that are smelly, large volume, and/or float; acid reflux (GERD); bloating; gas; belching/burping; etc.
3. Skin issues: rashes (including blisters as in dermatitis herpetiformis), eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, “allergies” to products that touch skin
4. Diagnosis of other disease/conditions that can be related to gluten or “run in your family,” such as any form of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid issues, or adrenal issues
5. Anemia
6. For women, gynecological/obstetric issues, such as premenstrual disorders, difficult menstrual periods, endometriosis, infertility, difficult pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, hormone issues, and early menopause
7. Neurological and psychological issues, such as depression, seizures/epilepsy, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, tingling/numbness (neuropathy), bipolar disorder, irritability/”moodiness,” schizophrenia, “brain fog,” trance-like episodes, anxiety/panic attacks, OCD, dementia/Alzheimer’s, ataxia, restless leg syndrome
8. Osteoporosis or osteopenia
9. Insomnia and/or other sleep issues
10. Frequent headaches (e.g., tension/sinus/migraine)
11.Other organ issues: such as appendicitis; gall bladder, kidney, liver problems
12. Other food allergies/issues, such as lactose intolerance
13. Weight issues (underweight and can’t gain weight easily or average/overweight and can’t lose weight easily)
14. Frequent infections/illnesses: sinus, strep throat/tonsillitis, bronchitis, ear infections, “virus”/”bug”/”flu”
15. Down syndrome
16. Cancer—particularly stomach, pancreatic, lymphoma
17. Frequent or constant fatigue
18. Canker sores/mouth ulcers
19. In children: failure to thrive, developmental delays (e.g., speech, puberty), short stature, distended belly, leg aches/pain (e.g., “growing pains”), irritability
20. Asthma
21. Hair issues (e.g., hair falling out/thinning, bald spots/alopecia)
22. Blood pressure issues (low or high)
23. Dental issues (e.g., discolored teeth/enamel defects)
24. Sjogren’s syndrome




*You may have one or more; however, you do not have to have multiple symptoms. Remember, 40% of those with celiac have no symptoms.

Compiled from various sources by Shirley Braden of the King George Celiac and Gluten Intolerance Group (KGCGIG)

Update on My Health

This will be a quick update as most of you know I have government officials from Mexico in town for business today. I had two doctor appointments yesterday and more blood work done. The news is not positive. My iron level has dropped two more points. I don't have much further to drop. I have two doctors consulting on my situation and they are also going to call in another specialist as well. I have a test that will be conducted Friday morning that will HOPEFULLY target where and why I am bleeding internally. I pray that this test will yield results as I just continue to feel poorer each day.

As always, please keep me in your prayers. I do need them. Thanks!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who called, sent emails, or left comments based on my original "health post." Your support is touching and uplifting.

No Pain No Gain (whatever)

My body is in shock and is revolting against me. Why? I have decided to get healthy and fit. No, seriously I have. I joined a gym and have had the opportunity to have a personal trainer work with me the past week or so. In the past 9 days I have worked out 6 days. Today was the hardest yet. My body seems to be mocking me and my attempt to get healthy. Hmmph! The cartoon below sort of sums up my feelings these days.



I keep waiting for that burst of energy and the endorphin high that accompanies working out. Yep, neither have shown up--yet. However, I am not giving up. I know if I keep at it and exercise 5 days a week consistently, I will feel and look better. I just have to hang in there...