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.