While I try extremely hard to maintain being gluten free, I admit, there are times when somehow, trace amounts of gluten get into my system. My symptoms often range from brain fog, minor DH, gastric distress, severe fatigue, and joint pain. I don’t realize how good I feel until I get gluttened, and get any of the symptoms, and realize how horrible my life was for so many years.
I have folks in my life that even though they say then understand what being gluten free means, I really don’t think they do. Sorry, you know I care for each of you, but I don’t honestly believe you know what the long term severe risks are for me if I ingest gluten. And that’s ok, as this is all part of an education process.
Thankfully, many of us have a great support system at home (The Artist, for example). I’m also fortunate enough to have an online support system as well, only just a few clicks of a mouse away.
Over the past few years, I’ve made some great contacts with fellow gluten free bloggers. Folks that know what being a Celiac or gluten free means. Folks that understand that one small teeny tiny minuscule amount of gluten can cause so much severe damage to so many things internally in the short term, and puts us at so much risk for so many other health concerns including:
* Anemia
* Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
* Certain types of intestinal cancer
* Dermatitis herpetiformis
* Lactose intolerance
* Neurological conditions
* Osteoporosis or osteopenia
* Thyroid disease
* Type 1 diabetes
But my blogging buddies understand. And while I wish there was more time in the day to read each of their blogs and leave comments for them, I hope they know how thankful I am for them. Knowing that I can shoot them a quick email to rant, rave, vent, ask for advice or just general “hi” does help me get through many, many days.
So this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the following (and I am sure I missed a few, so I apologize!):
Ginger
Kate
Melanie
Carrie
Pete
Shirley
Kay
Tiffany
To each of you – you’ve touched my heart in a way few others can and I truly treasure how we all support one another. Thank you.
To all of my readers – I hope you have a joyous and wonderful Thanksgiving.
GFS











