What’s Up With Magpie Girl?
Me and my gluten-free goodie bags.
I apologize in advance to those of you who don’t care two figs about this kind of thing. It’s okay if you don’t , really it is. But for those of you who do think on this kind of thing, and who’ve been wondering what’s up with my health and such, here’s a little update for you – along with what’s up next at Magpie Girl.
News on the Health Front
I’m back in Copenhagen after seven weeks in the US [seattle : pura vida : illinois]. While I was there I was able to see a doctor who practices a combination of clinic treatment (i.e. tests) and alternative treatments (i.e. muscle testing). Of the many things we are now treating with diet and supplements, two stand out as been the most impressive, and the most hopeful.
First of all, on a scale of 10-120 for anemia, I am a 2. Yes a 2. Now I’m not sure what that means technically, but practically it means I have very few red blood cells-and thus not enough oxygen going to my brain-and thus headaches (not to mention fatigue.) How 30 doctors/practitioners have missed this is beyond me. This is something that can be screened in the mobile blood donation van for crying out loud! Thankfully, it’s easy to treat and that bit is on the mend.
The other shocker is that I have Celiac disease. This would account for the anemia, along with the weakness, fatigue and exhaustion. Celiac is a gluten allergy, meaning I’m allergic to wheat flour. So for that past who knows how many years, my body has been reacting to gluten in a way which has prevented me from getting minerals out of my food, and kept dangerous toxins in my system. With the help of Gluten Free Girl, I stopped eating gluten a month and a half ago, and initially felt much better. I’ve had a bit of rough go the last two weeks, but still my pain is less and my energy is better than before. I’m hoping that’s it’s just the travel and the jet lag that’s making me regress. I’ve been told that it takes 6 months of gluten free living to feel it’s full effect, so I’m still holding on to hope with both hands.
Finally, I’m having trouble with my blood sugar – I’m sort of pre-diabetic it seems. So in addition to saying goodbye to baked goods, I’m also trying to avoid refined sugar as much as humanly possible. And I’m taking supplements to try to level out my blood sugar.
What’s Next at Magpie Girl
Now, assuming I’ll keep the health gains I made in the States, and hoping that I will get stronger as my system clears and strengthens, I hope to keep up the work I’ve been doing at Magpie Girl, and indeed to do more.
I’m already working on a downloadable book for you on “How to Hold a Soulsisters Retreat.” Then I’ll be editing a collection that Tess at Anchors and Mast has culled from the last five years of Magpie Girl and Urban Abbess blogging goodness. While I do that I’ll need someone to hold down the fort. So watch for a series of guest posts from writers, photographers, and soul coaches Mondays at Magpie Girl. These folks will be writing pieces with great take-away value for you while I’m away.
Also, *8 Things will be back this week from its Summer vacation. I hope you’ll play along! And the DO LESS Revolution will carry on with once-a-month Friday posts, giving you more time to adjust to new habits along the way. I’m still toying with an Ask Magpie column and hope to write that once a month on Wednesdays. And of course, I’ll post random stuff as The Muse inspires, especially little posts to accompany the photos I’m taking for Susannah Conway’s Unravelling course.
To follow along with all these adventures you can follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or just add this blog to your feed reader. I hope you stay along for the ride. We’ve got something real going on here, you and I, and I’d love to see it grow. You contribute to our Giant Pool of Wisdom every time you comment, play along, and tell us about the things you are writing about. It’s quite stunning really! Remember, “There ain’t no where to go but together!” (That’s my motto and I’m sticking with it.)
Thanks for wondering and worrying about me, and for being such a great source of support and encouragement as I keep on with this crazy soulful life.
Thank you for being here!
-Rachelle
15 comments
very curious to know about any simple steps that can be taken to treat anemia, and to know how one gets tested to find out if they are allergic to gluten… can you provide more info?
what great news on the health front Rach! so happy for you! here’s to feeling better!!!
Thank you for this update about your health. I’m happy to know you received some diagnoses (though I’m sorry to hear what they are) during your time in the US. Now you can begin to heal and recover.
I have Shauna’s book and think it, her recipes and her blog are wonderful. I won’t offer any unsolicited advice but you know my email address ;-).
Your “What’s Next” plans sound exciting, healthy and smart. I’ll be following developments in all areas.
I always like updates. I’m happy you’ve gotten some answers & solutions for your health issues. I really hope your health will be restored and that you’ll be zooming around full of energy for all your many projects! But in a balanced sort of way, of course. :)
I’m interested in the celiac diagnosis. Did you also have tummy troubles? I’ve got to get a blood test soon for celiac, so I’m paying attention.
Speaking of the giant pool of wisdom, let’s see out the rest of the summer and then set up a skype time in Sept. to talk $$$!
a big hug and some smooches for you. xoxox
Okay, so celiacs can be assessed with a blood test, but it cost about $150 US. I went with muscle testing, which is a method I really trust. You can also be sensistive to gluten but not have actual celiacs. It’s on a continuum and I seem to be somewhere in the middle. So just going off gluten and seeing what happens to your symptoms is another way to go. But, if you are going to have blood tests, don’t go gluten free until after the tests.
Digestive problems are the normal big clue that something’s afoot, but my main symptoms were more the hidden sneaky ones: headaches, fatigue, lung problems, and anemia. Eden’s indicator symptom is excema. Both the kids muscle test as postive for gluten sensitivity, so we are drastically reducing the wheat in their diet.
As far as treating anemia, I’m taking a supplement called Hemevite, which is vit c, iron, bovine liver, and betaine hcl. I worked with a doctor to find out how much to take. It’s a delicate balance. I’m also taking supplements to help me process the iron — things that support my liver and bile production– and some which reduce inflamation in the intestine and helps remove built-up toxins. This is due to the fact that gluten kills the celia in the intestines, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients and flushing out toxins.
Gwen, I know you are living abroad and may be facing similar challenges as to how to find adequate medical treatment in a foreign country. So if you want to email me, we can chat more, yes? And Lisa love, good luck! And yes to talking more about money!
Along the lines of the afraid and bravery ,
I am commenting for what it is worth.
I return here often, and in that I have found comfort , inspiration, and beauty, a small little comment of thanks is a wonderful thing too right?
Here’s to wishing for good things on your journey of health and spirit .
Thanks for sharing.
that wasn’t so hard
Deb…
Oh I am so proud of you!
Thank you for being here!
R
Rachelle-
So good to know you’re feeling better (at least a little).
We’ll hold onto hope with you!
This is good news about your health – in a strange kind of way. At least if you know what the problems are and how to avoid them, you’re one step ahead even if it means eating is more complicated. Like you, I can’t believe how no-one spotted the anaemia! Looking forward to the downloadable and everything else.
It must be such a huge relief just to KNOW what problems your facing rather than stumbling around in the dark. True, it is probably annoying as hell to avoid gluten and sugar, but hopefully your body will start rewarding you soon with energy and inspiration. And oh, if your migraines ended? That’s dream-come-true territory!
Saying goodbye to baked goods will totally help balance your blood sugar. Seems it is a win win really. And of course there are the bestest healthy baked goods made with high protein, unprocessed grains and nut flours. Not to worry. You will be well cared for in blog land.
Rachelle,
my daughter was also diagnosed at Bastyr with extemely low iron. She’s taking an iron supplement that is prescription. And from similar blood tests I found out about my extremely high blood sugar and pre-diabetic state — despite the fact that I’d been off wheat for a few years…So I’m on similar supps to balance the blood sugar issue (biotin, chromatin, etc.). I am also very low on vitamin D. I think I had a reading of “8″ when normal is 60 and naturopaths think 100 is better….so I’ve been taking D for about a year. You WILL feel better off wheat and sugar, I guarantee it. And in a way, you’re lucky to be away from seattle, land of “let’s meet at the coffee shop where there are always and only scones and muffins and biscottis” at every corner. I think I have a mental map in my head of every coffee shop that carries soup or quiche to save my poor sugar and wheat free soul. But that part aint easy. Good luck with it all. Migraines are the worst — something I’ve never experienced except through friends. If you get relief from those, wow, what a bonanza!
Oh wow! Great news. Congrats on finding out the sources of the madness.
Rachelle, congrats on finding some answers for the health stuff. I know it has taken many experiments here to discover combo of PCOS, gluten, insulin, etc factors that seem to cause my asthma, migraines, etc. I’m still wrestling with really committing to no sugar and completely gluten free style. Have found that increasing my protein helps quell sugar craves. Will be watching your journey and checking out Gluten Free Girl! Thanks for that lead! Miracles…k-
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