Comments on: What’s Up With Magpie Girl?

By: Kara aka Mother Henna

Kara aka Mother Henna — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:33:45 +0000

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-

By: Ashley Ann

Ashley Ann — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 06:40:27 +0000

Oh wow! Great news. Congrats on finding out the sources of the madness.

By: bo roth

bo roth — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:16:50 +0000

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!

By: Meghan (Making Love In The Kitchen

Meghan (Making Love In The Kitchen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:11:22 +0000

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.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:33:23 +0000

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!

By: Tess

Tess — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:28:16 +0000

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.

By: Becky Knight

Becky Knight — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:47:44 +0000

Rachelle-
So good to know you’re feeling better (at least a little).
We’ll hold onto hope with you!

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:44:27 +0000

Deb…

Oh I am so proud of you!

Thank you for being here!

By: deb@talk at the table

deb@talk at the table — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:05:00 +0000

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

By: Rachelle

Rachelle — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:02:01 +0000

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!

By: lisa (msla)

lisa (msla) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:40:50 +0000

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

By: Sam

Sam — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:16:50 +0000

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. :)

By: Elaine

Elaine — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:15:52 +0000

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.

By: HeidiRenee

HeidiRenee — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:06:17 +0000

what great news on the health front Rach! so happy for you! here’s to feeling better!!!

By: monsterpants

monsterpants — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:43:04 +0000

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?