The “It” – Part 2

About a week ago I began a mini-series about a large 
change in my life.  I wrote that post from my heart and 
made myself quite vulnerable. 

As always with posts that I share from my heart, if you 
are joining in mid-stream and did not catch Part 1, 
please be kind enough to go back and read Part 1, otherwise 
the significance of Part 2 will not be understood.  

I am grateful that many were encouraged…thank you for your
kind hearted comments, emails and messages.  Some of you struggle with chronic pain and others with multiple auto-immune disorders.   

I continue to pray that in sharing my journey it will be used
to encourage others and maybe even help some feel a bit
better.

One thing I completely forgot to mention which given
what it is, borders on hysterical was that for many years I have commented to Dw that “I feel like I am living in fog.” 

Truth be known, I’d often fantasize about taking a 
garden hose and running it through my head to clear 
my brain.  

It was as though my thoughts were close, but I was 
unable to ‘pull them into clarity’.  I couldn’t figure out why
I had this permanent fog but I hated it.   Day in and day out
I just couldn’t easily think through the fog.

So anyway, back to where I was….

It was a Saturday and Abigail and I were chatting
on the phone.  I think we were talking about remembering something from the past.  I guess I mentioned how I 
couldn’t exactly pull the memory out.

Quite out of the blue Abigail questioned,

“Mom, would you ever think of going gluten-free?
You don’t have to do it forever.   Just try it for a month 
or so and see if you feel any different.”  

Her words took me by surprise.   

Gluten-free?

Hmmm.  I don’t know.

I knew a few friends who did try to adhere to a gluten-free 
diet.  They said they just felt better that way.  

I also knew Dw’s sister who had been diagnosed with 
Celiac Disease a few years back and now ate completely 
gluten-free.   But I knew nothing of Celiac Disease. 

Abi continued, 


“I bet you would feel a lot better, and what’s the worst?  
If you don’t feel better, you go back to eating gluten.

I told her how I’d never really considered it, always 
reasoning that if the Bible talks about ‘wheat’ it had 
to be good for us.  I have since been doing research on 
that idea and discovered some interesting facts.

Abigail’s idea and our conversation about eating 
gluten-free was intriguing to me.   

Maybe I should.

She was right.  A month to try something 
is no time at all in the grand scheme of things.


I would think about it.


But I didn’t have to think long as that very evening 
Dw and I were on a date.  Often our dates take us to 
building supply stores to gather needs for our home.

This particular night we were in the back of our
local building supply store inquiring about something.  
A gentleman was sitting at his desk answering a 
couple of questions for Dw.

I moseyed around opening the little window samples
they had.  I coughed a bit.  It was not some big enormous
cough, just a wee little annoying cough, when totally
out of the blue the gentleman helping Dw stops talking 
and turns his attention completely to me and asked, 


“Are you sick?”

I was taken back.  Who does that?  We’d never seen the 
guy before.  And my cough was hardly some hacking,
grotesque kind of cough.  

But yet he had asked,

“Are you sick?”

I quietly answered, “I have recently flown across the world 
after visiting our daughter in Africa.  I think I have the
cough from all the flights and the dryness in the air.”  

I almost fell over with what he asked next:

“Have you ever thought of going gluten-free?”


What?


That very morning Abi and I had had a lengthy 
conversation about going gluten-free and now a complete stranger asked me the exact same question over a small, 
incidental {albeit annoying} dry cough?


What in the world??


I was so stunned but somehow managed to mention 
that our daughter in Cali had just asked me the
exact same question only about 12 hours before.


As we drove away from that store I turned to Dw still 
trying to believe it all.  I mentioned that the Lord 
must be speaking, cause really what are the odds?

After leaving the store Dw and I went to share a small 
pizza at a cozy little local place we’ve come to love. 
We tuck ourselves in and talk for hours.  Actually kind 
of reminds me of when we were dating.

As we prepared to order, I commented, “Well the Lord
must be speaking Dw.  Would you mind if we ate a 
gluten-free pizza tonight?” 

Nope.  He didn’t mind at all. 

We’d never tried one before.  It was over-the-top yummy!

Early the next morning, I drove Dw to the airport.  He was
heading to Africa for a few weeks to spend some time 
with our Emma.  It would be a perfect time to try 
gluten-free with him out of town.  {Bless his gluten-loving heart.}

Driving back home from the airport my mind was whirling 
and I felt strongly that I needed to research Celiac Disease. 

Minutes later my mouth was gaping as I read the list of 
symptoms from the site I had found.  I couldn’t believe it!!  
I had lived or was living with basically every one of the 
symptoms with two exceptions.

Later that day I called Abi and told her what had happened with the man questioning me and I then told her about the long 
symptom list that matched my life.  I was truly speechless. 

Abigail told me that she thought I would feel better before 
long and probably notice an almost immediate change, if I 
stuck with it.  

I could hardly wait!!

And so with the gluten-free date night pizza the evening
before I began a journey that I desperately wish I had
researched years before.  

At breakfast I shared with the kids, explaining what Abi and 
the random man had said and all the symptoms and how 
I was no longer going to eat any gluten.   

Immediately every single one of them said, 


“I’ll eat gluten-free with you Mom!”  

Their enthusiasm was encouraging!  

Liberty’s comment was the most precious, “Mom, 
when you found out I was allergic to MSG you 
made sure we never had any MSG again.  You made
sure the kids joined me as well.  Of course I’m joining you!”  

Her solidarity was so sweet.

Now the remarkable thing to me was that within two
{yes, two!} days my head felt different.  The fog was
lifting.  I called Abi to tell her.  She said she wasn’t 
surprised.

The kids and I did not cheat at all.  

We are a team and we were going to be a gluten-free team.  

Together.  

I was amazed as my head began to feel even better 
with each passing day.

But just two weeks into being completely gluten-free 
something totally unanticipated happened that 
convinced me that I will never, ever eat even a drop
of gluten again, if I can help it.

No matter what.  

In fact, being completely vulnerable, what happened
terrified me.

Part 3 of 3  {Coming Soon.}

52 thoughts on “The “It” – Part 2

  1. Gluten free~ we are that here too….Joel has gone back to it at times, but here at home we are gluten free and have been for years. I look forward to the rest of your story and how it will help others! YES! So happy for you Linny….brain fog….and other symptoms too I expect are gone or going.

  2. We have three girls (so far-our third was adopted through RR and has Down Syndrome, and we just have to get it paid off to get the next one!). I have had fibromyalgia for years, but only recently knew what it was. Our oldest has shown serious signs of an auto-immune disorder of some kind, our second always complained of a hurting stomach, and gf is recommended for DS anyway, so we thought we'd try it. Within 24 hours, my skin and my extremely sensitive spots were much, much, much less sensitive, and the oldest two had stopped complaining of stomach pain. That was in July, and we haven't gone back. I accidentally bought a bag of french fries that had wheat gluten in them, and we figured it out while eating them because the oldest two started complaining of stomach pain immediately. Have you bought the cookbook "Cooking for Isaiah"? I literally looked through 100 gf cookbooks and researched (I don't like to spend money on wasteful things) and finally chose it, and it hasn't disappointed! The pizza crust is wonderful, and she has great ideas! We also have started ordering our flours through Azure Standard, if you have that in Phoenix. Good luck! Looking forward to hearing part 3!

  3. Well, didn't expect this turn in your story at all but I share your experience. About a year ago I went glutten free and the clearing of the mind was the first thing I noticed. The theory is that wheat has been engineered in the past 50 years to something that is making us sick and fat. God is Good.

  4. I've been gluten-free for nearly 20 years. I have ceoliac disease (Australian spelling) as do 4 other members of my immediate family (mum and 3 sisters) but not any of my children yet. I found out when I was about 26 and it changed my life. I hadn't even realised I was sick until I began to get better – though I knew I was chronically fatigued and in hindsight can see the symtoms in my childhood. My family aren't gluten-free but they are gluten-reduced! If you manage to do all you seem to do while having undiagnosed ceoliac then WOW – watch out world now!

  5. Four years ago I sent you two emails practically begging you to stop eating gluten and I also sent you several links to studies affirming the connection between gluten and autoimmune diseases. I understand you wouldn't listen to a complete stranger who told you God was impressing on her to email you. You probably thought I was quite wacko. I'm very happy you listened to your daughter. You would be wise to only eat meat, fish, fruit, and veggies (except nightshades) and only unrefined oils such as olive and avocado for two – four years. This should heal your gut and cure all you autoimmune diseases that are still reversible. Some may no longer be reversible.

    1. Maybe I'm glad you're *not* my neighbor, cause otherwise I might have to hear you say, "You should've listened" for the rest of my life – ha! It does come easier from my daughter then a complete stranger…that's just how life is, isn't it? Most aren't reversible in my case – but with GOD all things are possible!

  6. Very interesting!
    Amazing that a random man in a DIY store of all places said that! I wonder what he told his wife when he got home. 'Honey, this weird thing happened to me at work. These complete strangers were asking about building supplies but when I opened my mouth this came out!…' I bet he hoped he would never meet you again!
    Big hugs,
    Sandy in the UK

  7. Hi Linny, my good friend was diagnosed with coeliac disease a couple of years ago and immediately gave up gluten. Ever since then if she un-knowingly eats ANYTHING with even the TINIEST bit of gluten in it she gets awful stomach cramps and diarrhoea, burps a lot and feels very sick.I will pray that you all are able to steer clear of gluten. Love Anne in Buckinghamshire UK

  8. Yes !!! when I read part 1 I thought she needs to go gluten free our family did first my husband and one by one the rest have been following, what an amazing difference.

  9. Hi Linny, a very good friend was diagnosed with coeliac disease a few years ago and immediately went gluten free. Now, if she eats ANYTHING with even the TINIEST bit of gluten in it she gets awful stomach cramps and diarrhoea, nausea and terrible burping and wind. Nasty! I will pray with you that you are all able to steer well clear of anything with ANY gluten AT ALL. Love ANne in Buckinghamshire UK

  10. I never would have guessed getting your "It" back would involve eating gluten free. I have to eat gluten free along with one of my sons. We both had some bad digestive issues which are now gone thanks to going gluten free. We have been gluten free for six years now. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!

  11. I also have an autoimmune disease, and I think the gluten connection cannot be overstated. Two excellent sources are "Wheat Belly" and "Grain Brain." "Wheat Belly" lays out all the genetic changes to wheat just since the mid 19th century, that have turned it into something our bodies don't recognize. It's totally different than wheat in Biblical times. Best wishes to you in your journey!

  12. Linny, I was suffering some symptoms and a doctor suggested I go gluten-free. I too felt better almost right away. I do think wheat is good for you but wheat is processed so differently today which is one reason for so many problems for people. Thanks for your story….I am sure it will help someone who is struggling.

    1. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am amazed at the medical professionals who have told people to try GF living…I wonder why no one ever put it all together for me? What a difference that would have made – God's grace was evidenced in it all and I am so grateful that finally{!} it's my turn too!!

  13. You always leaving me screaming at the screen so I can hurry and read the rest!!

    I have been researching it too. I am currently dairy, egg, beef, nuts, soy, beans, green beans free due to my nursling having reactions to all those foods. I limit gluten items out of just not finding much without those other allergens in them. I have found that I feel better when I eat less gluten but haven't cut it out completely.

    I look forward to reading the rest!

  14. That's really interesting, Linny. I KNOW that my son is different off wheat even though he showed no "evidence" of Celiac or intolerance. Unfortunately I can't push that right now, but I'm praying he'll be willing to try it again of his own accord at some point.

  15. Linny!!!!! THANK YOU! I have noticed new 'issues' over the past few years, and I had no idea the cause. I have no idea if I have Celiac disease, but you have inspired me to commit to going gluten free for 30 days, and today is the end of day 1!!! It's going to be a huge change, but I look forward to feeling better. Thank you for this!

  16. So glad to hear about your journey–it is amazing how God will place people into our lives to bring healing and wholeness. Our family has been on a similar journey the past couple of years. My 55 year old husband was feeling like an old man, he had low energy, the fog, every joint in his body hurt all the time, acid reflex, severe gastronomical issue and the list goes on and on. A couple years ago my daughter went on an elimination diet and had severe reaction when she reintroduced gluten. I began researching and we asked my husband's doctor to do a celiac panel with his blood work. The results came back positive, but the doctor does "believe in all this gluten free" talk. Well, after a couple more months of misery he decided to give it a try. I have cooked a real food diet and have incorporated bone broth and fermented foods to heal his gut. He is feeling so much better and I am so happy. Both of my daughters are now gluten free–because celiac is hereditary. God has blessed us in this healing and I do find myself sharing the "gluten free" message with family, friends and strangers. Bless you for sharing this challenge and journey–you have a wonderful way of sharing that touches many and hopefully others can find healing and wholeness. I am happy to talk to anyone who is wonder how to "do this".

  17. So glad to hear about your journey–it is amazing how God will place people into our lives to bring healing and wholeness. Our family has been on a similar journey the past couple of years. My 55 year old husband was feeling like an old man, he had low energy, the fog, every joint in his body hurt all the time, acid reflex, severe gastronomical issue and the list goes on and on. A couple years ago my daughter went on an elimination diet and had severe reaction when she reintroduced gluten. I began researching and we asked my husband's doctor to do a celiac panel with his blood work. The results came back positive, but the doctor does "believe in all this gluten free" talk. Well, after a couple more months of misery he decided to give it a try. I have cooked a real food diet and have incorporated bone broth and fermented foods to heal his gut. He is feeling so much better and I am so happy. Both of my daughters are now gluten free–because celiac is hereditary. God has blessed us in this healing and I do find myself sharing the "gluten free" message with family, friends and strangers. Bless you for sharing this challenge and journey–you have a wonderful way of sharing that touches many and hopefully others can find healing and wholeness. I am happy to talk to anyone who is wonder how to "do this".

  18. I have been GF for three years thanks to having ulcerative colitis. My son is also and recently went GF. It makes a huge difference. Although it can be difficult and I do miss a fresh slice of bread hot from the oven. You do what you have to do… The best type f flour I have found is gluten free mama. She has a FB page and posts offers in addition to being available on Amazon. While nothing GF is cheap, I have found that the almond blend flour has a similar taste to regular. You can also convert just about any recipe to GF. Would be happy to help if you need it.

  19. I am so glad you shared this! I have chronic migraines, and I have seen a big improvement when I avoid gluten. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

  20. So happy for you! My daughter has celiac and I know how much better she felt going gluten-free. There's a lot of yummy gluten-free things out there! I'm glad that you are feeling so much better. I'm so thankful for your daughter's encouragement and for your willing heart. I think this will help many who are fearful to make a first step into changing their diet (whatever they may need to do) for health reasons. Blessings to you, Alicia

  21. I've read this post twice now and my head kind of spins every time I read it. My mom has been telling me for almost a year now that I should try going gluten free or go get tested for Celiac's disease. I have also had several friends mention it to me over the last few months, so when I read this post the first time I decided I would look up the symptoms. I sure am glad you posted this because I have all those symptoms too except for a couple of them. I love bread so much that I have been scared to research it (ignorance is bliss?). But, i think if it really made such a difference health-wise it would be worth it. Looking forward to reading part 3!

  22. linny,

    It has been a while since I have been in the blog scene again, but of course I came to this one. I totally understand! About a year ago I started whole9life.com It is a new way of eating…probably considered a very strict paleo diet. I could not believe the difference it made in my life and how it healed so many things in my body. I actually went off of it at Christmas and while I was traveling in the States and now that same fog is back and I am trying to dig out of it again! I am so glad that God prompted your daughter and a complete random stranger to ask you about it. You can find great recipes on line with celiacs associations and most anything paleo is gluten free.

    Thank you for sharing your private journey…many struggle with this and here is another thing that God has allowed you help people with.

    Blessings,
    Laurie

  23. This is one of those your kidding me moments even tho I know your not. I have had tummy issues for years and even had my gallbladder out this year which made me even sicker requiring blood transfusions blech, my pastors wife just went gluten free a few months ago for tummy issues and suggested I just chcek it out, now after reading your story I think I will "Really" check it out. Thank you paying attention to the Lord and sharing it with me. I think this may even work for my hubby who was diganosed with MS this year (12 lesions in 4 months) now is on weekely shots I think this may help him even more then the injections. Thank you Jesus!!!

  24. Hey Linny! I have been reading your blog for years now…. I went to college with Shawna Hetrick and she told me all about you 😉 Anyways, my husband is gluten intolerant or celiacs, but has never been tested. He always eats GF, and the kids and I eat GF for dinner and on the weekends, when he is home. I don't know if you've found many products yet, but we love the Canyon Bakehouse bread. We buy the 7-grain, brown bread and it is so soft and delicious. The only downside is that it is expensive. But, you don't feel like you're missing out on anything when you eat it! Also, when I bake, I just mix my own flour. I don't really follow recipies (unless doing something that requires precise measurement like cinnamon rolls or bread), but with cakes and cookies I will mix my own flour, using primarily white rice flour, brown rice flour, and then little bits of tapioca flour (or tapioca starch), millet flour (sweet and works well in desserts) and buckwheat flour. I find this is much cheaper than buying any gluten-free all purpose mixes.

    1. Hi Andrea!! I remember S and S talking about "Andrea" – it was probably you! =) Anyway, I have not seen Canyon Bakehouse, but will have to remember it. Thank you for the ideas for mixing. I have been mostly making things of Oats, Cornmeal and a bit of mixed flours. We're okay with it being grainy/gritty…almost really like it that way. Thank you!

Leave a Reply to Amy Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>