Though I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since 2000 (and had symptoms for even longer) I was just recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's this year (2011). Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder in which your body attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto's has many symptoms, I have at least half. I see a naturopathic physician and one of the main treatments they suggest is to follow a gluten free lifestyle so here goes nothing. Join me as I learn the in's and out's of gluten free living and managing Hashimoto's.
When I was told I needed to start eating GF I think I started grieving over wheat. Really that is the best way I can describe it. I mean no one died, but I was told I needed to give up something I loved. I feel like I am passing through a modified version of the 5 stages of grief. It goes something like this.
Denial: (To DR. Ruiz) "Are you sure?" I mean the guy specializes in Hashimoto's but he could have temporarily lost his mind right? What does he know and eating GF couldn't possibly help that much. I left the doctors office after asking only a few questions none of which involved how to transition to eating GF.
Anger: I can't say I ever got angry it was more like a fluctuation between disbelief (denial) and frustration. My angriest moment was when I was talking to my husband and he said that this sure sucked for me (disclaimer: these are not his words rather how I heard them). Thanks for the support sweetheart; I hung up the phone before I got too upset.
Bargaining: Maybe I can do this for a while, feel better, and then go back to normal. It didn't matter that I had already been told this wouldn't be effective, I still had the thought and others like it.
Depression: Depression is what I feel when I think of what I am giving up. French bread that is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, the baked goods at Christmastime, restaurants. I am particularly saddened by the thought of losing, or being limited, at a favorite Chinese restaurant owned by a family friend. I keep going back to this step as I fluctuate between here and acceptance.
Acceptance: I can do this. It won't be that bad, it could be a good thing. No more, fatigue, soreness, brain fog, insomnia, or depression and I don't have to remember to take a bunch of pills. Who wouldn't like that? Oh and Subway, Olive Garden, and Red Robin are all starting to cater to GF so I can go out to eat sometimes. Plus I made those muffins the other day and they were amazing, and GF. I found a recipe online for Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins and they were amazing. I subbed the flour with Bobs Red Mill GF All Purpose Flour and shredded the apples instead of dicing them. They looked just like the picture and they stayed moist and delicious, no funny after taste, in fact if I had not made them I wouldn't have guessed they were GF and trust me I'm picky just ask my friends.
All in all, I am sure there will be bumps in the road but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you are looking for an expert, I'm not one. I haven't even survived a week, but if you are looking to share a journey and hopefully laugh a little along the way then keep reading.
Picture of Pumpkin Apple Streusel Muffins found at: http://www.food.com/recipe/pumpkin-apple-streusel-muffins-13251
*Disclaimer: Nothing I have to say could be considered professional they are my opinions and what I have found to work for me. If you have a question please consult your physician.
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