Celiac

After many, many months there is FINALLY a diagnosis for Lauren...Celiac Disease. This is an intolerance to gluten/wheat. This will mean a gluten free diet for her for the rest of her life. After the initial shock, this is really so much better than what it could have been, Type 1 diabetes. Immediately Traci went into the "mom mode" and has gone to Trader Joes for gluten-free products. By a fluke (or tender mercy) there is a new store in SC that the whole store offers gluten-free, and many other specialty products. Everything in the store Lauren can eat!

After only a few days of being "gluten-free" Lauren is starting to feel better. She'll now be able to gain weight without everything going straight through her little body. A real blessing is that Lauren has a pretty sophisticated palate and is willing to try lots of different things. They're going to take her to a pediatric dietitian to educate her on what she can and cannot eat.

Some bright spots...In-N-Out is a good place to eat! Burgers w/0 the bun and french fries (because the potatoes that are fried in their own oil and no fillers in the meat). PF Changs has a whole "gluten-free menu". Best news of all. DISNEYLAND restaurants have gluten-free menus and they actually go out of their way to accommodate celiacs! Now it really is the Happiest Place On Earth for them!

Interesting facts: Celiac Disease affects 1:133 people BUT only about 1:5,000 are diagnosed! Most people just think they have an upset stomach or can't tolerate "certain" foods. Gluten is used in so many products as a binder, it's amazing! There is a study that is being done that shows that the high rate of celiac disease could be caused by overly processed foods...makes sense.

So, even though this is really a life changing event, just the fact that there is now a real diagnosis and relief for her is a miracle.