Ep 166 April 2021 Roundup
A Conversation with Ellen Bayens of The Celiac Scene
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
Once again it’s time to chat with Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com about articles and information she has brought to our attention over the past month. Ellen and I speak about the curious condition of Giardia and its similarities with celiac disease. We re-visit my recent podcast about the dual-branded alcoholic beverages that are causing great confusion in the celiac/gluten free community. A new drink called Bud Light Seltzer will soon be on the market in Canada, and Ellen and I both have questions. Ellen introduces us to Mike Rose who, requiring a gluten free diet for himself and his wife, has recently moved into a retirement home. I will be having Mike on an upcoming podcast to take a closer look at his challenges and decisions on making the move. Ellen and I can’t get away from talking about food and this month is no different. We chat about a gluten free pizza truck in Victoria called The Art of Slow Food. Ellen has also recently discovered Brazilian Cheese puffs sold frozen from a company called Forno de Minas. I’ve included a link to the Brazilian Market, so you can see what they look like. Ellen shared with us the story of a student from away staying with a local family in her area. The student, who reached out to Ellen is celiac and the homestay family is not familiar with the gluten free diet. Ellen put out a call, and very quickly many gluten free families stepped up to host the student. The problem was solved – well done Ellen!
Student’s Journey with Giardia Leads to Diagnosis of NCGS
Celiac Crusader Tackles Challenges of Moving into Residential Living
The Art of Slow Food GF Wood Fired Pizza Truck
Introducing Forno De Minas Cheese Rolls
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com
My Thoughts –
When I hear an intriguing diagnosis story, like the one on this episode which eventually led to a diagnosis of giardia, or Dr. Jenny’s on Episode 160, or Steven’s on Episode 145 that was documented in a Reader’s Digest article, I think back to my own journey.
I’m not alone in my protracted story with numerous doctors and even more uncomfortable tests. It wasn’t until I heard the giardia story that I remembered my conversation with the doctor that eventually diagnosed me after fifteen years of questions to medical professionals.
It was my initial visit with a specialist who was the first to ask me detailed questions about my past and my lifestyle. Most others were interested in what I ate, and other family allergies. The decision was made to perform a biopsy as the doctor suspected there may be some sort of long-term parasitic infection. I didn’t know what that meant, but was prepared to undergo whatever test might turn up something new.
I remember two things from the day of the biopsy – my conversation with the doctor prior to receiving the anesthesia, and the short chat we had when I was somewhat conscious again. Before going under he told me he was looking for that parasitic infection, but would also check to see if he could see anything else that might be the cause of my issues.
After the procedure, he told me he believed I had celiac disease. I didn’t know what that was, but he said it needed to be confirmed by the lab. He also asked me to go for a series of blood tests (I now know what those were) and within a couple of weeks to see a dietician and start on a gluten free diet.
Needless to say, I did as I was instructed, and both the blood and biopsy results confirmed celiac disease. The dietician was very helpful and I was on my way boarding the roller coaster of the newly diagnosed.
It all seems so simple now. My memories of the parade of doctors I saw prior to my diagnosis is somewhat fuzzy. Thinking back, why had none of them ever thought of a parasitic infection? Why had none ever done a biopsy, or referred me for one. Even the blood tests seemed a step too far for all the others.
My diagnosis of celiac disease was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I forget about my journey until I hear the stories of others. Hopefully, one day the diagnosis of celiac disease will be quicker and more straight forward and maybe there won’t be those long winding journeys to diagnosis for me to highlight in a podcast.