How the Rendecks Went Granola

Let me introduce myself--I'm Redneck Mama, wife to Mr. Redneck, and mother to The Chubber and Peanutzilla.  We're a fairly average western mid-valley family.  We have 2 dogs, and our claim to fame is our two rabbits (and no, they're not for stew).  We've been married, mostly happily, for 11 years, and our children are 6 and 8.  Like most American families we're not immune to the current economic state or our country, and as a result Mr. Redneck was laid-off his job a couple years ago, and is currently (under)employed as a public-school bus driver.  He loves his job, the kids, and especially 'his' kindergarteners.  I was a stay-at-home-mom/part-time wage earner until Fate tossed Mr. Redneck and I a curve ball, and I found myself feverishly (and blessedly!) finding myself full-time employment as a public school teacher.  I love my job and my students like crazy...but I sill sometimes pine away for the days when I was able to be 'just mama' a little more.  Needless to say, we're far from wealthy according to American standards, but we're comfortable and working on counting our blessings every day.

'Okay' you say, 'so where does this gluten-free stuff come in?'  That's what I'm gettin' to.  To try and cram it all into a nutshell, our daughter has had developmental an neurological 'issues' since birth, and a whole alphabet soup of labels.  We've worked very hard to do right by her and help her to grow and accomplish all that she can.  It isn't easy, and most of the time a root-canal sounds like more fun to us, but it is what it is.  Recently, in June/July 2011 we went to the pediatrician to discuss some intestinal issues Peanutzilla has had for a long time, and we wound up leaving the office with a 'we'll call you' and a blood test for Celiac Disease.  The following week, the doctor called to confirm a positive blood test, and sent us on our not-so-merry way to a pediatric gastroenterologist in the next largest city. 

The pediatric G.I. was a very kind doctor, and through a series of questions, and a conversation about risks/benefits, we had an appointment for an upper-intestine endoscopy and biopsy.  Peanutzilla has had the endoscopy, and we're currently waiting for the definitive 100% results that she does in fact have Celiac disease.  We chatted with the doctor post-op and he showed us full-color photographs of Peanutzilla's esophagus, stomach,  and small intestine.  His 'off the record' diagnosis: Celiac Disease.

On Monday, August, 15 we go in for our hour long follow-up appointment to find out the lab results of the biopsy.  In the meantime, we're treating the doctor's 'off the record diagnosis' as gospel, and are gearing up to go gluten-free. 

It is a steep learning curve, with lots to learn, and even more to adjust to. 

So, this blog is the written journey of how the Rednecks went granola, and their little girl gets healthy.  Thanks for reading our intro, and I hope y'all will stick around and follow us on our new lifestyle journey to health. 

The Redneck Family: Chubbers, Redneck Mama, Mr. Redneck, & Peanutzilla