A tough lesson

If you're Coeliac - don't be complacent.  EVER.

We recently returned from a family holiday to Margs.  We still love you Margaret River but our trip was sadly marred. You see, my daughter got glutened the second day in..
It was so bad she was hospitalised.  The doctor said she had never seen a case so severe.  Those of you that know us or follow the blog will know that when she was diagnosed, she was classified as severe.  'Careful' has become second nature at home and is obviously working for us as we have never seen her have a reaction of this magnitude since she was a baby.  Not too long ago we didn't even know what gluten was let alone Coeliac Disease

It happened like this..

We went out for lunch.  It's all part of the down south pilgrimage.. the lifestyle.. It's what you do.  With so many brilliant wineries, breweries, restaurants and cafes surrounding the Margaret River region, why wouldn't you?  We had earned the chance to go, kick back, relax.. a little too relaxed on this occasion as it turned out.

The kids were having an awesome time of it in the playground which seemed to go hand in hand with many of these places now - awesome concept thought up surely by fellow parents..
Garrick had scanned the menu and reported that they had GLUTEN FREE options available including GF pizza bases.  Awesome.  We decided to get the kids a GF pizza and some chips to share, our eldest (non-coeliac) chose the burger option , I chose a fancy schmancy salad and Garrick also decided on a pizza but of the gluten variety.

We didn't question anything.  Why?  The short answer is.. I don't know.. We never do that.

We enjoyed our afternoon. Garrick had a couple of beers, I was skipper.  We all enjoyed lunch.
We all had a great time.  It was all good.

About an hour after we had returned to our apartment Abb suddenly cried out and ran to the bathroom saying "I'm going to vomit".  It was so sudden and unexpected, we were really taken aback. Moments before, she was laughing & playing and well.

We praised her for being such a good girl and making it to the bathroom in time.  We had no idea what was about to follow.  We initially thought it had been all the running around, eating, treats etc on top of a full stomach.  We suggested she have some quiet time and have a little lay down for a while but the vomiting came with a vengeance and force that took everyone by surprise.  She didn't stop and her slight frame was really put through the wringer with her body trying to purge itself of the offender.  I knew then it must be gluten.  It was very upsetting to see her like this and to helplessly watch on.  We stood her up in the shower recess with the shower running and told her "don't worry baby, it's OK,  just be sick in there" but by this stage she couldn't stand without being held up and she had depleted any energy reserves she had, to the point where she basically collapsed in my arms whilst still retching and her eyes started to roll back.  We were upset and panicky and decided the best course of action was to get her up to the local hospital - and quickly.  

Our eldest came with me, Garrick stayed back with our youngest.  I was the best person to taker her as I was also Coeliac and could answer any questions about history, diagnosis etc.  I told the staff in emergency the series of events that led us here, the fact that we were Coeliac and what I suspected.
They were concerned.  Aside from her obvious condition, her body temperature was low indicating something sinister - they were concerned about sepsis.  They scoured her body for rashes and prepped the backs of her hands for an IV and inside arm for blood to be taken.  I was told they would be transferring her to Bunbury by ambulance as they had better facilities there.  I was thankful for their thoroughness but it scared me even more.  It was at this point that I suddenly felt very unwell.  I had just enough time to tell the nurse "I think 'I'm' going to be sick.."  She whirled around "You?" she said.  That was exactly what happened.   Several times.  I was certain now it was gluten.  I along with our eldest son, had eaten the remainder of the kids' pizza and both boys were well.  Abb was put on a drip - saline & antibiotics were administered.  Blood was taken.  She was sleeping now - exhausted.  I watched over her for a while before swapping places with Garrick back at our apartment to look after our youngest.  Garrick texted a bit later to let me know they would no longer be going to Bunbury.

What a relief.  She was showing signs of recovery.

The next morning I arrived to find our smiley girl had returned.  She had colour back in her face and was her usual happy self.  She had recovered well aside from some residual diarrhoea.  Her system was still trying to rid itself of any traces of gluten - this continued for the remainder of the day but she was allowed to go home. 

The purpose of this post is to let you know what kind of effect gluten can have on a person with Coeliac Disease.  Gluten Free is unfortunately not a diet of choice for some.

I'm not going to name and shame here. That's not the purpose of this post and if anyone is at fault - I am.  The fault is not with the restaurant.  In this case, we didn't highlight that we were Coeliac.
We didn't ask the appropriate questions or request specific food prep.  People don't understand the detrimental effect that gluten can have for someone like Abbey.

As a Coeliac we (meaning me and others like me) should be promoting awareness of Coeliac Disease and the gluten free diet.  Don't expect people to be a full bottle.  They aren't.  Sadly, cross-contamination in a restaurant can be a real concern but it doesn't have to be - if people like me speak up and explain the need for clean pans, grills and utensils when preparing our meals.  Ask about ingredients in menu items, explain that you are intolerant to gluten.  Explain that your need for a gluten free meal has been medically diagnosed.  And if you have done all of this and you are still in doubt, don't eat there.  IT'S THAT SIMPLE.  Really. 

I write this to let people know what can happen.
I write this as a warning to those of you that have Coeliac Disease.

If you are travelling well - good for you - continue to do the right things, ask questions, query food prep and possible contamination issues and don't ever be complacent.  EVER.  If we had of done these things, it would be a different story.  The fault is ours. 

I will however write to the restaurant and let them know what happened to us and highlight the importance of careful food prep, clean utensils and possible contamination issues they may not be aware of.  We found at several eateries for example, that although their chips were gluten free, the oil that they were cooked in was also used to cook gluten containing foods. This means that the chips are no longer gluten free.  I will be writing to these places also.  The point of this exercise is to educate, not to point the finger.

I'm not trying to save the world here, just trying to look after my family and maybe help out someone in the process.  Maybe by speaking up, one small voice can make a difference.  I hope so.

Cake Pops

So I've been hearing about these cake pops for a while now and wondering what all the fuss is about.  Well.. let me tell you.  They are amazeballs as my son would so eloquently say... and they are dead easy to make.


 
Just mix your batter


Put a heaped teaspoon into each area of your cake pop machine.  I bought mine from BIG W but I think you can get them all over the place.
DON'T OVERFILL.  Cakes will only take 6 minutes to cook.  Yeah Baby! 6 Minutes!! 








Voila! Now let them cool..

  

For my first batch, I used melted butter and cinnamon sugar.  Ahhhhh aaaaaahhhhhh.............. <choir of angels singing silly> 

Do you people realise how long it has been since I've eaten a real donut?  I'm not kidding when I say, this tastes like the real deal people.  It was a deeply religious experience.

So much so, that I ate quite a few and felt a little bit ick after..





You can use your favourite GF cupcake recipe for the batter or a GF cupcake mix like macro gluten free cupcake mix for example that you can get from Woolworths or there's a recipe at the bottom that came with the machine..








Decorate. Decorate. Decorate.
Go Crazy.

Just a word of warning.. here's the word.. ok here's two.. in moderation

Right then.. I'm off to do 10 laps of the block

There are plenty of GF sprinkles and decorations about.  Here's just a smattering below - found at your regular supermarket.  Oh and just a point.. my machine came with re-usable cake pop sticks but if you damage or lose any, rest assured that you can buy more from cake decorating shops or online.  Happy dayz :)

Gluten Free Cake Pops Recipe

(courtesy of KAMBROOK)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

3/4 cup gluten free self raising flour

1/2 cup gluten free plain flour

1/2 cup caster sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 x 59g free range egg

60g butter, softened

Using an electric mixer, beat all ingredients for 2 minutes.

Leaping Liebsters.. I've been nominated

OK so earlier in the year a lovely lady I know nominated me for this Liebster thingy and although I was just a little bit excited to be nominated for.. well.. ANYTHING.. I was a little dubious about scammy virusy potential computer killers and the like..

I hadn't heard anything about this Liebster stuff.  My good friend GOOGLE couldn't tell me a great deal and so I decided in all of my internety (what? that's a word) wisdom to leave well enough alone.. and so I did.. well.. nothing   

Turns out that this Liebster thingy is actually a gesture of goodwill if you will.  Some friendly feedback.  A good honest pat on the back. A bit of the old 'I like what you do'.. pump up the old ego stuff.. it's all good.  AND my computer is still working. Phew! Thank God 

So first, thanks and apologies for being a big scaredy go to - Denise at Butterflybees and second to my able crafty friend and new blogger extraordinaire - Nikki at A Little Bit of Quiet for snapping me out of it and realising that it's all for the greater good of THE BLOG.

So what is this LIEBSTER thingy?

The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. It is to show new bloggers that they are appreciated, and to help spread the word about new blogs. 


There are a few rules that come with the award..

*Copy and paste the award onto your blog

*Link back to the blogger that gave you the award

*Choose 5 bloggers with under 200 followers (who you think deserve to be recognised) and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they've won the award!


Now, the basis of these RULES varied a smidge between my two nominators whereby Nikki had the additional suggestion that I share 11 random things about myself (yes that's right 11 - not 3 or 4.. 11) and then (yes and then..) answer 11 questions.. OK so I will indulge you, we can still be friends (for now) but you are pushing the envelope

 

11 Random Things About Me

 

My continual amazement in that my eldest son continues to place dirty laundry behind his bedroom door when the laundry basket is 12 steps from said door.. (yes I've counted)

 

More along the continual amazement vein.. Ben's first word was daddy, come to think of it.. so was Abbey's... hmm an evil vendetta against their mother?

 

I wonder why they call it glutinous rice when it contains no gluten..

 

I had no idea I had Coeliac Disease until after my daughter was diagnosed.  I was 39.  I am what you call asymptomatic

 

I love the smell of Pine O Cleen.. I don't sniff it directly from the bottle.. much

 

I hate cauliflower

 

and more along the the continual amazement vein.. how is it that Garrick can NEVER hear any of the kids cry out in the night.. EVER

 

I am a terrible procrastinator.. or a very good one

 

I'm a little bit anal about how I make the bed.. call that a hospital corner.. pffft..

 

I'm a white and one girl for both coffee and tea

 

I'm adopted :)

 

 

Nikki's questions for me

 

Is blogging what you thought it would be?  I guess.  It continues to surprise me that random people are interested in what I have to say.  The aim of my blog was to reach even just one person (hopefully more) that found themselves in the same boat and to help to lighten the load even just a little bit.  When Abb was diagnosed, it was all just a little overwhelming and I would have found something like this really helpful & supportive.  It was probably out there but I was a bit Internet challenged at the time..  things haven't changed much.. but the important thing is I am learning.. 

 

If you could choose any profession in the world, anything, what would it be?  A host on Getaway - that's a profession right?

 

Jeans and a t-shirt or a lovely dress? Sorry mum, jeans and a t-shirt all the way

 

Do you make your bed in the morning? derr..

 

How would you spend your perfect day? Laughing ALOT with Garrick and my perfectly behaved children

 

What do you like best about being a blogger?  I have a thing.  I mean it's my thing.  Garrick can have his Door Slammers game and his remote but this is mine. 

 

What is your most favourite food in all the world? lamb roast cliché I know.. lame even.. 

 

Who would you like to be trapped in an elevator with? Hmm good question.. Jim Carrey, Dexter Morgan, Jack Black, Jack Nicholson, Will Ferrell, Norman Bates (I'm kidding..what's that Mother....?), the guy out of The Notebook, err.. Garrick? That was a trick question right..

 

What's the craziest thing you have done in your life? Packed up our little family and moved across Australia to a little place called Mt Perry where I didn't know a soul.  Crazy?  No. Adventurous - yes.  A great decision as it turned out.  We made life-long friends there.  I loved it and the people were gorgeous.

 

What totally gives you the irrits?  Jai putting his dirty laundry behind his bedroom door

 

What are you wearing right now?  Surprisingly.. a lovely dress

 

 So there you have it.

There are so many great blogs out there. Here's my 5 nominations   Check them out why don't you.

 

Stuff No One Told Mandie
Gluten Free Aussie Girl

the gluten free scallywag
Living on a Latte
green tea & toast


 

 

 

 

Skewerz - Seek and You Will Find

I am finding (as I'm sure you are) that MANY places are offering more and more gluten free options every day.  If there is nothing indicating gluten free on the menu, don't despair.. there may well be gluten free options available or the establishment in many circumstances will accommodate your gluten free request and convert a menu option to gluten free or offer a gluten free alternative.  MOST places are accommodating because they want your patronage.  Hey we're still paying customers!!  and lets face it.. if you keep the customer happy & provide good service, then the customer is going to tell others about their pleasant dining experience.. you then become a 'returning' customer, you then return with friends, the establishment gains more customers.. yaddah yaddah yaddah

Such was the case recently when I took the initiative <yes blowing my own trumpet again> and contacted SKEWERZ head office to ask the burning questions..

If you haven't heard.. SKEWERZ offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine with not only traditional kebabz with fresh fillings but some new Mediterranean options including skewerz and tasty extras.

SKEWERZ were happy to hear from me and more than obliging to answer my questions.

So what I have learnt today I am happy to share with you here.

Both meats (the Doner and the chicken) used for kebabs contain gluten. (I know.. major bummer right?)  Optimal choices for the gluten impaired ( a term of endearment I use for myself but feel free to adopt) are the Garden or Greek Salads and the "skewerz".  Incidentally, the French dressing is gluten free. Now before you lash out... no there are not just salad options...

The skewerz are gluten free but only with the herb and garlic (mild or hot) or Moroccan.

Gluten free sauces include:

Tomato
BBQ
Sweet Chilli
Hot Chilli
Garlic Aioli
Smoky BBQ

The antipasto relish contains gluten

The bread products should never be on the grill or hot plate.

The halloumi and falafels are gluten free for a breadless kebab option - the Skewerz family refer to this option as the cheeky "naked kebab"

It is important to remember, that if you have a medical condition such as Coeliac Disease, you are gluten intolerant or have gluten sensitivity - where special care needs to be taken when preparing and serving your food - be sure to make the staff member aware of your dietary requirement when ordering. They are only human after all.. speak up people - they have only your best interests at heart.

Here in Perth you will find Skewerz at the following locations:

Carillon
Galleria
Garden City
Innaloo
Mandurah

Skewerz Kebabz
www.skewerz.net.au/