Was it a phase or was it Gluten?

There was a time where I was so utterly frustrated with my daughter's behavior and manic mood swings, I seriously believed she needed to be committed.  It seemed like nothing we did worked.  Disciplining her (time outs, putting her in her room, taking away privileges) was an effort in vein.  I had her examined by doctors and begged them to medicate her.  I am not one of those mommas that believes breast milk herbs and ignoring it will cure all - but I also do not like the idea of having to medicate my child.  I was desperate.  It seemed that her moods were worse than my most obnoxious pms days.  Something had to be done!

Right in the middle of dealing with this chaos - I got as sick as I had ever been.  Depressed, in pain, bed ridden, and a host of other undesirable G.I. problems that were terrifying me, I put her craziness aside for a moment and indulged myself in hell.  After about 5 solid months of suffering more than anyone should suffer in that short span of a time - let alone a lifetime - my husband insisted I get to a doctor who was going to figure this shit out.

A dear friend of mine suggested a gastro doctor she had met at temple.  I was hesitant, since the gastro I had used when I moved here clearly received her degree at SEARS.  Appointment was made, visit was had, testing was under way.  Fast forward to my biopsies and results.  CELIAC disease.  The minute the doctor called me - I knew this is what Gabby had.

After a full year of navigating my newly diagnosed disease (that I was born with and no one could properly diagnose), I had my daughter tested.  BINGO.  Another bittersweet diagnosis.  I knew something was not right with her - and this could be the culprit.

I am THRILLED to report that although my 8 year old Gabby still has her spunky - no one is more important than I am - attitude, her manic moments are GONE!  Not only was her health affected by undiagnosed Celiac, but her behavior was as well.  Going gluten free has not only helped her feel well.... it has made the crazy go away!  I no longer believe my child needs to be medicated.  I am no searching for a constructive way to deal with her *I am all grown up and know  everything* attitude!

I swear she will run the world one day - right now it is wearing me down!  ;-)