5 minute read
Embracing a New Lifestyle
HER HEALTH
Roxanne Cibuzar’s Health Journey with Celiac
Roxanne Cibuzar was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Stage 4, in 2010. Since then, she has adhered to a strict eating plan and has started a Celiac Support Group in the Brainerd lakes area. Submitted.
Roxanne “Roxie” Cibuzar’s adult life has included multiple military moves, teaching school and raising her daughter, Katherine, with her husband Paul. Roxanne has always considered herself a high energy person but then there came a five year period where she was exhausted all the time. Her family physician simply wanted her to take drugs to improve her health. Finally, when her body began to swell, she was losing weight rapidly and experiencing major brain fog, she was desperate for answers. Managing multiple health issues proved to be a challenge while also maintaining a junior high English teaching job in the Pillager Schools.
Roxanne Cibuzar was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Stage 4, in 2010. Since then, she has adhered to a strict eating plan and has started a Celiac Support Group in the Brainerd lakes area. Submitted.
2010 found Roxanne at the cusp of deteriorating health with symptoms of anemia and a body unable to hold much food. Her intestines were not absorbing B and C vitamins as well as an iron deficiency which led to depression. Prescriptions for hormone drugs and depression obviously were not the needed answers with her major organs shutting down. On a Friday at 4 p.m. she was sent to St. Joseph’s Cancer floor and the hematologist doctor said, “I will find out what is wrong with you.” On that Monday morning, Dr. Sachs, a gastronomical specialist, biopsied her lower intestines. His diagnosis of Celiac Disease, Stage 4, was a breakthrough, offering her a new lease on life with needed answers. Mayo was her next appointment to learn how to navigate her disease. “Those doctors are indeed my heroes,” proclaimed Roxanne.
Another hero in her story is her husband, Paul. “He has carried me literally through every critical moment giving me courage to go forward. He made sure in many social settings people understood the seriousness of the disease. He readily adapted to the total change of our eating patterns.”
Since discovering her Celiac Disease, Roxanne “Roxie” Cibuzar made a full replacement of kitchen items as cross-contamination can be a problem. She uses her own toaster, cooking utensils and has replaced porous cookware. Submitted.
Since cross contamination can be a problem with those having wheat intolerance, Roxanne made a full replacement of kitchen items. She uses her own toaster, cooking utensils and has replaced porous cookware. Adopting a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables and some whole grains ensures she and her husband can share the same meals. Roxanne loves cooking and has been able to come up with many substitutions while still using recipes from her two favorite television food stars, Ree Drummond and Ina Garten. She also finds her daughter, Katherine and granddaughter Emma’s cooking an inspiration. Eight months of iron therapy and three years of Roxanne adhering to a strict plan of eating no foods containing wheat or barley today have contributed to her improved health.
Roxanne is a member of the Crow Wing Food Co-Op in Brained. Angie Fox, general manager, is educated on Celiac and follows strict procedures on gluten intolerance in the co-op kitchen. Roxanne notes, “Here you’ll find an abundance of Celiac safe food offerings. And a bonus if you are an area member you can order special GF items.”
A meal created by Roxie. Roxie says she gets her cooking inspiration from her two favorite television food stars, Ree Drummond and Ina Garten.
“Do your research,” says Roxanne, when trying to navigate the restaurant scene and/or eating at someone’s house. “Call ahead to look for safe portions or go online. Consider carrying a small card that lists foods you can and cannot eat to give to the chef. Be sure that those in charge of food preparation understand your diet is Celiac, not GF, which necessitates a different necessary safe food prep which includes changing knives, boards and gloves. Be prepared to bring your own food to someone’s house if unsure what is being served.”
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Did You Know?
Celiac disease sometimes is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Eating gluten triggers an immune response to one’s small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages the small intestine’s lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients. The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia and can lead to serious complications.
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In 2021 Roxanne started a Celiac Support Group in the Brainerd lakes area. Currently the group has six members, but is always looking for new members who want to learn more about their autoimmune condition. The support group recently worked with Jerry Jenkins, a clinical psychologist, on how to work effectively. The group is a safe haven to share stories, concerns and learn from one another. Zoom meetings kept them afloat during the pandemic and they are just starting in-person meetings.
Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter posts women devotionals on its Facebook page. Roxie was asked to write devotionals during the “shut down” since they were unable to meet in person on Sundays. Her online presence is called “My Real Life.”
Sheltering in place for many months produced an unexpected benefit for Roxanne. Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter posts women devotionals on its Facebook page. Roxanne was asked to write devotionals during the “shut down” since they were unable to meet in person on Sundays. Her online presence is called “My Real Life.”
Roxanne noted, “I write to ignite in women a desire to run to God so they can live brave lives and experience real joy.”
Roxie Cibuzar recommends those who have Celiac Disease to carry a small card that lists foods you can and cannot eat to give to the chef at a restaurant.
Roxanne has embraced a new healthy lifestyle and maintains an exercise regime of walking and strength training to ensure she remains that way. She no longer has to take any prescription drugs. Every two years her new doctor draws blood to make sure Roxanne has the proper absorption of nutrients. Roxanne’s tenacity, resourcefulness, positive attitude, willingness to help others navigate the Celiac Disease scene and her faith are much to be admired.
Sue Ready is a freelance writer, poet, food writer, book reviewer and former middle school teacher. She is the president of the Northwoods Arts Council in Hackensack and one of the chairs for the Annual August Northwoods Art and Book Festival. Sue blogs at sockfairies.blogspot.com with recipes, up north living and travel adventures. Her book reviews are posted on Facebook under EverReady Book Reviews and on her blog.
