Freedom Feature: Brianna Wolin "A Different Survival Guide"

Published: Feb 16, 2016 · Modified: Jul 23, 2017 by Rebecca Pytell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Connecting the celiac disease and food allergy/intolerance community together by sharing our stories to food freedom. From our beginning struggles to striving after a diagnosis, we can all relate and help each other out by sharing what we’ve learned and our unique personal journeys.

Round two of the Freedom Feature is already coming at you! I'm excited to have Brianna share her story with you, as it's very unique and not your typical celiac story (but when are they typical!) I've only recently connected with Brianna, but she is such a sweet girl and has been though the wringer with her health! But what's also awesome about this stellar young woman; she's been gluten-free for 15 years! That is beyond veteran status! She knows just how much the community has changed and the struggle it was years ago! A fellow trail blazer, "before it was cool". Take it away, Brianna!

background: who are you?

My name is Brianna and I am a 20-something biomedical engineering student at the University of Michigan graduating in fewer than 100 days! I’m very attached to my hometown, Chicago, and my two tibetan terriers currently enjoying this frigid cold! My younger sister (best friend) attends Tufts University in Medford, MA and I hope to visit her very soon.

what was life like before your diagnosis?

When I was 4 years old, my mom caught me drinking my own bath water. As a type 1 diabetic herself, the warning signs were clear—the extreme thirst and excessive urination were strong indicators to her and she immediately checked my blood glucose. My life suddenly went from concern-less to a series of over-planned events. At the time of my type 1 diabetes diagnosis, the physicians ran a panel of blood work that revealed a high TTG level—the indicator for celiac disease. However, I was not “sick” and false positives can occur in type 1 diabetic patients, so I was sent home with my parents and a bag full of vials and syringes to begin my new life. Within the year, I’d lost a lot of weight, had a distended stomach bloated out a foot in front of my slight frame, and was constantly in stomach pain or vomiting after eating.

(Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac are commonly linked and often come hand in hand.)

how did you find the right doctor and end up getting properly tested and diagnosed?

I was immediately brought in for an endoscopy at a local children’s hospital, where the GI said my villi appeared normal and that something else was the culprit. My parents were not convinced and had my slides sent to the recently-local, world-renown expert in celiac disease, Dr. Stefano Guandalini. I was his second patient in the United States at age 5. (Dr. Guandalini is the FOUNDER of the renowned University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center! Celiac envy!)

how did life change after diagnosis?

As “the most sensitive celiac” my doctor has ever seen, I’ve been living the 100% gluten free life for over 15 years, combined with a host of other food allergies and intolerances and need for low-carb/low glycemic index eating for my personal type 1 diabetes blood glucose management. Though some diabetics do not elect a low-carb diet, I’ve found it’s been best for me, but don’t be entirely fooled—this chocoholic gets plenty of chocolate every single day, and I am not afraid to indulge in a beautiful gluten free meal or dessert!

why did you start your blog? what did you hope to achieve out of doing so?

My blog, A Different Survival Guide, is pretty much a big slap in the face to everyone who has told me “I could never do that.” I write about living with diabetes, celiac disease, and multiple food allergies in college, which began the day I stepped on campus and had to rent my own apartment because the dorms couldn’t provide appropriate food for my needs. I know my blog is for my very special niche community, but my followers are sometimes diabetic-celiac, but many identify with one or the other, or general food allergies/intolerances. I hope that my blog is both informational and inspirational to young people headed off to, already in, or just after college learning to navigate a very different world living with chronic illness.

what makes your blog unique and what does it (or what you hope) add to the community?

I hope that my blog is both informational and inspirational to young people headed off to, already in, or just after college learning to navigate a very different world living with chronic illness.

do you have a celiac/food allergy tip to give?

Always opt for the naturally gluten free/allergen-friendly foods first. The least number of ingredients is often the safest! And, of course, as my doctor said when I was first diagnosed and has since become a life mantra, “when in doubt, leave it out.”

have any favorite gluten-free foods or brands to share?

I have a wide variety of brands that I support and love. I’m very attached to companies including Canyon Bakehouse, Glutino and Udi’s, Enjoy Life Foods, and my latest find, Whole Note Baking Mixes for their absolutely incredible crepe mix! I write a lot of brand and product reviews on my blog, so be sure to check it out for all the yummy scoop!

can you share your favorite recipe with us?

In terms of recipes, as a college kid, I’m all about winging it and throwing together things that are simple and quick (except when baking—because goodness knows, the result is often quite nasty without a recipe!) I love to throw together a quick southwest salmon bake (oven to 475, line pan with foil, put salmon inside and top with salsa, frozen corn, and shredded cheese, then seal the foil up into a little pack and cook for 45 minutes!) or a simple stir fry (with tofu, San-j sauce of choice, canned bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, some chopped onion and broccoli!).

what do you hope to see in the future; for yourself and the gluten-free/food allergy community?

In the future, I’m truly hoping for a medical discovery that would allow me to no longer concern myself with cross-contamination. It’s hard to be so sensitive that even a gluten-free menu at a restaurant is all too likely to still get me sick (I’m in bed for a week from one molecule of gluten). In terms of my niche reader community, I’m hopeful that my readers become more comfortable commenting on my posts and sharing their personal stories and helpful tips!

Isn't Brianna fabulous? She is such a strong young woman and one tough (gluten-free) cookie! She knows how to take care of her health, just how her body needs and she doesn't care or let one anyone might say get in the way of that! Show Brianna some love and connect with her on her blog or twitter!

So tell me:

+ Do you follow the "when in doubt, leave it out" mentality? Yes! It's never worth the risk!

Remember you can submit your own Freedom Feature!

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Comments

Emily @ Recipes to Nourish

February 26, 2016 at 8:35 pm

So fun to learn more about her. A Different Survival Guide is new to me.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 26, 2016 at 11:27 pm
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
kimmythevegan

February 25, 2016 at 10:10 pm

Great story - thank you for sharing this Brianna. I love your positive attitude! It seems like someone could easily feel sorry for themselves in your situation, but you really have overcome a lot.
Love your mantra: "when in doubt, leave it out.”
As someone with a dairy allergy - I agree completely!

Rebecca - I'm really enjoying your series and meeting new bloggers =)

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 26, 2016 at 12:51 am
  
  Thank you so much for your support Kimmy! xoxo
  
  Reply
Marilyn

February 22, 2016 at 5:00 pm

A great interview!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 22, 2016 at 5:12 pm
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Emily

February 21, 2016 at 11:53 pm

15 years is INCREDIBLE! Wow, thank you for sharing these Freedom features Rebecca!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 22, 2016 at 12:44 am
  
  I'm happy too! Thanks for the support on the series, Emily!
  
  Reply
jen

February 20, 2016 at 5:35 pm

Great to read about others gluten free journeys. i am gluten free too so i love to read about others experiences.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 20, 2016 at 6:49 pm
  
  I'm glad you enjoyed it!
  
  Reply
Jess | Make and Do Crew

February 20, 2016 at 12:26 pm

I'm new to your blog and I like this series! I have never gotten a celiac test because I figured out I can't tolerate gluten with my naturopath 10 years ago and now I don't want to go back to eating it in order to get the test 🙂

I love that we can't find so much information about food allergies online now though. Existing in the real world is sometimes a little lonely when it comes to this kind of stuff!

Reply
- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 20, 2016 at 12:49 pm
  
  Well I'm glad you found Strength and Sunshine and are enjoying the series!
  
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Patrick Weseman

February 19, 2016 at 10:50 am

Very interesting. One of best friends has to eat a gluten-free diet. So, I have become a little bit of an expert at finding places that offer gluten-free choices. The problem I have is that most of those places are seafood places which I can't eat. But we make it work.

Thanks for sharing.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 19, 2016 at 2:50 pm
  
  Sounds like me and my momma!
  
  Reply
Marla

February 19, 2016 at 9:57 am

Thanks for sharing your story Brianna and thanks Rebecca for having this series. I have dealt with a lot physical problems but never with Diabetes so my heart goes out to anyone especially with the diabetes Type 1. Brianna

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 19, 2016 at 10:45 am
  
  Thank you Marla!
  
  Reply
Nikki Frank-Hamilton

February 18, 2016 at 2:49 pm

I love this series, I don't know anyone in my circle that is gluten free, other than me. It makes things really difficult, I always carry snacks to get through the day. But I cannot imagine how hard this path was for Brianna, to be diagnosed so young, it's hard enough now, I can't fathom how it was 15 years ago!!! Kudos to you for having this series and to people like Brianna who blog and help others to navigate their diet in a gluten filled world!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 18, 2016 at 2:53 pm
  
  I know! 15 years ago, you were totally on your own. If you wanted bread...you baked it yourself!
  
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Linda @ Veganosity

February 18, 2016 at 10:43 am

I'm really loving this series. I know kids with type I diabetes and kids who have CD, but no one with both. Brianna has such an incredibly positive outlook.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 18, 2016 at 1:03 pm
  
  O, I know a lot with both! Usually the celiac was found before the diabetes though!
  
  Reply
Sherry@savvyapron

February 17, 2016 at 4:56 pm

I have never heard of someone finding out so early in life. We are going to try my son on a gluten free diet because of so many stomach issues. I will have to check out your blog.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 5:32 pm
  
  Please see a doctor before switching his diet! You'll never know if you don't get tested for celiac first!
  
  Reply
Whitney Mullennex

February 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm

This is so informative. Thanks so much for doing features like this. So glad to know how Brianna is overcoming her challenges. 🙂

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 1:58 pm
  
  Thank you!
  
  Reply
Sarah

February 17, 2016 at 12:09 pm

I love this feature, it's inspiring to so many out there! I will have to check out her blog.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 1:54 pm
  
  Thanks Sarah!
  
  Reply
Amy Jones

February 17, 2016 at 8:23 am

This a great read to start my day! Very inspiring and educational

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 8:29 am
  
  Thanks Amy!
  
  Reply
Farrah

February 17, 2016 at 1:41 am

I haven't come across Brianna in the blogging world yet, so thank you for featuring her! 15 years is amazing! That salmon sounds amazing (I'm probably biased as it's my favorite protein other than chicken)--can't wait to try it out!!

Thanks for sharing your story, Brianna! :]!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 7:30 am
  
  She a very quiet smell blogger 😉 She's to busy being a badass celiac!
  Yes! Salmon and chicken....the world's greatest 😉
  
  Reply
Jessica

February 16, 2016 at 7:53 pm

Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 17, 2016 at 7:27 am
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Mary Hill

February 16, 2016 at 4:02 pm

Hi, I really learned a lot reading this post.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 4:41 pm
  
  O, I'm so glad!
  
  Reply
Harriet Emily

February 16, 2016 at 3:31 pm

Wow Brianna is so amazing! Such an inspiration. I love her blog too, it's beautiful 🙂

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 4:39 pm
  
  She is fantastic!
  
  Reply
Gin

February 16, 2016 at 12:55 pm

Brianna is such a strong girl! So many challenges, and it sounds like she's handling them all like a champ. 🙂

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 12:56 pm
  
  Yea she is!!! Thanks Gin!
  
  Reply
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit

February 16, 2016 at 12:35 pm

Wow she certainly found out much earlier than most, she must be a pro by now! Beautiful story 🙂

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 12:53 pm
  
  I know!!! Legit trailblazer!
  
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Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday

February 16, 2016 at 11:02 am

Chronic illness is no fun, but she sounds like she's made the absolute best of it. Brianna sounds awesome and so does her quick salmon recipe! (And hey, I know UChicago well ????)

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 11:19 am
  
  We young "chronies" know how to thrive! Brianna has such a great head on her shoulders!
  
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EA-The Spicy RD

February 16, 2016 at 9:34 am

Great story Brianna and Rebecca, and so inspiring to see how positively you've chosen to live your life, despite celiac disease. diabetes, and other food allergies and intolerances!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 9:35 am
  
  Thank you dear! Brianna will appreciate that!
  
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Trish

February 16, 2016 at 9:30 am

I really admire what you are doing about awareness and education with your blog! It was interesting to read more about what inspired it.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 9:33 am
  
  I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you!
  
  Reply
neil@neilshealthymeals.com

February 16, 2016 at 9:05 am

It's always good, and educational, for those of us who are lucky enough not to have these kinds of issues to be aware of what others go through. I enjoyed reading this, it was such a positive and inspiring read. Thanks!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 9:18 am
  
  Thanks Neil! I'm glad you enjoyed it! xo
  
  Reply
lyndzut@gmail.com

February 16, 2016 at 7:12 am

Oh brianna! I can totally relate. That was me back in 2001. Yes, i'm old. That's when i went to college though. haha. You have to take care of you and you did just that and more. Truly inspiring!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 7:21 am
  
  Haha, Lindsay, you are NOT old!
  
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dixya @ food, pleasure, and health

February 16, 2016 at 6:38 am

what an inspiring and strong post to start the day!

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 6:56 am
  
  Brianna is a fantastic young woman!
  
  Reply
Michele Morin

February 16, 2016 at 6:04 am

Good morning, and thanks for this inspiring post.

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- Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
  
  February 16, 2016 at 6:55 am
  
  Glad you enjoyed it!
  
  Reply