Diagnosis and a Pizza Recipe
What could a post titled Diagnosis and a Pizza Recipe mean? Curious? Please read on. I’m hoping my story will change someone else’s story for the better- I am saying goodbye to the smell of antiseptic soaked hospitals for a while. Hubby and I left the examination room a couple of months ago with a conclusive diagnosis. Finally after years of testing and fearing the worst (brain tumor, MS, Parkinson’s, epilepsy…) my debilitating sudden onset vertigo and seizure like episodes have a name, Vestibular Migraines a.k.a. M.A.V. (Migraine Associated Vertigo seizures) coupled with a movement disorder and lower limb neuropathy. This condition is most likely a result of my TBI in the late 1990’s. We are still a bit shocked to discover that a migraine can cause such terrible episodes. But, we are very happy to have a second opinion from a reputable physician (at the University of Utah neuroscience center). So what does all of this have to do with a pizza recipe! I will get to that in just a moment 🙂 I invite you to read my about page for more information.
Over the past year my seizures and episodes have been increasing exponentially and driving, walking and every day activities have been very difficult. I am now on some medication and we have already noticed fewer episodes and lesser intensity.
Migraines have several food triggers (aha the recipe part is nearly here). For someone who likes to cook and create recipes it poses a challenge. There are several food triggers as well as environmental and other triggers that can bring on an M.A.V. seizure. I already have certain food limitations ( see my unleaded post here) so adding these additional items to the list has really challenged my food creativity.
Two of them are my favorite foods, lemons ( all citrus fruits) and avocados! Imagine my surprise when I found out that all of the lemon recipes I have been sharing and enjoying were actually bringing on my misery ( insert sad face here, giggle).
Okay on to the recipe!
Today’s recipe is a migraine free and dairy free recipe.
What You Need
1 1/2 Cup Bisquick baking mix ( if not available where you live see Katie’s tid bits below)
1/3 Cup hot water
4 Tbsp. canola oil (divided)
1/2 Cup mushrooms (cleaned and sliced)
1 Cup zucchini (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 Spring Onion (chopped)
1 6 oz can tomato paste ( I use Hunts basil garlic oregano style)
3/4 Cup dairy free cheese ( I use Lisanatti Foods rice cheese mozzarella flavor)
9 inch pie pan/dish
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Large bowl
Small bowl
Rolling pin
I also like to add fresh sliced tomatoes and basil to this pizza.
Before You Start– preheat your over to 425°. In a small bowl whisk together tomato paste and 2 tbsp. canola oil and set aside. Coat the pie pan inside bottom and sides with 1 Tbsp. canola oil.
Lets Make It! In a large mixing bowl combine Bisquick, water and remaining tablespoon of canola oil and mix well with your hands until it forms a dough ball. Set aside and let sit for 10 minutes. Lightly dust rolling pin with Bisquick. Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick circle and place into your pie pan and press up the sides. Cut any excess off of the edges. Spread the tomato paste over the bottom and sides of the dough using a rubber spatula. Add a little dairy free cheese, add mushrooms, zucchini and spring onions (spread out evenly), add the rest of the dairy free cheese. Bake on bottom rack in the oven for 10 minutes move to the top rack of the oven and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes (until crust is browned)
Serves 2-4
Katies Tid Bits* you don’t have to be a dairy free or a migraine sufferer to make this yummy pizza pie. Use real cheese and prepared pizza sauce in place of rice cheese and tomato paste sauce.
If Bisquick isn’t available in your area you can make a similar crust by sifting together 1 cup of flour, 11/2 tsp baking powder,1/4 tsp salt and add 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ( or vegetable shortening mix well).
Have a great weekend everyone. You can still add your blog to the blog hop, and don’t forget to enter the new giveaway too.
Katherine you are a very strong and positive person and right there that is half of the battle. Having a diagnosis is both good and bad sometimes but at least you know what you have to do to reduce your triggers and flare ups. Virtual hug coming your way coming from someone who understands that more than you will ever know… Feel free to drop me an e-mail off line, I am here for support. Take Care, BAM
Oh my goodness I just saw this lovely comment. You are such a beautiful soul. I felt your hug my friend and I send you one as well along with these smooches . xoxo
So glad you have a diagnosis. I suffered for years with migraines and especially something that imitated acid reflux. I was finally tested for H. Pylori a stomach bacteria which most doctors do not test for. It is the main cause of stomach cancer. After 2 weeks of treatment the pain and migraines were gone. Such a blessing to be pain free. Truly hope you have the same results.
Jennifer I am so sorry I don’t know how I missed your comment. Thank you for sharing and for taking the time to leave a comment. I worked in internal medicine ( Gastroenterology ) for years and. H Pylori is a miserable thing. Fortunately the 2-3 week concoction of medications can kicks it’s bum 80 percent of the time! I am so happy that it worked for you. I hope this finds you well and smiling. Hugs!
Linda,
So glad you’re managing all these things so well. I think most people would have become consumed with their ailments. I get sinus headaches which sometimes last for days but they aren’t nearly as bad as migraines. Wishing you the best.
Annamaria
AnnaMaria, I am sorry to learn you have sinus headaches. They are miserable as well. Hugs, Katherine
So glad you decided to share, Katherine. I hope you are on the mend now. Your friend, Linda
I suffer occasional migraines as well but nothing like you are experiencing. I’m so very sorry for your pain and I think you are an inspiration for sharing your story. You are in my prayers, Katherine!
Kathrine, thanks for sharing your story. I didn’t realize you were having such bad experiences. My mom has suffered from migraines for as long as I can remember. She’s been working hard to eliminate all the things that trigger them for her. Chocolate, caffeine, and dairy are three of the big ones for her. Thanks for the links as well. I’ll have to take a look through your recipes for her.
Debi, I am truly sorry to learn your Mother suffers from migraines. I hope you will find some new and yummy recipes for her. xo
Katherine, What a blessing that you have gotten a diagnosis! And isn’t it amazing at what a certain food can do to our bodies. Your recipe looks delicious.
Thank you Anne, I look forward to sharing more recipes . xo
Oh dear…am pleased you got a diagnosis. Not easy to go through something like this and not know what it is and how it can be helped. I send you lots of hugs and love, I know you will rise above this, you are a tough cookie 😉 xx
Thank you sweetie from one tough cookie to another xo
It is so scary to be going through something so big and not have answers! I am so happy that you have a diagnosis!!! You really are an inspiration to never give up and to continue doing what you love! Oh my pizza sounds soooo yummy!
It has been a very long nightmare. When we finally received a conclusive diagnosis we ( hubby and I both cried with relief). I continue to move forward with a positive attitude praying that what I share will in some way help someone else. Big hugs and I hope you will enjoy the pizza xo
Dear Katherine, I am praying for your health and continued strength and resilience….your story is encouraging!
Thank you sweet Beth, I feel them and appreciate your friendship, support and prayers. God bless xo
What a relief you finally have a diagnosis! I am so sorry about all of your health problems! I will pray for you.
Thank you Missy for your friendship and prayers xo
Goodness you have a lot going on! Positive thoughts flowing your way! Try to not stress, we are all here for you and support you!
Thank you I continue to move forward and always with a positive attitude. Big hugs!
Oh my Katherine! So sorry to hear of your challenges but happy that now you know what you’re dealing with. My headaches are cyclical and we still don’t know what the underlying factor is. This recipe sounds delicious thanks for all that you’ve shared.
Thank you sweet Sandra for your friendship and support. I hope you will try the recipe. xo
So sorry for your difficulties. I hope that having a diagnosis is something of a relief. I always prefer a foe I can name and understand. A good friend gets migraines from chocolate. I think hormonal surges can also bring them on. I wish you peace, healing and serenity!
Thank you so much, I have hormonal triggers and environmental triggers too. I am sorry to learn that your friend suffers with migraines. I hope that you will share my recipes and information with her. Perhaps there will be something that will help her too. Big hugs and wishing you peace as well.
So glad that you finally have a diagnosis. Searching, suffering and wondering what to do is never easy. Now that you know what it is, you can tackle it head on. Happy thoughts and prayers heading your way!
Thank you so much Barbara, your comment and prayers are like a big hug.
I just love ya girlfriend, your blog is wonderful and so are you.
Thank you so much xoxoxo
Katherine I’m so glad you finally have a diagnosis and can better manage your vertigo and seizures. I had no idea that you were suffering. You have such an amazing blog and you’re such an inspiration to anyone who is suffering from a debilitating condition to not let it stop you from doing what you enjoy.
Thank you for your sweet compliment, friendship and support, I continue to move forward with a positive attitude sharing what I love here at Katherines Corner and in my daily life. I send big hugs your way!
Never in a million years I would of thought you are going through this. I am very happy to hear they found what is really going on and that you are already feeling better.I have dealt with vertigo for the last couple of years and that caused me to start having anxiety. It has taken the doctors a while to figure out the best treatment for this and although I am better, I haven’t been 100% for a long time. Take care of yourself, my dear and sweet friend. I hope you get to feeling whole again real soon. I will keep you in my daily thoughts and prayers. Big, big hug, Maria
Sweet friend, I am truly deeply sorry to learn you suffer from vertigo. I know the anxiety it brings with it. That feeling of being on a spinning ride with no way to get off. I am so very happy to learn you have found something to help. I appreciate your friendship and prayers and send the same your way xo
One of my sons suffers migraines. It is often barometic pressure related but sometimes is not. Thank you for sharing your story and your resources. You are a beautiful, courageous woman with an inspiring live-joy attitude!
I am sorry to learn your son suffers from migraines. I also have a barometric trigger. I truly hope what I share can be beneficial in aiding your son. Big hugs!
I will pass this on to my friend who is also suffering from migraines. Prayers coming your way to continue to have a positive attitude.
Thank you Sharon, friendship and prayers are felt. I am sorry to learn that your friend suffers with migraines. Hoping she will find somethings I share helpful. Hugs!
Thank you for being so courageous in sharing with us your health issues. Many people like to keep that private. You just never know when your story could comfort others. Praying for you and your husband. Thank you too, for sharing the wonderful recipes! I don’t suffer from migraines myself, but do have friends that do. I will share this with them.
Thank you Jayne my hesitation in sharing has been lifted by all of the love friendship and prayers. I look forward and know with the Lords strength I will find more ways to help others who may be suffering. xo
I truly hope they have you well on the way to overcoming the seizures. It is terrible that you have had to suffer so much and an inspiration to us all as you overcome and continue to create and live your life so well!
Thank you Maureen for your comment friendship, love and support. ♥
Katherine, migraines… I can definitely relate! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I am sorry to learn you to are a sufferer. I hope what I share will in some way bring you comfort Hugs
I’m so glad you got answers and are noticing some improvement!
Thank you sweetie, taking baby steps and moving forward always. xo
So sorry to hear about your health challenges. My sister suffers from debilitating migraines – I’m going to pass your food triggers list on to her. The pizza looks so yummy! Thanks for hosting the link up!
Thank you Lana, I truly hope what I share will be helpful to your sister. Sending hugs to you both.
At least now you guys know exactly what it is you’re dealing with. Praying for you!! That pizza looks amazing by the way. I can’t wait to try it!
xo Dani
Thank you Dani, big hugs and hope you enjoy the pizza
Katherine, I’m sorry for the challenges but thankful you have a diagnosis. You are a strong woman who trusts God and I know you are already putting a plan together to do what you can to manage this condition. Do they think the neuropathy is part of the migraines or that was from the TBI? You know I think you are great – thanks for your transparency – our stories have power and I’m sure it will help others.
Debbie, thank you for your encouragement and friendship. I initially had hesitation about disclosing my health issues. But in the interest of possibly helping someone else, I did it and I am glad that I did. I have had numerous emails from those suffering without a diagnosis and truly pray that they will find answers through my story. God bless and big hugs!
Hello Katherine, I am glad you have finally found some answers and I wish you all the best. Thinking of you.
Thank you Rosemary, Hugs!
I’m so glad you have a diagnosis and you can actively control it by diet and your environment. Hope you stay on this good road!
Thank you I still have hurdles to climb but I look forward with a positive attitude always. Hugs!
Wow Katherine, I didn’t realize you’ve been having such troubles! I’m happy that you have found some answers, and hope you continue to feel better 🙂
Hi Paula, thank you sweetie xo
Hello my dear friend – so glad to know that you finally have a diagnosis. We’ve been praying for you for so long, and it is truly a blessing to have some answers. And that you have some ideas of how to improve your health must be a relief, too! I’m out and about, hopping around, and so grateful to finally have time to be part of our little online family again. Call me anytime . . . . would love to just chat for a bit and get caught up! Much love and BIG Hugs, Nina
Nina, my lovely friend, your love, friendship and continued prayers over the years are always felt. I appreciate you and your cherished friendship. xo. I will try and call soon.
Katie, can I ever relate to the migraine issue! I have so many food allergies that have contributed to my 24/7 migraines but the biggest instigator is fluctuating barometric pressure — and we have a ton of that living up here among the mountains of northern AZ. I will definitely be checking out your migraine recipes and hope I can at least use some of them. Praying for you!
XOXO Anna
Anna a gentle hug and nod of true understanding. I hope you find my recipes helpful and I am truly sorry to learn you siffer with migraines.xoxo
I’m so glad they finally figured it out. It seems like it took a very long time. Now maybe that you know what to avoid, you can heal your body, even though I know there will be challenges. Blessings to you.
Thank you Kathleen. You would not believe the amount of misdiagnosis and doctors visits I have been through over the past few years. Treated for things I didn’t have. So happy to finally have the “real” answers xo
Katie- I had no idea! Thank you for sharing your story! laura
I was hesitant to share at first but so happy I did xox
Katie, I can’t believe all you have been through and glad you at the very least have a diagnosis, but just can’t help, but wish I could reach through my computer and give you a great, big, old hug now at the very least. Seriously, you never stop amazing me and your positive attitude even through it all is something I truly admire. Thank you for just being you and hoping that the dietary changes will indeed help. And thank you lastly for sharing your recipe today and am hoping to try here soon! Have a wonderful weekend now, as well. xoxo 🙂
Your comment felt like a big hug my friend. Your friendship and support and your continued kindness are felt in every word. xox.
Katie, I am so glad that you are discovering more which will enable you to live without seizures. You are such an amazing lady and I am so sorry you have to walk through all of this…but as with everything, you handle it with grace and with a determination to help others. May your new direction and medication result in a healthier you!
Thank you sweet Pam for your continued bloggy friendship , love and support
Bless you. I think on the internet I see a picture of a beautiful person and see all the creative, fantastic things she does and how she always is building up others up and always replying and helping others and I don’t think to imagine her personal struggles. You brighten this world and I am glad you are in it.
Thank you Brooke your comment is like a big hug ♥
Wow, I have suffered from migraines for a few decades but nothing this bad. I am so sorry to hear of this but hopefully the med will help you out more. My triggers are perfumes (the worst!!), alcohol, disrupted sleep patterns, missing a meal, barometric pressure changes, places without circulating air – like a car without the fan on. My daughter suffers from migraines also and found help from an anti seizure med also. Good luck with your treatment and your search for recipes that work for you instead of against you.
Rebecca I am happy to learn your migraines have not been like mine. But sad to learn you and your daughter suffer from migraines. Thank you for your comment love and support. ♥