Re: Re: Newbie struggling with going GF, need to vent

[Guest guest]

Ruth says: "Its really great you were diagnosed and on the way to feeling soooo much better."

Yes, those of us who are diagnosed with CD are the very lucky ones -- and, sadly, the exceptions. Nearly 1% of the general population has CD, but most are never diagnosed.

Their bodies deteriorate, they may be in pain, and they don't know why, don't know what to do about it.

We are the fortunate ones; we have a path to follow.

H.

-----Original Message-----

From: rio_robbins <toolatetohate@...>

Sent: Sat, Nov 21, 2009 9:40 am

Subject: [ ] Re: Newbie struggling with going GF, need to vent

Carina-

Hang in there, its totally normal to feel frustrated. I have been gf for almost 20 years and it started when I was a kid. That was really freaky because I wasn't even in control of my food. Now its really smooth for me and I only have an accident about once a year. So tip #1 is be patient with yourself. Here are a few more resources:

Jax s Lowell- I swear she saved my life. Her book Against the Grain is wonderful. It has lots of good advice and its fun and funny and gives you hope, but it is written in the 90s so the info is a little out of date. She has a new book The Gluten Free Bible. It has all the technical info and then a lot of attitude stuff as well: a whole chapter What to Do When They Don't Get It. Run out and get this book.

If you have an iphone- get the app Is That Gluten Free? It’s a long list of validated gf grocery items.

Forget about antibodies. It takes a long time for them to settle into place. It’s not a report card. Focus on your body instead. Your system is freaked right now, it will calm down and your symptoms will decrease. I had a lot of other sensitivities when I was diagnosed (dairy, corn..) because I was so out of balance and they all went away after a year of gluten free living. I think this is pretty common.

Cook super delicious meals at home and for you friends. FEASTS! Consider cuisines that are naturally pretty gf so you wont be making too many substitutions.

Spend the extra money on what you really miss- I am writing this over a warm gf blueberry muffin. (Whole foods brand in the freezer) Try a bunch of breads until you find one that you like.

Mourn- it’s a big loss and it’s not going away. That is really hard. Don't feel bad for being bummed.

Lastly and it seems like you are doing this, get involved with lists or groups or other people who are fighting for the cause of gluten freedom.

Its really great you were diagnosed and on the way to feeling soooo much better. Hang in there and keep venting!

Ruth

[Guest guest]

Carina,

You have all of our support in your adventure into gluten free living. It can really be a struggle but the health you get in return is soo worth it.

When I was first diagnosed in 2003, my antibodies were high as well. Just to see if they went down, I had them checked 3 more times over the next two years - they only went down a little bit, never into the normal range. During that time I had been trying to be gluten free, but I know now that I was not entirely gluten free - I had still not figured our cross-contammination in restaurants, was still sharing some cookware with roommates, had not thrown out my favority bamboo spatula. Since then I have not bothered to check my antibodies. I know when I am doing well by how I feel.

It is really tough, more so than most people will let on. And it is fully justified to mourn the loss. I think had I felt "allowed to mourn" in the beginning, and had more support, the transition might have gone better for me. Ruth and the others have already given good advice, so not much more for me to say.

Best of luck,