Posted 13 April 2004 - 09:28 PM
Hi Lisa,
I'm a newbie, too. Been gluten-free since the end of January and I feel so much better. Had a couple accidental ingestions and paid the price; abd pain and bloating, diarrhea, just like the old days.
I had no idea how significantly gluten was literally poisoning my life until recently. I'm more energetic (not going to the gym or anything, just participating more in everyday activities and life in general), my skin looks younger and feels better, even my posture has improved over the "shrunken" appearance I had developed. My advice is to give the gluten-free diet a try. I've always been a "carb head" but once you get over expecting gluten-free food to taste like the real thing, most of it is not too bad.
Congrats on your upcoming graduation! I've been an RN for almost 8 years. It's a noble profession though it does tend to harbor the "eat our young" mentality, especially among the older nurses. Don't let them get to you. (remember this... you'll need it daily !!)
It's the field that makes us all hyperchondriacs, but you know, it probably IS the gluten is responsible for the majority of your complaints. I know all of my fragmented symptoms easily fell under the celiac umbrella, but they've all improved (not disapeared) since going gluten-free.
Good luck to you, and take care of yourself!
Tamera
(aka Nurse Diesel)
"well, I better learn how to swim
'cause the crossing is chilly and wide"
--Indigo Girls