Loey

About Me

Grab a cup of tea or coffee - this is long!!!  

I was diagnosed in June 2010 after a round of Augmentin left me bedridden for 6 weeks (had to be near my bathroom). My G.I. was shocked that I hadn't been diagnosed sooner. I had my son genetically tested before he left for college and he turned up negative (phew - one less thing to blame mom for). Still trying to find my trigger foods and spend a lot of time reading labels at the grocery store. Currently doing the elimination diet.

Prior to getting sick and being diagnosed with Celiac I was an Elementary, G&T, and Resource Room teacher. I went back to graduate school when I was 50 to become a teacher (2nd career after being a stay at home mom). I returned to graduate school to get my special education certificate after teaching inner city children and seeing that their needs weren't being met. I can't wait to feel better so I can look for a teaching job. Before I had my son (at 40) I worked as a videotape editor (1st career). I was lucky enough to be able to leave my job at that point to stay at home and raise him (I had worked for 20 years).

We moved out of state after the day after my son graduated from high school. He was beyond angry at us all summer. I also was diagnosed with Celiac by my old GI literally the night before we moved. I had a capsule endoscopy last week and they found an ulcer. My new doctor is suddenly not being dismissive. I have a biopsy scheduled for three weeks from now.

I'm currently an unemployed empty nester and can't wait to feel well enough to get back in the classroom. My son just entered college so my being able to get a job is a must.

I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason and that you need  to make lemonade out of lemons (sorry for the clichés but I do think they ring true). I know that there are people in far worse shape than I am and I feel grateful for what I do have. I can't say that I don't ever throw a pity party but it doesn't last long and I remember to count my blessings (a very supportive husband willing to also eat gluten free foods and give me a lot of support, for one). I look forward to participating in this forum. It's already given me so much! I'm an avid researcher (I wanted to be a librarian before I decided to go into teaching) so I hope I'll be able to contribute as much as I get. Anything you want researched - feel free to contact me through the forum.

P.S.I love crafting jewelry. I use to sell it at craft shows and taught children bead-weaving in an after school and summer program. I also just signed up for a paining class. I've never picked up a brush but it will get me out of the house one day a week. I also just offered to tutor a girl who's home-schooled and dyslexic one day a week for free at my house. I told her mother all I'll want is a letter of recommendation. I believe in Karma and if you give you get in return.

Community Stats

• Group Advanced Members
• Active Posts 1,312
• Profile Views 11,116
• Member Title Advanced Community Member
• Age 61 years old
• Birthday January 23, 1952
• Gender
  Female
• Interests
  I love crafting jewelry and taught it in the ASP and summer camp. I am a certified elementary and special education teacher. I went back to graduate school when I was 50 to become a teacher. I returned to graduate school to get my special education certificate after teaching inner city children and seeing that their needs weren't met. I can't wait to feel better so I can look for a teaching job. Before I had my son I worked as a videotape editor at a major network. It was not as glamorous as it might sound and the hours were grueling but I was young and loved it. Before the editing gig I worked at a PBS Station and actually built a studio from schematics. Didn't look great but it worked!!!! From there I hit the City. I've been lucky to experience a lot of living and WON"T let Celiac keep me from continuing!!!!!!!