I Have A Life Again

[FruitEnthusiast]

Ummmm.... I want to change my answer, as they say.

 

I posted recently feeling unhappy. The title was “Tired of Having no Life” and one of the responses I received changed everything. The response said that having a life, or not, is a choice. So, I’m choosing to have one.

 

There’s nothing wrong with a good rant now and then, we all have the right to do that, and with good reason. I’m talking about a change of overall attitude.

 

I realized that I do already have a life and it 'aint bad. I'm fortunate in many ways. I was stressing myself out living in permanent limbo, waiting to live again.

 

I'm much happier now enjoying my life as it is, taking each day as it comes, whatever that may bring. I've always been an optimist and living in limbo was too hard. I've let go of the guilt and stopped having such specific expectations for my life.

 

In some ways being sick has been a gift. Some of it has to do with the recent new food intolerances I've acquired. At some point you have to say, OK then, the ride may be bumpy, but at least it's a ride, and I'm not the driver.

 

I really realize what I'm going through is not my fault, and control is not in my hands. I was always too hard on myself before. I'm mellowing in a new way. I’m no longer putting pressure on myself according to what I think others’ expectations are. It’s a relief not to feel stressed anymore... and a million times better for my health.

 

No, I haven't "found a new religion" or "had a drink". I just became me again. I missed me. Glad I'm back.

 

Attitude is everything

[Harpgirl]

good words! I get too stressed myself over food. Holidays are the worst. I think I need to read your post here during those times.

[Adalaide]

Great news! Glad to hear that you're taking a positive view on things. You may even heal better without all the stress and pressure you were putting on yourself. Or maybe not. But at least it won't give you wrinkles or dark circles or keep you up at night.

[New Community Member]

Congratulations! I know it's hard but that is the best attitude. I strive for that, too, but still struggle sometimes. We have a choice. Keep looking up:) 

[mamaw]

So glad  things are  looking  better  for you...The  challenge  can be  over the  top  at  times... congrats....

[CaliSparrow]

I'm glad FE. Expectations can get in the way... I hear ya!

[FruitEnthusiast]

Thanks guys

 

It has taken two years since going gluten-free to get to this place. It is very overwhelming at times. I still have ups and downs. It's hardest when the brain fog and anxiety hit me.

 

Sometimes I have to stop and remember how much I've improved. It did get worse before it got better as it does for many of us but now I can see the positive changes in my health. It's been so worth it.

 

I still miss eating more of a variety of foods. I will still stand up on my way to the kitchen with the idea off grabbing some comfort food or just something more satisfying, then... oops, that food isn't in there, because it's NOT part of my food plan any longer. It's like that missing limb syndrome, when someone still feels like they have an itch when the limb is no longer there.

 

I'll be glad when I can enjoy more foods again. It's NOT an easy process, but feeling better has been well worth the sacrifices. It's paying off.

[powerofpositivethinking]

so glad you're choosing to live this way instead    It's much easier, isn't it?

 

I didn't always live up to my username, but when I chose it, it was because I no longer wanted to be negative because it is draining.  I'm one of those people that makes all my online passwords something positive to turn it into an affirmation because the more I say it, the more I believe it.  Are there still hard times? Yes, but I'm finally choosing to focus on the positive, and when you chose to live positively it makes life a lot easier and more enjoyable  

[FruitEnthusiast]

Exactly!

 

Glad you mentioned affirmations, I love those. I say them in my head a lot, but I keep saying I'm going to post them up on the wall. I am going to do that today! Affirmations are very powerful and the more you say them, the more they stick.

 

I'm doing the same thing with avoiding using negative language. That works too! For example, Instead of saying I can't eat that, I can say I don't eat that because I choose to feel well.

 

I have a book I love on positive thinking. It says that whatever your head is filled with is your reality, sort of like a movie in your own mind that you are projecting onto the world. There's one affirmation per chapter that you focus on. I haven't read that book in years. I'm going to pull it out and read it again!!!

 

There is also a great site that plays short meditations on practicing mindfulness. It's really relaxing to listen to them if I feel frazzled. I haven't been using those lately.

 

Wow, your comments really sparked me to remember some helpful things I had forgotten about. Positive energy is so contagious. Thanks so much! I love this site

[C-Girl]

Ummmm.... I want to change my answer, as they say.

 

I posted recently feeling unhappy. The title was “Tired of Having no Life” and one of the responses I received changed everything. The response said that having a life, or not, is a choice. So, I’m choosing to have one.

 

There’s nothing wrong with a good rant now and then, we all have the right to do that, and with good reason. I’m talking about a change of overall attitude.

 

You know what? I joined in your rant as I was feeling really low at the same time. I turned things around, too - and I think venting about it helped. I also started to feel better physically after starting on a different brand of probiotics. I'm not sure if it was the Culturelle, or getting some stress out of my life, but things have quieted down in my guts and I feel much happier now.

 

I treated myself to a massage yesterday, and was telling the therapist about how when I was so down that it was hard to take care of myself - to even floss my teeth was a real struggle because I felt so awful I just didn't care. I realize now that this is exactly when we have to put on our big girl pants and do what's best for us.

 

It also kind of creeps me out to think that the bacteria in my guts have such control over my moods. But, if that's what it takes, I'll keep on helping the nice ones along.

[moosemalibu]

SO glad to read this thread. It can be a roller coaster ride of emotions after you get diagnosed and start healing. Most days are good for me but I still have the random 'off' day. I recognize it, warn the necessary people and typically retreat and do some soul-searching so I don't lash out.

[FruitEnthusiast]

You know what? I joined in your rant as I was feeling really low at the same time. I turned things around, too - and I think venting about it helped. I also started to feel better physically after starting on a different brand of probiotics. I'm not sure if it was the Culturelle, or getting some stress out of my life, but things have quieted down in my guts and I feel much happier now.

 

I treated myself to a massage yesterday, and was telling the therapist about how when I was so down that it was hard to take care of myself - to even floss my teeth was a real struggle because I felt so awful I just didn't care. I realize now that this is exactly when we have to put on our big girl pants and do what's best for us.

 

It also kind of creeps me out to think that the bacteria in my guts have such control over my moods. But, if that's what it takes, I'll keep on helping the nice ones along.

 

I did really appreciate what you had to say in response to my rant. It was a comfort - just what I needed to hear. It took awhile for me to digest the post that was so positive, I didn't like hearing it at first!

 

Venting is necessary, This process is frustrating! I have good and bad days. I hope I didn't give anyone the message that a good rant is a bad thing.

 

Also, it's one thing to put the big girl pants on (I love how you put that), but then I have to then have the energy to get up and "do". I don't always have the energy to do all the good things for myself that I want to and that's hard.

 

What is different is how I look at my situation. My life is mostly the same. My attitude is what has changed. I am more accepting of myself, my limitations, my reality. It takes effort to remain positive during the times when brain fog and anxiety are trying to take over. The way the symptoms affect my mind is maybe the worst part.

 

I'm feeling better too from changes in my diet related to my histamine intolerance. My problem goes beyond gluten it seems.

 

Did you see that thread on Digestive Enzymes? I'm really encouraged by that. I got some, trying them today.

 

I'm re-examining my probiotics too. I was reading a great thread about them, I'll find it and add it here. If you look at it, scroll down to the part where IrishHeart talks about multi strains and lists an example of what a good multi strain probiotic contains.

 

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/89260-need-a-probiotic-withoug-gluten-soy-corn-dairy/?hl=+dao%20+enzymes

 

Thanks for your comments!

[FruitEnthusiast]

It can be a roller coaster ride of emotions after you get diagnosed and start healing. Most days are good for me but I still have the random 'off' day. I recognize it, warn the necessary people and typically retreat and do some soul-searching so I don't lash out.

 

So true - the roller coaster! I have some "alone time" also when I feel the worst... it can make me pretty cranky sometimes!

[C-Girl]

I'm re-examining my probiotics too. I was reading a great thread about them, I'll find it and add it here. If you look at it, scroll down to the part where IrishHeart talks about multi strains and lists an example of what a good multi strain probiotic contains.

 

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/89260-need-a-probiotic-withoug-gluten-soy-corn-dairy/?hl=+dao%20+enzymes

 

Thanks for your comments!

 

Last night I listened to Terry Gross on NPR, she was interviewing the author of Open Original Shared Link talking all about the bacteria in your body and the effects of modern life on the natural balance. In it, he mentioned how none of the probiotics are regulated, and very few are scientifically studied. The reason I went for Culturelle is because the strain in that brand has actually been the subject of many scientific studies, one of which indicated it could alleviate depression. There's a very interesting mind/body link between the microbiome and your emotional state. I tried a multi-strain brand from Whole Foods and never had any luck with it.

[Adalaide]

You're right, they aren't regulated, and that was a problem I had with vitamins for a long time. I was very resistant to wasting my money on a product that was untested and unproven to be helpful. Then I tested for a folic acid deficiency and had no choice. I had to pick one. I went with one that was independently tested by an outside source to be exactly what the company selling it claims it is. While I'm not sure that any probiotics offer this as well, they may. (Not sure, haven't checked. I'm a lot more flexible these days.) There are also a lot of great online resources that explain how to choose a good probiotic and how to spot a likely dud. And sure, there are plenty of things there are not a lot of research on, but research is probably being done. And if we all sit on our hands and wait around for research to support doing what is best for us we'll be waiting until we're dead. I also like to remember what "science" and "medicine" used to say about appropriate medical treatment for women for basically being women and having emotions when considering new and alternative treatments that aren't entirely researched, or even ones that are. Your issue with the multi-strain one could have been the brand, or the age, not that it was multi-strain.

 

Of course, we're all perfectly entitled to choose whichever one works for us and makes us and our guts happy. I was just explaining my take on things. I also think the reason that there is a possible link between the probiotic and depression is because of the whole gut/serotonin thing. Probably not the least bit surprising to any of us here, even if it shocked researchers. 

[C-Girl]

Of course, we're all perfectly entitled to choose whichever one works for us and makes us and our guts happy. I was just explaining my take on things. I also think the reason that there is a possible link between the probiotic and depression is because of the whole gut/serotonin thing. Probably not the least bit surprising to any of us here, even if it shocked researchers. 

 

Haha true! It definitely goes beyond the fact that if you're crapping your brains out all day long you just aren't really happy... I'd never have thought to keep on with the probiotics if it hadn't been for this forum, so I am quite thankful for the collective knowledge here.

[FruitEnthusiast]

Who ever thought just being alive would be so damn confusing???

 

No testing for probiotics... my head is spinning. How do we know what to take?

 

Well, it's a good thing so many people are working on important things like inventing new kinds of breakfast cereal, and all the wonderful packaging it goes in. Now that's time and money well spent!!!

[CaliSparrow]

You're right, they aren't regulated, and that was a problem I had with vitamins for a long time. I was very resistant to wasting my money on a product that was untested and unproven to be helpful. Then I tested for a folic acid deficiency and had no choice. I had to pick one. I went with one that was independently tested by an outside source to be exactly what the company selling it claims it is. While I'm not sure that any probiotics offer this as well, they may. (Not sure, haven't checked. I'm a lot more flexible these days.) There are also a lot of great online resources that explain how to choose a good probiotic and how to spot a likely dud. And sure, there are plenty of things there are not a lot of research on, but research is probably being done. And if we all sit on our hands and wait around for research to support doing what is best for us we'll be waiting until we're dead. I also like to remember what "science" and "medicine" used to say about appropriate medical treatment for women for basically being women and having emotions when considering new and alternative treatments that aren't entirely researched, or even ones that are. Your issue with the multi-strain one could have been the brand, or the age, not that it was multi-strain.

 

Of course, we're all perfectly entitled to choose whichever one works for us and makes us and our guts happy. I was just explaining my take on things. I also think the reason that there is a possible link between the probiotic and depression is because of the whole gut/serotonin thing. Probably not the least bit surprising to any of us here, even if it shocked researchers.

Huh huh huh I AGREE. The wake-up call for me was the realization that the brain is housed in the body. If the body is sick, is there not the chance the brain would be affected?? I cannot count how many people tried to figure out what was going on with my brain without sending me to a medical doctor first. Those issues subsided after eliminating gluten. It's a bittersweet relief and I'll take it!!

Who ever thought just being alive would be so damn confusing???

 

No testing for probiotics... my head is spinning. How do we know what to take?

 

Well, it's a good thing so many people are working on important things like inventing new kinds of breakfast cereal, and all the wonderful packaging it goes in. Now that's time and money well spent!!!

. It's so true! I put my spending money into the pursuit of wellness. Sometimes, it is trial and error in finding what helps. Chug-a-chug-chug-chugging along... . I believe the worst is behind me and I hope to goodness that is the case!