New to this diagnosis

[Beagirl]

Recently diagnosed with a problem with no cure is annoying and upsetting. Why does this happen? I have enough health problems to deal with and now this. I can live with reading labels and giving up things at I'm 68 years old. I can cook with gluten free everything and not give up good healthy food, look for gluten free restaurants, do all I'm told to do to manage the problem. So I don't know why I'm complaining since it is manageable.  

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @Beagirl!

What you are feeling is what we have all felt to one degree or another and we typically feel it more intensely when we already have a laundry list of health issues to work around. It's often the result of a sense of loss . . . of having to say goodbye to some good foods that we enjoy that may have been part of a shrinking list of things that are left that we still found pleasure in. And also for many it represents a social loss . . . not being able to accept dinner invitations from family and friends because you are unsure if they know how to cook gluten free . . . not being able to go out to just any restaurant with family and friends because their menu doesn't have gluten free offerings and if it it does, are they careful with regard to cross contamination issues?

[cristiana]

I agree with Trents. And if you already have other health issues, it is just one other thing to have to think about.   

But on the matter of other health issues, depending on what they are, you may find that coming off gluten might help, which could be an unexpected bonus.  

Edited May 5, 2025 by cristiana

[Scott Adams]

21 hours ago, Beagirl said:

Recently diagnosed with a problem with no cure is annoying and upsetting. Why does this happen? I have enough health problems to deal with and now this. I can live with reading labels and giving up things at I'm 68 years old. I can cook with gluten free everything and not give up good healthy food, look for gluten free restaurants, do all I'm told to do to manage the problem. So I don't know why I'm complaining since it is manageable.  

I hear you—it’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed, especially when you’re already managing so much. A new diagnosis, even if it’s "manageable," can still feel like one more burden on an already heavy load. It’s okay to complain, grieve, or just vent about it! Adjusting to dietary changes, reading labels, and finding safe restaurants takes effort, and it’s normal to mourn the simplicity of life before restrictions.

What’s encouraging is your resilience—you’re already thinking ahead about cooking gluten-free, finding alternatives, and taking control where you can. That’s huge! But it’s also valid to feel upset that this is something else to juggle. Chronic conditions can feel unfair, especially when they pile up. If it helps, many in the gluten-free community share that initial frustration but eventually find a rhythm (and even discover new favorite foods!).

Give yourself grace—it’s okay to feel both determined and annoyed. If support would help, consider connecting with a celiac support group (online or local) where others truly "get it." You’re doing great by adapting, but your feelings are just as important as the practical steps. Wishing you moments of ease—and maybe a fantastic gluten-free treat to sweeten the journey.

[Beagirl]

I thank all who have replied to my initial comment. After letting it sink in for a few days and since eliminating gluten I have to say I do feel some better so all is not lost. I have investigated and there are lots of gluten free choices I can make without giving up really anything. At some point I will attempt to make my own gluten free bread when I have nothing else to do and see how that works. I got to thinking even though annoying it's not the end of the world, this problem is manageable, and it can be a learning curve for sure. Maybe this is just another part of the aging process so I better get used to it. Thank you all again. 

[trents]

That's the spirit Beagirl!

[Scott Adams]

This article has some detailed information on how to be 100% gluten-free, so it may be helpful (be sure to also read the comments section.):