Happy To Be Me!

[jackay]

Today is my 57th birthday. It is the first birthday I am able to enjoy in five years. The past previous years I prayed for healing and if that wasn't possible death.

If any of you remember, when I first joined this forum back in November of last year, I was pretty negative. First of all, I was completely miserable physically and mentally. Secondly, I didn't think I could ever handle the cross contamination part of this diet. The eating part was quite easy as I have a lot of self disciple (most of the time). I had been on a four day rotation diet for over a year and had also eliminated a lot of foods during that period.

After getting the cc issue taken care of and being obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness and eating, my anxiety and depression went away pretty fast. I still struggled with headaches, insomnia, burning muscles and lower back pain. I later went on an elimination diet and started a candida cleanse. My sleep returned and the headaches went away. The muscles pain is better some days than others and the lower back pain is quite a bit better, even without going to the chiropractor.

I can now say I am happy! I got my life back. It is not perfect by any means. Candida is still an issue and may always be. Both my husband and I are unemployed. Me, because of my health, and him because of the economy. His unemployment will run out in a few months and he will be 10 months away from drawing social security. Our central air may need to be replaced, car is 14 years old and continually needing repairs and the deer are eating way too much in our garden(not to mention my flowers). The bad list could go on an on. A year ago, all this things would have added to my discomfort. Now, I am able to go with the flow of things.

Hopefully, as my health improves, I will be able to find at least a part time job. Also hoping hubby will find one, too. I do think that fact that I have been unemployed for about five years because of my health, I am going to have a hard time finding a job. Hubby hasn't been hired. He has excellent qualifications and recommendations but feels his age is the obstacle. However, if neither of us find a job, I know we will make it. He has a small pension, we can live even cheaper if we have to, we have a big garden, we can keep the house warmer in summer and cooler in winter, etc. We will make it. I am a survivor!

[lucia]

A very Happy Birthday to You!!! You sound like you've really triumphed over your challenges. Thanks for being an inspiration to us all.

[Ahorsesoul]

Wishing you a very Happy Gluten Free Birthday that makes many happy memories!

[RoseTapper]

As they say, "When you have your health...."

Glad to hear that you're feeling better even though the economic outlook appears poor. If you have a computer, you might consider starting an Internet business, which is easier to do than one might think. I can recommend the book "Internet Riches" by Scott Fox. After I read it, I had more ideas than I knew what to do with....and am planning to start an Internet-based business soon. I could do it faster if I weren't working, so this may be something that might work for you while you both continue to look for work. Many businesses cost under $50 to start up on the Internet. Good luck to you both...and I'm so glad that you're feeling better!

[sandsurfgirl]

Happy birthday and happy gluten free healing to you!

[chasbari]

Happy Birthday to you! Strength for the journey friend. So much of your journey sounds so familiar and your determination to survive is inspiring. You gave us all a gift by sharing today. Thanks!

[Wolicki]

Happy Happy Happy Birthday Jackay! I am so glad for you. We all know what a blessing it is when someone says, "Well, you have your health!" I am so proud of you. You have come a long way!

Janie