I'm A Longtime Lurker...

[horseshoe]

Hi everyone, I'm new here . I guess this is the obligatory "about me and how I quit gluten" post. (this might be a little bit of a long post, hehe...)

I'm self diagnosed gluten intolerant after having a horrible past year. I was starting to think I was a hypochondriac (which wouldn't surprise me because my grandmother is the queen of all hypochondriacs) but I was always seeming to be sick, tired, fog-brained, having sudden severe acne (at 24,c'mon!), joint pain, eczema, having migraines (I've always had them but they've been getting worse), sleeping excessively, lacking motivation, and losing weight (I'm not a person who should lose weight because I would cease to exist.)

The reason for my self diagnosis: I've recently moved and my GP is in another state far far away. I went to the medical clinic, saw a doctor, explained, and was told basically that I was depressed and to get over myself (when I suggested maybe gluten intolerance) and start exercising and eating right. I don't get angry all that often but I said some pretty nasty things to the doctor and left the clinic. You don't say those sorts of things to a patient, I don't care if it's in the spirit of tough love. Fitness and health are part of my career, and up until about six months ago, I was very active. My appetite declined a great deal the past year as well, but I still eat healthy, take my vitamins, and all that jazz. So lacking a doctor I decided that I might as well try to fix my problem and see where that takes me.

Pretty much the last couple of weeks (nearing month 1 of gluten-free) have been heaven in comparison to... well anything in recent memory. I've actually worked out when I've been to the gym, hurrah! And I'm eating more and am hungry, whereas before I just couldn't bring myself to eat very much because I knew I'd feel sick after and sleepy. I think my body knew that what I was eating was hurting me-- I haven't eaten bread since Thanksgiving, or pasta since my same grandmother's super lasagna around Christmas because bread type things sound extremely unappealing. Even now, when I'm feeling better, I still get nauseous walking through the bakery at the grocery store.

This site has been heaven sent and I've learned so much from lurking around, but I decided it was high time I introduced myself. It's nice to know that there are people who are supportive and going through the same things out there. It's a comforting thought when I'm sure I'm going to get the "you don't know what you're talking about, have some cake" treatment when I finally make my way back home. Though, my family should be used to it, they've been getting the "I'm a fitness instructor and a nutritionist, leave me alone, I will eat what I want to eat," spiel for a few years now...

And the end. Glad to be here, thanks for reading/listening/etc etc

[Jestgar]

...sure I'm going to get the "you don't know what you're talking about, have some cake" treatment when I finally make my way back home.

You have the perfect explanation...."I saw this new doc while in ____ and she made me realize I have a problem with gluten." You don't have to tell them that it was her lack of knowledge that helped you into this decision.

Welcome to the board.

[kareng]

Love what Jess said!

Hi Horseshoe! I had that strange feeling I was being watched.

[horseshoe]

Jestgar, what excellent advice! I hadn't even thought of it that way. Thank you.

And thank you also to Kareng .