Too Much At Once!

[Emma-Lee]

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease about 3 weeks ago. I immediately changed my diet and put a lot of energy into researching the disease so I would feel better about it. I also found this network and I believe it has really helped me feel connected! My husband even has really encouraged and supported me with this! I was amazed at how well I was taking it.

However, I have been feeling WAY overwhelmed these last couple days. I found out within this last week I also have Vit D deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Ok, no Big-E right? It's related to Celiac....

4 months ago I was diagnosed with psoriasis. I started taking a GREAT supplement that literally cleared it! However, I stopped taking my internal skin supplement 3 weeks ago as a precautionary measure because I thought it had gluten in it (it has organic grain alcohol in it). So my skin iss horrible. Luckily I restarted my supplement 2 days ago, after I read that there is no Gluten in grain alcohol. My skin is so yucky, I know I have to now wait until it will clear again.

My body is also still adjusting to my diet. Still gassy at night. My legs and toes still cramp a bit, but I know it takes time!

Un-related to Celiac: Yesterday I found out I have "Blepharitis" (eye condition), a bladder infection, and the early stages of carpel tunnel.

I am only 28. 6 months ago I was ok, and now I am realizing how many issues I have to manage. I want to cry!

On top of my feelings I am going to my good friends birthday today. I have not even told her about ANY of this, including my Celiac disease. This is my 1st birthday since all this happened. Surely I can't eat most of what will be served. No cake for me. I could call her, but it's HER birthday, I don't want to ask for any special treatment. I guess I will pack my own food.

I just want to scream?

[Jenn624]

Screaming is a good place to start, because I understand how overwhelmed you are.

My first piece of advice is to make sure you are taking a gluten-free vitamin supplement. One that is high in Vitamin D3. I am also Vitamin D deficient, so I have to make sure to take it every single day.

Second, I have found it is so much easier to just tell everyone about it. It has been a really good experience. I have had 4 people come to me and tell me they think they are too or ask for advice on things to eat. Since Celiac is a better known disease today than it was 10 years ago, most people have at least heard of it.

I don't feel bad packing my own food. My motto is that if I didn't make it and I can't read a label for it, I can't have it. It's what I taught my son when he was little with his peanut allergy and it always worked. He was reading labels when he was 6!

Third, remember this is a process. Inevitably you will get accidentally glutened. That will be a good indicator on how you body handles it.

I bet your psoriasis gets better after time on the gluten-free diet. At least I hope it does!!!

Hang in there! This is a great place and there are lots of experienced people here to help you. I just went gluten free 3 months ago, and it's been lifechanging in a very good way!!!

Jenn

[ravenwoodglass]

It is a awful lot to deal with at first. A bit of grief is normal and if you feel like crying then cry. It is better to let it out than keep it in.

I was getting a lot of toe cramps also and they about drove me nuts. It seemed they would come every night when I would lay down. I started taking a calcium and magnesium supplement and it made a real difference pretty quickly. The tingling you are feeling may not be carpal tunnel it may be that your body isn't utilizing B12. Get some sublingula B12 tablets and take it daily and hopefully that will help. The dose will seem to be high but your body will simply excrete what you can't use.

Go to the party but eat first. Maybe bring a safe snack with you so the cake isn't too tempting. If it is a big party and you don't want to draw attention by not taking a piece of cake take it and then set it down and chances are noone will notice. Enjoy the company rather than focusing on the food.

If you really feel it will be too much then call and just say your not feeling well and give your best wishes and a promise of a day soon that just the two of you can get together and celebrate with a shopping trip or a movie.

[Emma-Lee]

thank you so Much for the advice! I really needed some encouragement. SERIOUSLY, thank you. I will check out what you have suggested.

[Diane-in-FL]

"My motto is that if I didn't make it and I can't read a label for it, I can't have it."

Jenn......I really like this motto!

[mamaw]

You are doing well for the short time you have been gluten-free. It's odd to find out we all thought nothing was wrong with us & then something happens & our bodies go haywire ..It's almost like the devil was waiting to snatch us up & make us miserable!

You are thinking ahead by taking you own gluten-free food to a party , work, trip just anywhere. I always have a protein bar in my purse & a bag of gluten-free food in my car at all times.This way you never feel empty, you control the situation..... Too bad you didn't have time to bake yourself a cake. I make cupcakes & freeze them so when I get invited I can pull one out...it's always nice to have pre-packaged gluten-free as well when there's no time to repair yourself.

As your body heals you will become in tune with your body & things may crop up that you thought never bothered you -- its just maybe you never heard your body or understanding it was trying to alert you to certain issues.

From another site I have been reading where the thyroid can play havoc with all parts of our being ie; pain, fibromyglia, eye problems, & so on. My dad was 90%covered with psorasis back in the 80's, he spent three months in a hospital. I know your pain & disgust.I can say gluten-free will help that issue as well but of course its autoimmune so it againi like celiac will never go away. BUt glad you can control it . I guess that it, we take control over our issues & we win....put up a good fight.....

Give youeself a hug , you are doing well...

blessings

mamaw

[Emma-Lee]

You are doing well for the short time you have been gluten-free. It's odd to find out we all thought nothing was wrong with us & then something happens & our bodies go haywire ..It's almost like the devil was waiting to snatch us up & make us miserable!

You are thinking ahead by taking you own gluten-free food to a party , work, trip just anywhere. I always have a protein bar in my purse & a bag of gluten-free food in my car at all times.This way you never feel empty, you control the situation..... Too bad you didn't have time to bake yourself a cake. I make cupcakes & freeze them so when I get invited I can pull one out...it's always nice to have pre-packaged gluten-free as well when there's no time to repair yourself.

As your body heals you will become in tune with your body & things may crop up that you thought never bothered you -- its just maybe you never heard your body or understanding it was trying to alert you to certain issues.

From another site I have been reading where the thyroid can play havoc with all parts of our being ie; pain, fibromyglia, eye problems, & so on. My dad was 90%covered with psorasis back in the 80's, he spent three months in a hospital. I know your pain & disgust.I can say gluten-free will help that issue as well but of course its autoimmune so it againi like celiac will never go away. BUt glad you can control it . I guess that it, we take control over our issues & we win....put up a good fight.....

Give youeself a hug , you are doing well...

blessings

mamaw

I believe this is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you!!! I like the idea of freezing cupcakes in advance. Also keeping gluten free snack bag in your car!!! I'm feeling more positive already

[mushroom]

It really is overwhelming, the things that gluten can do to our bodies! And we have been unaware for so long sometimes of the things themselves, but certainly of why they are happening. Don't feel bad that it has suddenly "got" to you , it has happened to all of us somewhere along the way, where we just say No, this too much, I can't do this, and want to kick the wall Do it if you want (but it does hurt the toes

I have found that the right dose of magnesium is really important for cramps. If I don't continue taking 1000 mg a day they come back. Your mileage may vary. I can't seem to build up any magnesium stores in my body. I would be very interested in what supplement you take for your psoriasis - I am currently being plagued (plaqued ) by it again and none of my lotions and potions, ointments and creams seem to budge it.

You have been given good tips on how to manage your food problems. The gluten free goodie bag in the car is an essential (of course my purse is a bottomless pit of gluten free too). Hang in there and you will learn to handle it with aplomb.

[Jenn624]

I agree about the thyroid. It made me have carpal tunnel like symptoms and I went through the painful testing just to find out it wasn't that. My thyroid and I are on relatively good terms now. I understand it and know when it is to blame for the way I feel!

If you haven't had yours checked, I suggest you do. Also know that even though the "normal" TSH levels go up to 5.5, most people feel best under 2.

Good Luck!

Jenn

[Jenn624]

"My motto is that if I didn't make it and I can't read a label for it, I can't have it."

Jenn......I really like this motto!

Thanks! It isn't easy, but after the chicken salad incident from last week, I am strictly living by it!

[mamaw]

Emma-Lee

You are very welcome. ......don't forget to hug yourself!

mamaw

[Emma-Lee]

It really is overwhelming, the things that gluten can do to our bodies! And we have been unaware for so long sometimes of the things themselves, but certainly of why they are happening. Don't feel bad that it has suddenly "got" to you , it has happened to all of us somewhere along the way, where we just say No, this too much, I can't do this, and want to kick the wall Do it if you want (but it does hurt the toes

I have found that the right dose of magnesium is really important for cramps. If I don't continue taking 1000 mg a day they come back. Your mileage may vary. I can't seem to build up any magnesium stores in my body. I would be very interested in what supplement you take for your psoriasis - I am currently being plagued (plaqued ) by it again and none of my lotions and potions, ointments and creams seem to budge it.

You have been given good tips on how to manage your food problems. The gluten free goodie bag in the car is an essential (of course my purse is a bottomless pit of gluten free too). Hang in there and you will learn to handle it with aplomb.

Thank you for the encouragement & humor- hahaha kicking the wall, yes seems painful . I do appreciate the feedback. I have been so positive about all this, but I know I will have days like this. Oh yes, so my psoriasis is managed fairly well by my internal supplement called "Dermal Health" by herb pharm. It is a liquid and organic, plus gluten free!! It has a yellow label in a brown glass dropper. I use 30 drops once a day with a little bit of water. However, it says take 3 times a day...I do more when I need to. It is kinda expensive, so I do it once only if I can help it. You can save $ by getting the larger size (4 fluid ounces) about 48 bucks....instead of 1 ounce for 13 bucks. You can order this online or get it at herb stores. Hope this helps!!

[Emma-Lee]

I agree about the thyroid. It made me have carpal tunnel like symptoms and I went through the painful testing just to find out it wasn't that. My thyroid and I are on relatively good terms now. I understand it and know when it is to blame for the way I feel!

If you haven't had yours checked, I suggest you do. Also know that even though the "normal" TSH levels go up to 5.5, most people feel best under 2.

Good Luck!

Jenn

thank you I will get this checked ASAP!