A Brave New Me

[GF Lover]

I am a chronically empathetic person and my heart goes out to everyone who is struggling. I am also an eternal optimist. When my rheumatologist suggested this diet for me, I immersed my self in research. I have read every Journal Of Gluten Sensitivity, every list of good food, bad food etc. I enlisted the help of a family friend who is a holistic health coach. I immediately went gluten free and started juicing shortly thereafter, I felt I needed the extra nutrition and it did get me thru my first few weeks when I was afraid to eat. I have never questioned my decision to go gluten free and embrace every piece of healthy food I eat. I have no desire to ever cheat as I know very well that I will double over in pain before I'm finished eating. I still have many physical, mental and neurological issues but having resolution in one area is a blessing. Other issues may resolve, maybe not, I don't see that as the point anymore. I am happier and healthier than I was before and that's good enough for me. I believe that many more people all over the world are much worse off than me and I feel pretty selfish thinking this may be a hardship. I hope everyone can bring some hope and peace to themselves just knowing you are moving forward with your health. Everyday I breath in the energy from the world and breath it out to offer it to someone else. Be well.

[sandsurfgirl]

It's a great feeling to know you are healing and getting well.

You may find that you have some emotional ups and down at times and we are here for you through all of it.

People are worse off than us, but heck lots of people are far better off too. It's all relative. We have to honor our own process and honor our grief when the grieving comes, honor the joy when the joy comes and seek out joy as much as possible.

Blessings on your gluten free journey.

[GF Lover]

Hi SandSurfGirl. Thank you for reading my post and seeing that it is very emotional. I am on an "up" and being bipolar means I'm way up. A "take away the credit cards and hide the car keys" kind of up. I have more energy than my body can handle and my brain has way too much going on. I know the down will come around and kick my arse. If I don't land in the hospital, I'm good. I have my own complaints, weaknesses and vulnerabilities but I do my best to stay positive so it might rub off on others. I hope when I'm low you will still reply, ill be the same person, just a different side. Be well.

[sandsurfgirl]

Being gluten free is going to help you a lot. So many celiacs suffer from neuro and psych issues. There have been some good studies on it. I had terrible anxiety due to gluten.

I have a close family member who is bipolar. It's hard to manage but not impossible. You have done something wonderful by going gluten free. She won't even get tested and I'm so certain she has celiac but there's nothing I can do. And you are totally aware of what state you are in. That is huge! Good for you.

Hang in there and keep posting. This board is a lifeline!

I come and go now depending on what's going on in my life. I wish I could post all the time but I get busy and disappear. Or I just get overwhelmed from all the sad stories and I need breaks.