Is It Normal?

[AfterAll]

to have a hard time adjusting to having Celiacs on an emotional level? I feel like I am almost in mourning sometimes. I never got to say goodbye to my favorite foods before cutting them out forever. Don't get me wrong... I am living my life, and most of the time I am fine, but sometimes I just don't want to be "different"... I want to be me, just a version of me that is more like everyone else.

I hate that my dietary needs and restrictions are constantly a topic of conversation among friends, family, and coworkers; that I need to think and plan ahead no matter where I go or what I do; and that sometimes if I don't plan ahead, I end up eating nothing and pretending that I am fine with it.

[psawyer]

Yes, it is normal. Grief or mourning is a normal reaction to the diagnosis. You will move through the stages. You seem to currently be at the anger stage. You will reach acceptance and recovery. It will take time.

[GottaSki]

Welcome AfterAll!

Yes, what you are feeling is completely natural. It is important to give yourself time to adjust. Time does makes it easier - time allows those around us to adjust, eventually your diet will not be the focus of conversation - the amount of time differs for everyone. While checking every label never ends it does become second nature and far less time consuming.

Hang in there - we've all gone thru it so feel free to come here to vent, ask questions and find some helpful hints to shorten the duration of transition frustration!

[shadowicewolf]

Very, but you'll find replacements or gluten free items that you can eat.

[gfcolorado]

It's totally normal and it does get better. For me, the first year was really hard. I wanted to eat everything that I couldn't eat. And the first of everything is hard....first dinner party, first vacation, first Thanksgiving. But, it does get easier and I really feel fortunate that I can control my health through my diet. I have several friends with cancer and I look at what they have to go through. It also has made my life more interesting. I have tried restaurants that I never would have gone too and when I travel I get to see areas I would never have gone to because they have a #gluten-free restaurant.

Another important thing is to always have emergency food with you. And eat before you go to parties so you don't get sad when you can't eat anything...and then you are pleasantly surprised if you can.

It's an adjustment but it gets easier! Good luck!

[flowerqueen]

I agree, it's completely normal. Having said that, things do get better as you learn to adjust. I have adopted the 'attitude of gratitude' though, it makes me appreciate what I have got and not what I don't have. It's probably done me a favour, as I look very carefully at what I am eating now, and my diet has improved immensely - I didn't realise how much I'd let my diet 'slide' until I had to examine everything I ate. I eat food mainly prepared from scratch now and make healthful choices. Eleven months in and I still can't tolerate dairy and a lot of sugar but I'd much rather be healthy than indulgent, even if I have to remind myself of that fact It will get better with time.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

I am still doing anger and denial (though still gluten-free!!!) fairly regularly.

Seeing folks here who have got through it gives me hope though.

Good luck.

[AfterAll]

Thanks everyone! I wouldn't say that I am angry- anger is a strong word. I am just annoyed, haha.

I am also adjusting to people saying to me "My God, what DO YOU eat?"..."You mean you can't eat bread? I'd kill myself"... and the blank stare that ensues afterward when I am trying to contemplate what to say in response.

[GottaSki]

I am also adjusting to people saying to me "My God, what DO YOU eat?"..."You mean you can't eat bread? I'd kill myself"... and the blank stare that ensues afterward when I am trying to contemplate what to say in response.

The adjustment will come. Soon you'll your answers will roll off your tongue with a smile on your face.

"Well, I eat wonderful foods and have replaced bread quite nicely - I feel much better and know I can manage a serious health condition with the food I eat rather than with harsh medications - I feel lucky, not punished - there really is no reason to feel sorry for me, but I do appreciate your concern"

edited to add - yes I actually say things like this all the time - but it didn't come easy, naturally or quickly - it all took time.