Is Anyone Feeling Fine?!

[designerstubble]

Silly question maybe, but today i guess I'm looking for hope!

Is anyone (whether immediately after going gluten-free or even with additional health problems) feeling good? Feeling healthy? Feeling 'normal'?! Feeling happy?

Apart from the inconvenience of strictly avoiding gluten, is life good?

I'd love to hear anybody's story, I'd really appreciate it. I've had NO silly odd symptoms for TWO days and I'm very excited (saddo!)

[designerstubble]

Nobody feeling' fine then

[tarnalberry]

This isn't always a super busy board, and you only gave people six hours to respond. Especially during the work day, you might not get a lot of fast responses. And your post has to be seen by the moderators so others can see it too, which takes time.

That said, I'm feeling fine. I've been gluten free for... nine years? ten? (check my siggy) Dairy free for seven. I've dealt with other issues in the meantime (vulvar vestibulitis, chronic sacro-illiac instability, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, restless leg, dysthymia) but they had more to do with a high-stress job and other various things to work through rather than dietary issues. And they're controlled for me at this point. (I'd probably feel better if my 2.5yr would sleep through the night. Going on three years of sleep deprivation is getting rather old!)

[julissa]

I am new to this board, and relativey new to gluten-free. I have been battling nausea and dizziness for a long time, no doctors had a clue. I am only gluten-free for a month, but in that month, I have been feeling great, better than ever. there was only one time that I had a slight issue, and that was when I did some baking with flour. I didn't realize that would have an effect, I didn't eat any, but I was elbow deep in flour and it was all over my kitchen. live and learn..

[designerstubble]

Ah thanks guys...

Sorry yeah I know I wasn't being patient! I've been living on this forum lately so it felt like ages to me. I'm very pleased to hear that you are feeling good, one of you after 10 years and one after 1 month. That's fabulous! It seems that most people on here have other health issues to (mostly connected with celiac?) thanks for responding

[Celiac Mindwarp]

It all seems very variable, I have had a bit of a rollercoaster. What I do know is that I have had a couple of weeks when I have had more energy and focus than for year, and that apart from when I get glutened and feel like I have flu my 'normal' energy levels are way better.

I am down to about 1 migraine a month from 3 a week at worst, monthly symptoms that used to put me in bed for 2 days are now a few hours soreness. My moods are better and I only feel depressed when glutened. My plantar fasciitis is gone except when glutened.

I know what you mean about time flying on the forum. I am totally addicted . It is so good to finally find out what has been going on all these years and find other people who share my experience. With the best will in the world family and friends can only be enthusiastic about all the details for so many hours in the day!

[dilettantesteph]

Not only am I feeling fine, I am feeling wonderful. After being sick for most of my life, I am not sick anymore. Normal healthy people really don't appreciate their lives enough. All those normal, healthy people should be going around smiling all the time. It can take some time to figure out the right diet for you, and it takes some time to heal. You will get there.

[nvsmom]

My gastrointestinal symptoms and migraines are much much better! It was nice to get rid of that stuff... I didn't realize how often my gut and head hurt until it was gone! It's amazing what you get used to.

I do have a few other health issues that I'm working on sorting out so I'm not fine yet, but I'm working on it!

[Kamma]

I spent three years that started off with mostly feeling tired and progressed to gluten ataxia. The last year was mostly spent in bed or forcing myself to move. After a year of gluten free, I'm back doing yoga, walking, going to the gym and feeling solid. Occasional problems with balance. No longer have seizures. I'm looking forward to going back to working after not being able to for three years.

I have more sensitivities to msg (and all the 'natural' forms of msg) now and have to be super clean with my eating or I get nasty vertigo, migraine and upset stomach.

I'm happy to be alive and healthy.

[Chaff]

A friend with celiac went gluten-free a year or so ago when she was diagnosed, after constant painful stomach aches, and after a few months of eating gentle foods she feels great and can eat anything (gluten-free) that she wants. No problems, no lingering issues, no symptoms of anything else lurking. Just fine. It can happen.

[gatita]

Not only am I feeling fine, I am feeling wonderful. After being sick for most of my life, I am not sick anymore. Normal healthy people really don't appreciate their lives enough. All those normal, healthy people should be going around smiling all the time. It can take some time to figure out the right diet for you, and it takes some time to heal. You will get there.

Thank you for this post. It really gives me hope and makes ME smile, even if I'm not healthy yet.

[designerstubble]

I love hearing these stories did any one have lingering loose bowels? Nothing I eat seems to help. Am gluten free, dairy free, caffeine free, sugar free. And vegetarian. Ugh!

[dilettantesteph]

I definitely had problems with lingering loose bowels as well as a whole bunch of other symptoms. That is what I meant about it takes awhile to figure out the right diet and it takes time to heal.

What helps is to keep a food/symptom journal. Try to keep your diet very constant and then start a series of elimination/challenge diets. Try to only change one thing per week. It can take awhile for differences to show up. Once you find a group of foods that are safe for you, then only add one new item per week to determine whether or not that food is safe for you. Keep track of not only the foods, but their sources. For instance, I have problems with some brands of honey, but I can eat all I want of another brand.

It helps to go to a diet of produce and unprocessed meats only to start. Processed foods have a lot of different ingredients and a lot of different sources which complicate the process.

[love2travel]

No GI problems whatsoever with me so I am fine that way. However, my severe chronic back/hip/leg/calf pain has worsened lately - perhaps due to the cold -25F weather. No possible gluten ingested. But I choose not to focus on my pain which makes a gigantic difference. I used to allow it to control my life but now I do not. So, even though I am in constant pain, I can honestly tell people I am doing well because that is how I think. My coping skills have improved dramatically so in spite of pain most of my days are still good ones. A good day is when I am able to get groceries and cook a spectacular dinner and/or read a compelling book. My hobbies/interests are many which also helps.

Before you know it, your focus will not be on your health, either. It DOES get better and there is ALWAYS hope!