LovingLife7

Hey everybody!

I am a newbie to gluten free life (i was diagnosed in january) and it has been rough so far. The longer I go, I get much more used to the foods I must eat and how to order when i am eating out. But one thing that I can NOT get past is all the uncomfortable, unwanted attention I always get when my friends or family and I go out to eat.

I have an amazingly supportive group of friends and family, but it just seems like every time we go out they are always so concerned with what I am going to eat and it always sparks a huge converstion and million questions about Celiac disease and eating gluten free. I absolutely LOVE that they care, trust me, but I hate feeling like Celiac is a part of me, something that we always talk about when my name is brought up.

I want to be normal, i want us to talk about regular things high school girls talk about when they go out, not gluten! I dont know how to tell them that I just do not want to talk about my problem when we are out trying to have a good time, without sounding like a total jerk. I wish it was never brought up anywhere, anytime I don't want Celiac to be who I am!

Any thoughts or support? I appreciate anything

Thank you!

-LovingLife7

After months of constant pain and unanswered questions I have to say I have bittersweet feelings about my celiac disease diagnosis which just happened on March 16th. Having to switch my way of life from the "stuff-your-face with gluten goodness" attitude to actually having to make a conscious decision about what I put in and even ON my body is nothing short of overwhelming. Is it normal to get all teary-eyed over a cupcake?

So making a 360 degree change in lifestyle I guess I am looking for any words of wisdom or tips & tricks of the trade...or anything at all. So far I haven't really found any community support groups or ways to link up with other young adults with celiac disease but if you know of anything in Tacoma Washington (or surrounding area) it would be much appreciated. its just nice to have someone to talk to that can level with you on having to make such drastic changes.

Whitney

hahasdfk@hotmail.com

Whitney,

Hi! I am in the same exact boat as you. I have gone years now with horrible stomach pain, nausea and unanswered questions and I live in Seattle . How old are you/what school do you go to? I am a senior in high school but i will be going to SPU next year. I just got diagnosed correctly (finally!) with Celiac in January, so I am new to this too. It is really hard the first few months but I have to admit that it is getting easier and is just so worth it to feel GOOD for once. I would love to help you out with the few tips I have(me being a newby still) and chat more. It will take you a while to get used to not eating gluten, and mostly the biggest challenge for me is staying away from hidden gluten in foods that you would never expect. Such as the grilled chicken from QFC that i used to always eat, they inject it with wheat! How weird is that? Anyways I look forward to hearing back from you, everything will feel better soon .

-Shannon