tiredofdoctors

I like that I know that I will no longer have any destruction of my brain. The damage that is done is done, but there will be no more! What makes me happiest is that they found out what was wrong, and that I will be around a LONG time and will be able to see my grandchildren -- whenever they get here!

oooooooo Shirley -- you committed the ultimate "wrong" -- you beat your husband at GOLF? From the stories I hear between my dad, my son and my brother-in-law (and of course, our entire family has a highly competitive nature!), he may not recover for DAYS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Had to laugh about the worms -- evidently, because we have new plant waste (thanks to yours truly and her Extreme Garden Makeovers!), we have a multitude of earthworms now. So, not only do I feed the birds in the Winter with seed, I feed them in the Spring with all the new worms! I think they love the Wagner house!

Shirley -- I think you're great!

and in half.

I KNEW you would have good ideas!!!!! Those are GREAT! I think that supplying everyone with all the things you mentioned is a fantastic idea . . . hadn't thought about Las Vegas, either . . you're right, the air fare is CHEAP! Not to mention that I've never been there . . . . . .

Thanks for your ideas -- like I said, I KNEW you would have good ones!

Hey -- my son wants that to happen! He asked me a few weeks ago (right before the post about trying to get together) if I would be upset if he tried to organize a get-together here for all my celiac friends on the board!!! He said that he would prepare all the meals -- he's a great cook -- and he's made himself SO informed on gluten-free cooking! He would love it and so would I! If you ever want to see the MD's here -- you always have a place to stay!

I was so proud . . . I finally just took it like a woman when I stumbled across a worm. Picked it up, moved it out of the way. Then, last night . . . . 1/2 a worm. Thought I was going to lose my lunch. Ugh

kabowman -- WELCOME TO THIS THREAD!!!!! I am so glad you're here! We have been having a lot of fun with it! Can you please give me information with regard as to how you made your tomato plant hangers? I have wanted to do that for a couple of years! Feel free to pass on any information your son gives you, too!

I hate to sound bad, but I'm really glad your worms died, too. I felt like such a failure! The websites make it sound like it's sooooooo easy. Not for me. I killed three different batches of the suckers! And they do stink -- really bad.

This was my first experience with planting fall bulbs. I have been like a little kid, truthfully. My DH just smiles because I get so excited! I definitely want more crocuses -- especially because the Da#$%ed squirrels and chipmunks got a bunch of them, evidently. Oh, on that note -- I found out why they love crocuses and tulips -- they're both related to the onion family. Am thinking about just putting some small onions out for them, but still am covering my garden with Cayenne pepper again this year.

Jen -- I think it's the Tanger factory outlet. It has Reebok, Liz Claiborne, Mikasa -- it's not very big -- not like the one at exit 76 close to Indy. I'd be willing to volunteer Dave to drive me up to Indy to go to your big outlet mall! He wants me to get out and see people -- it would be an easy sell! I'll mail the book to you if you want it before we can get together. I'm looking at it now . . . it's called "The Creative Container Gardener"

I think the hanger for your brother is a great idea. Acrylic is a pain in the butt, isn't it? I needed to make something out of plexiglass, and I tried to Dremel it. It melted, and melted plastic went EVERYWHERE. Not that it's going to help you now, but on your NEXT try, sometimes it's helpful to have a piece of strong cardstock (or fold it and put a credit card in the fold for strength) when you're applying the stickers. Start from the top or bottom (whichever is more comfortable for you), and use the cardstock at an angle, pushing forward, to incrementally adhere the stickers to the acrylic. You're more likely to avoid bubbles, because you're pushing the air away as you glide the cardstock forward. As far as for now -- I think you're doing the right thing. I'd just try to put pinholes in the rest of the small bubbles, then push down with my fingers. The seal-a-meal thing was a GREAT idea - I have one of those, and I wouldn't have thought about that. That was GOOD!

The foxgloves are cool, aren't they? I have been reading a book that I got in the "Irish" store at the Mall of America (both Dave and I have Irish roots -- I just found out that my great-grandmother's name was Anna Laura Connelly -- talk about Irish!) At any rate, it says that foxglove is noted for being a plant in which faeries live! This is about all the folklore -- did you know that Pagan, in its original form, meant "country dweller"?? I didn't. Anyway, the Pagans would put out favours for the faeries -- whiskey, or cream, or something to bring them good luck. It's a pretty interesting book.

I can't wait for the Plumeria to bloom. They came packaged as just a tall stick. You're supposed to plant the "flat" end (meaning "cut" end!) down and have some of the stick standing in the breeze! They're the flowers from which Hawaiian leis are made. Given our medical bills, it's the closest thing to Hawaii I'm going to see for LONG time!

I got a bunch of bulbs planted last night before I finally just pooped out. Dave ended up helping me get into the house, then, of course, lectured me for about 10 minutes. My defense is that I don't want to plant while he's at work -- what if I got stuck? Then he stops! So, when he comes home tonight, I'm back at it again!

I had to laugh -- when I was a kid, I was a girly-girly type, but frogs, worms, etc. didn't bother me. I was usually the one that was catching them, as well as praying mantis, grasshoppers, junebugs, etc. As an adult, I have turned into the biggest sissy. I used to squeal like a little girl when I'd come across a worm! I told my DH last night that I'm finally to the point that it doesn't bug me when I'm digging in the dirt and I stumble across a worm -- but it REALLY creeps me out when I stumble across 1/2 a worm. eeeeeewwwwww! He just laughed at me.

Talk to you guys soon . . . . . . Lynne

Viva la revolución!

I love it!! Guys, we have to do this -- let's get serious and start planning! This is a bunch of pro-active people, we can accomplish anything if we put our minds to it!!!!!

Guhlia -- you are a Gold Mine of talent! Let yourself go wild! I can get bags, T-shirts, whatever, pretty cheap here, I think. I haven't been in touch with my "contacts" for quite awhile -- almost 2 years, but maybe I can get re-established and get a good price! Also, my DH works with a guy whose wife does machine embroidery and is willing to give me a "good price" -- don't know what the "good price" is, but it doesn't hurt to find out!

I'd be willing to compile recipes forwarded to me, then print cookbooks. I'm home all day with NOTHING to do, so I'd jump at the chance to do something like that. I may even be able to get the printing donated through some contacts who owe me favors! (Again, the contacts are old, so they may have forgotten!)

Broncobux, I see you're on here right now . . . you ALWAYS have good ideas -- what do you think?????

I think that it so SAD. I am amazed the difficulty that appears to be across the country with regard to doctors and their knowledge or lack-thereof with regard to Celiac Disease. Certainly, Louisville, KY is not the mecca of medical knowledge, but even my NEUROLOGIST said, "you have Celiac Disease". We have one particular GI practice that has a "Celiac Specialist" within their ranks. I have spoken with him, he reviewed my biopsy slides one by one, and explained in amazing detail what happens at the cellular level in intestinal villi with Celiac.

My neuro has read Peter Green's book, and continues to call my dx Celiac -- at first, I kept saying, "I don't have Celiac. I only have elevated antigliadin antibodies." He finally said, "Celiac encompasses more than just enteropathy." Can't argue with that anymore!

Maybe y'all should just come down here for awhile -- I'll schedule your appointments, and my DH will drive you there! You can stay at the house (will give me a good reason to REALLY clean!) and you will definitely be fed gluten-free food in a 99.8% gluten-free house (my husband keeps frozen and/or canned stuff to eat just in case!)

That is so cute! You guys have little "helpers" to keep you gluten-free!! Thanks for great stories! Lynne

Okay, Shirley and Jen -- here's what I've planted now: Plumeria, Freesia, Asiatic Lilies, Sumatra Lilies, Calla Lilies, Foxglove and a Yellow Peony. Will keep you posted if the darned things grow! I do know that I have to take them up EVERY year, because they are for Zones 10-11 They didn't tell me that when I was watching QVC

I have learned so much from everyone on this forum -- and I am gluten-free because of it. I tried going gluten-free before I joined -- I had even dropped out -- but when I got involved, I finally had the resources to be gluten-free.

I have had more inspiration from the people on this forum, and have learned more about the strength of character that people with chronic illness have. I have also learned that, when the chips are down, people that you haven't met in person will be there to lift you up. Is that incredible, or what?

Karen, Armetta, DebMidge, Judy, Kati, JenVan, Richard, Vincent, Shirley, Rusla, ChelsE, Rachel -- you guys are just the best. I hope that I haven't left anyone out! If I have, can I chalk it up to brain fog??? (Seriously, they want me to be tested -- that's pretty scary!)

What I've learned the most, though, is that even though I have this disease, it doesn't have me. And I have all these great people to remind me of that. Boy, am I blessed.

Hold onto your hats! Here goes . . . .

I love that I have met some of the greatest people I know on this forum, and that they have become my friends.

I love that those friends are so supportive, so kind, so thoughtful, and that when they say they know what I'm going through, they REALLY know what I'm going through

I love my husband -- he is the most amazing man. He is the greatest.

I love my kids -- and my future son-in-law. They are loving, supportive (especially my son) and just as goofy as me.

I love my Mom & Dad -- they're just the greatest. I love it that they care enough about me to cry when they see me walk like I do.

I love my sister -- she knows me like no one else does. She also knows how to manipulate my kids better than anybody and she gets them to do the things I can't!!!!!!!

I love my brother-in-law -- when he, my husband, my son, my dad and now my future son-in-law get together, I laugh until my stomach hurts.

I love my nephews -- they are cute and funny and silly and SOOOOO loving.

I love the way my oldest nephew (age 10) gives hugs -- he gives full-out hugs that let you know he really loves you.

I love my grandmother -- she's 100 years old, and she still goes to the Bingo 3 nights a week, and goes to the gambling boat once a week and stays out until 4 or 5 in the morning!

I love my little Destiny -- she is the greatest little laid-back poodle!

I love our bigger dog Lucky -- he is REALLY protective of me.

I love my flower gardens. They are beautiful and have already started attracting the most beautiful butterflies.

I love that I have so much support navigating my new life.

I love that I can write about things that I love now. Thank you all.

Love, Lynne

Nisla, you're the best!!! . . . Lynne

I had hypothyroidism, including a goiter that grew inward vs outward. I had to have a barium swallow, then a video swallow. It showed that the muscles on the left side of my throat, up in the top, weren't working very well. It wasn't due to the thyroid, though, it was due to the neurological damage I had. I also had the red throat, hoarseness, etc. THAT was caused by Gastro Laryngeal Reflux -- I took Nexium for a month, stopped drinking soda, and I haven't been hoarse since. I would still look into the thyroid thing, though -- I had Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and a bunch of complications that are too boring to mention! Good luck to you, . . . . Lynne

If you're talking about the book by Peter Green -- it's a definite buy. A good read, too.

Armetta -- SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!! I had a patient who bought a CASE of the stuff -- it did NOTHING for her! I think it's just a lot of hype! P.S. I think you're great! Love, Lynne

I FORGOT to take pictures! I am so MAD at myself I love hydrangeas, too. I think they are beautiful. My mom had them at our house when I was little - blue and white ones. I can't wait to see this yellow peony tree. It should be pretty. I've never had a house that I could do this. When I was married before, we rented a house, so I couldn't really do much. I am having so much fun! It doesn't hurt that my DH is really supportive.

Jen, I have a pretty good book about Container Gardening -- if you want it, I'll send it to you . . . just e-mail me at bodyworxinc@hotmail.com or PM me. Talk to you soon . . . . . Lynne

Nisla -- THANK YOU for contacting all those people -- and for posting the responses! That's great -- we have an Aldi about 10 minutes from our house! This is REALLY good news! Thanks for posting guys -- you're the greatest . . . Lynne

If you're going to go gluten-free, this forum is the BEST place for advice, information and support. These people are amazing. You will get more good, solid information about a gluten-free lifestyle here than anywhere else, in my opinion. I have gotten more information and support -- I would stick with this. . . I'm not biased, huh? . . . Lynne

I've had this test done -- I think they called it a "protein electrophoresis" -- I'll have to look it up -- but I can't remember why (not surprising -- I can't remember ANYTHING anymore). I'll look it up and get back to you . . . . Lynne

Not to scare you, but I have had an "outrageously" elevated IgG (according to my neuro) -- when it got to 60, it had gone down -- and have also had an elevated IgA antigliadin antibodies. I do NOT have antitransglutaminase nor antiendomysial antibodies, and my small intestine biopsy was negative. The Celiac Disease (what my doctors are calling it) has affected the cerebellum of my brain and the retinas of my eyes. I have such an ataxic gait (walk like a drunk and fall) that I'm now in a wheelchair. I am COMPLETELY gluten-free in order to keep the disease from progressing. My IgG antigliadin is finally down to 12. My MD said that he can tell that I have HAD to be strict in order for the level to go down that much.

I'm not saying that this is going to happen to your children, but I would certainly watch the antibody levels. I would hate for this to happen to children. I'm having a hard time dealing with it at 44, I can't imagine it happening as a child.

Lynne! Good to see you're on!!! Are you back yet, or just visiting?

Is the computer still sick?

I'm ON!! I got my computer back . . . I'll tell you, I purchased an extended warranty from Toshiba rather than from the store -- I paid about another 30-50 dollars for the "deluxe" warranty! It all ended up being about $200. After owning this computer for three years, I got a new LCD screen, a new motherboard, and a new "case" -- the bottom part of the laptop, including a new mousepad & buttons and keyboard -- at no cost. Not bad, huh??? I'm now an advocate for purchasing your extended warranty from the COMPANY, not the store!

BTW: I just had the gene panel done; I had HLA DQ2 and DQ8 -- LabCorp, the laboratory that is most prevalent here, didn't have the ability to perform HLA DQ1. I also had the SpinoCerebellar Antibodies done -- but my co-pay is going to be at LEAST $1299. I told them to cancel it -- I didn't have that kind of money right now -- we know that I have ataxia -- I don't know that we need to know the EXACT type. (maybe, maybe not) I'll let you know how much they charge for the Celiac Genetic testing here . . . . .

That sounds great...maybe all our families could read it I haven't seen one locally yet, so if anyone reads it, let us know what you think. Maybe it's worth ordering.

Shirley -- that's GREAT! I think I'll buy about 20 copies! I can just keep them in the car, keep a couple in my wheelchair, and then whip one out when the situation arises! Unfortunately, given my family, I think I'd maybe need an actual CASE of them!