Update - not big news, but another month has passed

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Jun 16, 2011 8:29 pm

As I think through how the past month has gone, I'm posting almost a week later than I meant to - which is probably a good sign that I've been very busy and engaged with other things, including work, singing, and preparing for our travels. I guess gluten intolerance has gone from the central, astounding theme of most waking moments to a background awareness. PHEW!

I feel more relaxed and more vigilant at the same time, if you know what I mean. I'm not at all distressed that I cannot eat gluten; and I'm feeling no inclination to take a chance if I can avoid it. I think this is the right place to be - not fearful, but not foolish, either. I think, if anything, I'll continue getting stricter. There's no way to know what the consequences of getting glutened might be. Since I didn't even know I was (very!) gluten-intolerant for such a long time, because my symptoms weren't at fire-alarm level of loudness, I'm sure I could develop or exacerbate any number of gluten-related issues without realizing it. No thanks!

I have just started lifting weights a little bit, to accelerate regaining my strength (which really plummeted in that first month, with rapid weight loss and inactivity). My energy is mostly good, but not consistently great (and maybe that's unrealistic). I catch myself running up our stairs (3 flights, total of 39 steps... not an Olympic-caliber workout and I sure am feeling it when I reach the top floor, but it's nice to have some pep occasionally). I hadn't noticed any balance/coordination issues, until those things improved. I would bet that I have a ways to go. I also imagine that many people only discover their balance issues when they first have a fall, sometimes one with a serious consequence. So it's a relief to get that on my radar.

I'm still eating grain free, other than small amounts of rice pretty infrequently. I don't have much of a rationale for this choice, but it seems to be working. I may have dropped about a pound this past month, but no more - and I've also been much more active, so I think fluctuating by a pound or two at this time of year is nothing to worry about. I'm also avoiding legumes, though I plan to have green beans the instant I spot 'em in Paris. I attempted a couple of chickpeas while out with friends tonight - but since eating out is already a risky business, I had very few and am crossing my fingers.

For our trip, I'm packing almond butter and rice snaps, and am confident I'll be able to find plenty to eat in Paris. I have some GF travel info pulled together, and need to sift it more thoroughly (maybe on the plane - I am running out of time). I am comfortable with a week of pommes frites, wine and coffee, but hopeful for a tastier adventure. I had a friend check my revisions to a French chef card I found on a celiac travel site.

I'm feeling very lucky. When I got my Enterolab results, I was really stunned at the double DQ2 genes. I don't really understand why I seem to be doing as well as I am, in some ways. I am guessing that this is because my accumulated gluten effects, before this crisis in March, were not digestive, but in other systems. I only hope diet change is working for those things. And I'm also wondering whether the other shoe might drop, of multiple and confusing intolerances, since this seems to be connected to genetics. When we return from our trip, I'm going to restart the 'winning the poo' diary.

I wish I had more time to reflect this week (but then, this would be even longer and more rambling). I am so glad to be here, and so relieved to be progressing along with you all toward recovering health and delight in life. I wish you all the best, and thank you so much for being here on this journey,

Love,
Sara

iceburg · Post by **iceburg** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:07 am

Sara,
Hope you have a delightful trip. A change of environment sounds so refreshing, and exciting!

dgshelton · Post by **dgshelton** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:31 am

Sara - You have been such a great inspiration for me! You have handled this bowl of lemons that life has handed you and made the most delicious gluten free lemonade. LOL I am in awe of the graceful way you have accepted this challenge.

Although, I am going to miss you terribly (I hope you find some way to post once or twice while you are gone), I hope you have a wonderful trip! How could you not....it is PARIS! Maybe someone over there has learned to make gluten free flaky croissants! Mmmmm, wouldn't that be lovely!

You have become a dear friend to me, even though we haven't met face to face. I really enjoy reading your posts every morning. In fact, I'm sitting here enjoying my cuppa as I type. You always seem to know exactly what to say.

I hope you have lots of pictures to post when you get back!

Love,

Zizzle · Post by **Zizzle** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 12:38 pm

Sara,
Have a great time in my birthplace! (I was born in Courbevoie just outside Paris b/c the hospital was full and lived in Paris for 4 years that I don't remember). I don't know how you'll resist all the croissants and yummy bread and cheese!! But the haricot vert should be fabulous, along with lots of fresh produce this time of year, especially if you get out into the countryside.

Bon Voyage!

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:30 pm

Have a great trip, Sara! I look forward to reading about it when you return.

Gloria

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:47 am

Thank you all for those sweet wishes!

Carol, thanks - refreshing is a great word for it. I'm going to keep that in the front of my mind during the last-minute frenzy I always work myself up to before a trip!

Z, I will think of you - in fact, I'll make a point to think of you in some Paris-enjoying moment, not while I'm in a minor panic about avoiding butter. Maybe something about scenery, or dressing a little better than I usually do, or sipping wine.... We definitely plan to find a great market and appreciate whatever is ripe and beautiful at this time of year.

Gloria, I know you'll be enjoying your family while I'm enjoying mine - have a wonderful time.

Denise, I will miss you, too, and this whole family! I am betting that the coffee in France is excellent... and I'll be relying on that comforting thought, though we'll be "out of sync" for our morning cuppa because of the time difference ;)

Love,
Sara

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 3:43 pm

Sara, have a grand time. I'll be interested to hear how the "eating" goes.
Love, Deb

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Sun Jun 19, 2011 6:13 pm

Thanks, Deb! I will report back...

Have just let go of everything that won't get done... Ahhh.

Love,
Sara

ant · Post by **ant** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 4:04 am

Dear Sara

Have a wonderful time in Paris.... such a beautiful, romantic and art-filled city!

My grandparents eloped there from Australia and I spent a few bohemian months there between school and Uni (before "gap years" were invented

)

I am envious, but hope to enjoy vicariously when you report back.

Best ant

harma · Post by **harma** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 4:36 am

Sara are you going to Paris?? Wow!! Paris is great city been there several (not so surprising I think for NL). Of course see all the highlights, but also go to an area called Le Marais, it is my favourite part of Paris (yes as if I know Paris that well, really not an expert talking here), it's feels a bit like a village in a big city. Nice little shops, bookshops, restaurants, cafes and if you like art visit the Picasso Museum (also in Le Marais), it has a beautiful collection and it not too big (takes you about an hour), in the Louvre, you get lost it is soooo much there.

Also what really liked walking on long the Seine in evening, I mean the part where all the highlights are le Notre dame, the Louvre, it is so big, so overwhelming, so that big big big city I am in Paris feeling.

And for any advice on Gluten free France, ask gabes, she has survived there for three weeks I think.

Bon voyage!!!

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 6:16 am

Bon Voyage Sara!

Hope your trip is fab.

Love, Maggie

Martha · Post by **Martha** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:37 pm

Have a fabulous time in Paris, Sara!

Love,
Martha

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:51 pm

Sara, you have been such a fount of information and kindness to me since I joined the group last month. Paris is on my "bucket list" and I will think of you enjoying that beautiful city and its wonderful food, wine, coffee and art. I didn't know that you posted every day and I will look for you when you return.

I received my entero lab kit today and they are going to research their records looking for my late mother's results from many years ago. It will be interesting to compare our results.

I noticed there is at least one other "birder" in the group. I've been a birder for the past 40 years and find that birders are some of the kindest, most considerate people around, always willing to share their scope and their expertise. I'm going to have to add The Potty People to that group of kind, sharing people.

Bon voyage,
Sheila

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 4:54 am

Morning Sheila,

YEP - Me is the birder. Have been for over 40 years too and it is amazing how nice other birders out there are. Just made reservations for Chincoteage, VA - great migration route - for Thanksgiving and found out the woman who owns where we will be staying is a bird artist. Small world.

Dying to get to Florida and possibly next year for just a birding vacation. Will seek your advice before the trip for great birding areas that are not highly publicized.

Maggie

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:39 am

You are most welcome anytime you come down here to bird. The first time I went to the Everglades I thought I had died and gone to heaven. There is a small, very old book that lists where all of the hidden hot spots are located. I'm sure it's out of date but I'll check around to see if it has been revised in the past 30 years. The local birds have all moved around, too. Storks used to be hard to find in suburban areas and now I see them in roadside ditches. I belong to the Martin Audbon, receive their news letter about trips etc, but don't attend meetings. One of the very best trips I took was to Cape May years agoi when the National Audubon Soc. was holding their annual meeting. There were people with scopes on every street corner and experts were pointing out rarities that I would have never recognized.

My husband is retiring Sept 1 and I think I can talk him into taking some birding trips with me. He enjoys feeding the birds and other critters and is interested but is not a birder, per se. I will have to get this CC under control before I can plan trips anywhere. Up so many times last night I lost count. I am hoping to hear from my doc today about my request to switch from asacol to entocort.

BTW, the nature photographer, Clyde Butcher, has cabins in Corkscrew swamp that he rents out. That would be an interesting trip for both birds and orchids. The elusive ghost orchid blooms in Corkscrew.
Sheila