6 months

I got diagnosed with Celiac Disease 6 months ago.  That was a hard day.  I can't believe I have made it half a year doing this gluten-free thing.  It has been frustrating, sad, and lonely, especially when I have to pass up on tasty food.  Kane's donuts anyone?  Wafer cake?  Kit-kats! Twix?! Ugh... it's rough.

Ok, pity party over.

Celiac has helped me try new things.  I now eat 2-3 veggies and 3-4 fruits everyday.  I snack on  peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.  I eat salad!  I eat watermelon, cherries, cantaloupe, apples, and more.  I am much more willing to try new foods and be open to new tastes.  It's been crazy around here.  

It has also made me feel a million times better.  I keep noticing changes in my body.  I sweat more, my hands and feet aren't dry and cracked, I don't feel sick and bloated after every meal, my nails aren't brittle, my stomach doesn't churn and ache, my eczema (which I've had since I was 14) is completely gone, I have more energy, and I'm not obsessed with chewing on ice - hooray for improved iron levels.  It has been quite the eye-opening experience.

Looking back it seems that I was operating in an almost malnourished state.  My body wasn't able to absorb the nutrients I needed.  The doctor said it would take about 6 months for my stomach to heal from all the damage gluten caused in my small intestine and I do feel like I have recently turned another corner.  I'm feeling better than ever these days.  It's crazy... I had no idea that I was sick.  Being healthy feels amazing.