Once again, thank you for your thoughtful, considerate comments.

Yes, I definitely attribute my sinus issues, on some level, to my Celiac disease. Like you indicated, it’s not easy to follow a strict gluten-free diet and I certainly make my share of mistakes. I’m constantly learning! Sometimes the hard way.

I also need to have my deviated septum corrected - which should significantly minimize the symptoms caused by sinus blockage. I keep putting it off b/c of my health insurance. I’m sure I’ll have to pay a large portion of that bill. Ugh.

Relaxation and meditation really help, too. If I am stressed, I find that my congestion worsens. Allergies are pretty bad out here in Oregon, so, I think it’s natural to react to the usual suspects - tree, plant, flower pollens, etc. Plus, Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, and your immune system is what sends antibodies to your sinsus areas whenver there’s an allergen, so, I can certainly see the correlation between the two.

Anyway, I am happy to hear you are finding significant improvement with cutting the gluten out of your diet. I really believe diet has so much to do with our overall health - including mental health.

I appreciate your thoughts on therapy. I have always tried to implement my own kind of self-therapy, but it can only go so far. I am still learning about my symptoms with Celiac disease and there are certainly a broad range of struggles. The emotional imbalance is a tough one, for sure. I experience depression and anxiety and often feel bad about it. I’m used to being upbeat, happy and balanced. These imbalances are so challenging and certainly affect my work and my relationships.

Ah, well. Such is life. We have to learn to create the balance as best we can and if we’re lucky, we know when it’s time to ask for some help when we really need it.

I just need a sense of community, I think, a support group - this would really help me to relate to others who share many of my symptoms and experiences - and I think that would be a kind of useful therapy, as well.

Again, I appreciate your kind words and thoughtfulness.

Blessings,
Leah

I don’t have the discipline to maintain a completely gluten free lifestyle, but I’m in much less pain now that I have restricted my intake. Since your body is, quite obviously, gluten sensitive, I wonder whether that might also be a factor in your sinus troubles/allergies.

And incidentally … there are very few people currently living on this earth who wouldn’t benefit from therapy. It’s too bad that there is still such a stigma attached to it … as if people seeking therapy are broken or have failed in some way. The truth is that people who seek therapy are the ones who are determined to succeed and lead fulfilling lives. Therapy is frightening, and it’s hard work; many people don’t have the courage or the internal ethics required to do it. Especially in this disconnected postmodern world, when mentors and teachers are not as common as they once were, the outside perspective and safe space of therapy are essential to personal progress. So … please don’t feel self-conscious about saying you think you’d benefit from it. That’s the most self-celebratory, affirming, and healthy conclusion you could possibly come to.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, for opening up and for reaching out!

I hope you all are managing your Celiac well and are finding bountiful ways to enjoy your gluten-free life!

Many blessings,
Leah

Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement!
It really means a lot to me.

I’m really coming to better understand my symptoms and realize it’s a life-long adjustment.

I benefit from support - and between this blog and reaching out to others with the disease in my area has proven to give me greater perprective and understanding.

It has also been a bonding point with my dad, who was diagnosed a couple of years before me.

I wish you the very best and hope you continue along a balanced, happy, healthy path.

Blessings,
Leah

I hope you start feeling better again. I’m sure you will. It can be a confusing and long process sometimes, but there are a lot of resources out there if you just look and ask.

Best of luck!
Karen