<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Hi to all,

I am learning so much from all of you, and this is my first time addressing
the group.

I was diagnosed through blood last month, at my suggestion following my own
suspicions.  I am having the biopsy in two weeks.  I am sure it will be
positive as my IgA was 155, and 10 is normal.  At age 52, it looks as if I've
had it all my life, and now suddenly so much is so clear to me.  I can't
believe how much I've suffered needlessly for so very long.

My biggest problem right now is non-acceptance.  I am just so depressed at
all the changes I've already made, and more and more coming at me every day.
I've changed just about everything about my life, including my supplements
and cosmetics.  Along with the usual internal symptoms, I've been plagued
with atopic dermatitis on and off for years.  This is my single biggest
complaint.  That along with not wanting to become a burden to my friends and
family.  Can anyone help me with some suggestions so that I don't become this
victim with the funny disease which nobody believes exists:  "What do you
mean, you can't have bread--bread is life!!!"

What I really need is to know if anyone thinks I should get a good
nutritionist who is knowledgeable about Celiac.  I do have a good
gastroenterologist, but he is not great on nutrition.  I live in New York
City, so if anyone has any local suggestions I would greatly appreciate
hearing them.  Is there anything major I should know right now?  We have a
great local support group here which I plan to attend, but I guess what I'm
looking for right now is some contact.

Itching and Bitching in New York, I thank you all for listening.

Libby