Yes you can do this. There is always reason to hope. You have not been diagnosed with anything terminal, and now that you know about the Celiac disease, you can even reduce your chance of getting lymphoma with the gluten-free diet. You may be going through some stuff related to being new to a Celiac diagnosis and gluten-free eating (gluten detoxing), in addition to the herxing and detoxing from Lyme & Babs treatment. Yes, it can be overwhelming, that's why its so good that you came here to look for support. Some things that can help (just try one thing at a time, don't try to do all of this at once):
* Find something you can do to distract yourself from "down" thoughts - like reading joke/comic books, watching comedy tv/movies, etc. I like to watch the Tonight Show monologues and headlines (can be viewed online at MSN's website at your convenience). Laughter is a great way to lift your spirits - it produces natural endorphins, which can help with pain relief and they also have antidepressive qualities.
* Make an appointment with a counselor. It is not a sign of weakness to acknowledge that you need help - it is a sign of wisdom.
* Try to do something fun at least once in a while (once a week would be great but do what you can) - hopefully with close friends or family. Can be something simple like just inviting them over for a game, or movie, or just to chat, or help you experiment with gluten-free recipes.
* Gentle exercise can help too - some find great help from things like stretching, or yoga, or tai chi, etc. (do this to tolerance, don't overdo) And if you can do aerobic exercise, that is great because it will help you heal - but don't overdo it.
* Keep coming here to HW - this is a great support group.
* Schedule time (preferrably daily) just for yourself, to take care of you. Doesn't have to be anything long (5 minutes is fine if that's all you have). Whether it is time for a nap, a shower/bath soak, an appointment to get a facial or a manicure, time for prayer or meditation, whatever - just find something that gives you a chance to reconnect with who you are and restore your sense of balance within yourself.
Here's a funny to get you started ;)
Did you hear about the two ultra competative building contractors? Word is they like to have stairing contests.
I hope this helps...take care,
-Razzle
Chronic Lyme Disease, Gluten & Sulfite Sensitivity, Many Food/Inhalant/Medication Allergies & Intolerances, Asthma, Gut issues (dysmotility, non-specific inflammation), UCTD ("Secondary Lupus-Like Syndrome"), Osteoporosis, Anemia, Lymphopenia, intermittant Pancytopenia, chronic malabsorption/malnutrition, etc.; G-J Tube; Currently TPN-dependent.
Meds: Zofran, Pulmicort, Vitamin B12 Shots, Heparin (to flush PICC line).