So Many Newbies Have Joined Us

[tarnalberry]

I know there has been once or twice where I was the first poster on a newbie thread from hours ago when I hoped that someone like tarnelberry or gfp (or the many, many other practical, logical, lovely people here ) was going to post with some practical and/or scientific perspective to balance out my me-too, you-poor-thing, let-me-give-you-a-hug post. Because JUST that isn't very helpful without a group of replies from the whole spectrum of our experiences and perspectives.

lol you made me feel better about my posts. I'm always waiting for you guys, because I just cannot do the "aw... I'm sorry you feel bad... here, let's be supportive and have a big e-group-hug" thing. (And it really seems like, especially the first couple of frantic posts, that's what the newbies need the most, the reassurance that it's going to be ok, regardless of the specifics.)

[aikiducky]

I'm glad there are people who take the time to post a "welcome" and a "don't worry, it'll get better" as well!

I often forget, and just jump right in with a piece of advice...all in all, it's good we do have all our different personalities posting here.

Pauliina

[Guest cassidy]

It takes all kinds of people to make this place great. Sometimes we need scientific help and sometimes we need hugs and you can usually get both here.

I always look at new posts and if I don't feel like looking at a question I check to see how many answers it has. If other people have responded, then I may skip it, but if no one has responded then I always try to see if it is something I can comment on.

I'm definitely in the camp of still learning some things but I have done a lot of research and always try to make sure that anything I claim as a fact, is truely a verified fact. I would feel terrible if I gave someone bad advice and they got sick and I think most people feel that way.

I also search the archives if I have a question because a lot of times it has been answered and I have saved myself some time waiting for responses.

I like the signatures. Some times I read them and it adds context to the posts. I love the pictures. I think that also adds context and makes us seem human and not just like computers.

Thanks for all the help everyone has given me and I hope that I have helped some people as well.

[wildkat]

Hi all,

I also am very new. Since last night to be exact. I have been reading some of the posts and hope to find some help before my weight lands me in the hospital again. Keep up the posting. For some of us it seams like a last resort. Thank you.

[Mtndog]

Hi all,

I also am very new. Since last night to be exact. I have been reading some of the posts and hope to find some help before my weight lands me in the hospital again. Keep up the posting. For some of us it seams like a last resort. Thank you.

Hi Wildkat- (Great name by the way). Welcome! You will find more info and help on this site. People here are warm, accepting and willing to answer questins.

What's going on with your weight? Can you keep anything down/in?

[Budew]

This thread made me cry.

I am a newbie.

I felt so welcome before this string made it seem like dinosaurs are annoyed by newbies.

I'll keep my mouth shut from now on. This shook my confidence.

I no longer feel free to ask for fear I should have found the answer in the archives and will irritate a dinosaur.

And I feel like I shouldn't comment because my comments are based on my experiences and may not be medically sound.

Guess I'll just read from now on.

Any advice where I can find a forum for newbies?

[jerseyangel]

This thread made me cry.

I am a newbie.

I felt so welcome before this string made it seem like dinosaurs are annoyed by newbies.

I'll keep my mouth shut from now on. This shook my confidence.

I no longer feel free to ask for fear I should have found the answer in the archives and will irritate a dinosaur.

And I feel like I shouldn't comment because my comments are based on my experiences and may not be medically sound.

Guess I'll just read from now on.

Any advice where I can find a forum for newbies?

This is what I was afraid of--

Attention all newbies (and everyone else )--please do not let the words of someone, very possibly a troll, who has very few posts, and has not come back to discuss the effect her words had on people, keep you from posting or asking questions!

There are so many kind, knowledgeable people here who are more than happy to address your concerns. I love what Tiffany said about hugs and practical information--we have it all! If you read through the archives, you'll see that the negative posts, like the one in question, are few and far between. Actually, not too different from "real life". I think we all have come in contact with people that rub us the wrong way, or we are offended by in some way.

The best thing to do is what was already pointed out--either ignore such posts, or report them. Anyone can report a post that they they find objectionable. Everyone's feelings are valid here, no matter how long you've been a member.

The best forum for newbies? All of them! There is so much information to be had here--it makes me sad to think that even one person would feel so put off that they refrained from being an active participant.

Lisa, bless her heart, started this thread in support of the newbies--gently reminding us of how we all felt at some point. Lets continue on with that thought in mind.

[wildkat]

Hi Wildkat- (Great name by the way). Welcome! You will find more info and help on this site. People here are warm, accepting and willing to answer questins.

What's going on with your weight? Can you keep anything down/in?

Hi,

I am 5'2" at 95 lbs, 49 yrs. old and going thru the change (just naturally no pills). I can eat up a storm but it goes right thru. I've gone to Doctors who have put me on thyroid tablets for 10 years without results, and pills for IBS and acid reflux pills - all without results. I was even sent to a psychologist who said he didn't see any problem. I quit taking all the pills. Rashs on my elbows and my legs since I was little. Headaches and vomiting. I quit eating wheat/gluten about 1 year and a half ago as a last resort when I hit 82 lbs. It is a struggle to keep any weight on. The rashes have cleared. I just can't get anything to stay with me. I finally signed up here after reading alot of the threads and good info.

Thank you for replying,

Kathy

[Canadian Karen]

I agree. Lisa's intentions for this thread was twofold. Make the newbies feel welcome and comfortable enough to post their feelings, questions, concerns and worries. Secondly, to bring us dinasaurs back to the day of when we first got the diagnosis and the feelings of anger, frustration, relief, hopelessness we felt at the beginning.

There are many factors that determine who posts and how often:

1) The day of the week. Lots of times, the weekend is pretty slow here and alot of "newbie" posts will be answered once the vets come back on line on Monday. Lots of people access this forum through work.

2) People work full time. Some of us are on disability, therefore can post more often and keep on top of the newbie threads, but even of those of us who are home, we sometimes have "other stuff" happening LOL! i.e. twin 5 yr old boys who are at this moment battling over a fire truck!!! LOL!

3) There are many, many people who, for whatever reason, want to post but just haven't gotten up the nerve to yet..... and to those people, I just want to say: "Hey guys! Jump right in! We have lots of fun here, really!!!! You'll love us!!"

Budew, for every person who posts "check the archives first" there are 100 of us who don't mind answering your questions, regardless of how many times they have been asked before, so please, I really hope that this thread has not changed your mind on posting and that I have put your mind at ease that really, most of us dinasaurs, are there for you. That is why one of the first things I ALWAYS post to newbies is that there is no such thing as a stupid question on this forum.

One thing to keep in mind. We can remember back when we first started on this road to recovery. It can be soooo overwhelming and time-consuming that sometimes you just need to post a quick "Is this gluten-free and okay for me to have" without wasting 1/2 hour trying to access the archives to find out the answer. You will find once you are more familiar with the board and your comfort level has increased, then you will begin more and more to find the answers yourself and get a great sense of pride in being able to do that too! But until that happens, we will ALWAYS be willing to be there with any answers we can give you in a speedy manner, as much as possible, for as long as you need.......

Hugs to all!

Karen

[Budew]

I'll try to put this in perspective. It is just that this place seemed to be the one place I could speak without criticism. Seems like whenever I seek help, the responses are negative." You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Everyone deals with that problem. Buck up and cope. Stop exaggerating. If you really are following the diet you wouldn't have any problems, other people get well. You must be making yourself sick. You just need to be gluten free."

Example: I vomited everyday for 20 years. After going gluten-free I vomited more not less. Nobody believed me except my spouse who witnessed the misery. After 2 years of vomiting 5-15 hours a day, I figured out iodine was causing the problem. Even now that I found the source of the problem, my doctor doesn't believe iodine to be a problem. Because of that he has not been helpful in finding a multi vitamin without iodine, and blames me for not getting better because I am not taking a multi vitamin as he advised.

I just don't have the capacity to deal with any more criticism now.

[Canadian Karen]

Want to send you HUGE HUGS!!!! Believe me, I know the frustration of not only dealing with a chronic illness on a daily basis, but the frustration level of searching for years and years for your own answers.....

I had to learn the hard way that there is no possible way in a public forum such as this, could we possibly control if someone decides to post something negative or anything less than totally supportive thread. That will happen in a totally open and public internet forum, no matter medical or social or whatever type of forum it might be. It happens everywhere, unfortunately..... I have however learned to just "gloss over" and ignore those ones since there is nothing I can do about them..... Focus on the positive, ignore the negative. You will get soooo much more from this forum that way....

Hugs!

Karen

[tarnalberry]

I'll try to put this in perspective. It is just that this place seemed to be the one place I could speak without criticism. Seems like whenever I seek help, the responses are negative." You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Everyone deals with that problem. Buck up and cope. Stop exaggerating. If you really are following the diet you wouldn't have any problems, other people get well. You must be making yourself sick. You just need to be gluten free."

The trouble is, it's most effective to look for the most likely answer. And, the most likely answer for a celiac who's still sick is hidden gluten. Of course, that doesn't help those celiacs out there for whom that answer isn't true.

"Most likely != always true"

Doctors don't always remember that, however, in their busy practices.

[dlp252]

I'll try to put this in perspective. It is just that this place seemed to be the one place I could speak without criticism. Seems like whenever I seek help, the responses are negative." You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Everyone deals with that problem. Buck up and cope. Stop exaggerating. If you really are following the diet you wouldn't have any problems, other people get well. You must be making yourself sick. You just need to be gluten free."

This just broke my heart! I am so sorry! I don't offer a lot of advice because frankly, I can't remember half of what I've learned here, so from time to time I just reply to post with the hug offering thing...this is one of those times. I don't have an explanation as to why this happens, but just offering you compassion because I've been in your situation! I can't tell you how many times I've heard the "well, you ARE getting older now" thing in response to some of my issues...I've never heard that here fortunately. Please continue to post!

[Shalia]

Looks like a case of the poster trying to start an argument or debate.

Kassi is one of my best internet friends ever.

I told her to come here.

She's been disappointed.

But she rarely tries to start arguments, she just always has the guts to tell it like it is (to her).

Shalia

(Also doesn't much care for the sigs, doesn't believe in sleepy body parts, prefers science, and thinks this board tends to be cliquish, but reads here because she hopes some day she can be part of the "cool crowd".)

[Mtndog]

This thread made me cry.

I am a newbie.

I felt so welcome before this string made it seem like dinosaurs are annoyed by newbies.

I'll keep my mouth shut from now on. This shook my confidence.

I no longer feel free to ask for fear I should have found the answer in the archives and will irritate a dinosaur.

And I feel like I shouldn't comment because my comments are based on my experiences and may not be medically sound.

Guess I'll just read from now on.

Any advice where I can find a forum for newbies?

No no no don't go away! There are so many people who DO care here!

The only person annoyed by a newbie may have been a veteran celiac, but not someone who was on this board very long. Forget that post!

Your comments based on experience are what matters! What works for one person may make another person violently ill.

Budew- I swear to you that you may encounter some punks on this board, but most of us are pretty darn nice and DO care.

PS I'm a vomiter too..... have some ideas on that one if you want to PM me.

[mouse]

Budew, have you posted the question about iodine on the "OMG thread" as it has evolved into a lot of technical stuff and not just dairy. Someone might be able to help you find answers there. I would also PM Mtndog as she is an intelligent, caring person. I hope you find some answers soon.

So, keep hunting for answers as MANY on here have found their answers to better health.

[GFBetsy]

Bud -

Just wanted to add that when I post a link to a previous thread, I'm not doing it out of irritation . . . it's more that I want to make sure that the poster doesn't miss some good information that I knew was submitted before. That's because the same information doesn't always surface. For example, there was a "What's your favorite soup" thread posted in the last 3 days. I added a link to another "what's your favorite soup" thread because I wanted the poster to be able to find the other recipes that had already been posted. I was also glad to see that a lot of other soup recipes were also added to the thread, because, hey! the more, the merrier!

I think the same goes for the information on how to use the "within site" search feature. I was using this site for months before I became aware of that feature. I think that most people who post information on how to use the search feature are trying to give a boost, not display irritation. It certainly makes it easier to find old posts!

Anyway, I just wanted to say that very few people are irritated, even when they are answering questions that have been asked frequently. We know that people only ask the questions because they need to know. Sometimes, though, I begin to feel like a broken record, and I worry that people reading my posts are going to be irritated by the fact that I'm saying the same thing AGAIN! So sometimes I don't post because I'm afraid that my information is just redundant. Does that make sense?

Anyway, keep asking questions! You aren't the only new person on the board, and I can guarantee that there are other people who want to know the same information and are grateful that you had the courage to ask!

[AndreaB]

This thread made me cry.

I am a newbie.

I felt so welcome before this string made it seem like dinosaurs are annoyed by newbies.

I'll keep my mouth shut from now on. This shook my confidence.

I no longer feel free to ask for fear I should have found the answer in the archives and will irritate a dinosaur.

And I feel like I shouldn't comment because my comments are based on my experiences and may not be medically sound.

Guess I'll just read from now on.

Any advice where I can find a forum for newbies?

Dinosaurs aren't annoyed by newbies. I'm not a dinosaur but have read a lot on here and jump into many threads. Sometimes it's just for a hug because I haven't a clue, other times I can rely what I have learned on this site.

Please don't keep you mouth shut. What you have to say is just as important as anyone else.

As far as questions asked before, depends on your situation and whether you have the time and energy to try and go through a search. Most topics have to do with your personal situation and certainly need to be asked. I have answered countless questions on enterolab and always look for posts on that topic as I like to see what people's numbers were and always encourage them to post results when they get them. I also try to jump in the kids area but don't have much experience there.

I like how Nantzie put it. I jump in with a hug and wait for someone more experienced to contribute. Also, as has been noted, the weekends are usually pretty slow. I've found that most times Tues-Thur are the busiest for some reason, but all days can be.

BTW, comments on your experience are important. Most info I give is based on experience or what I've read here. We are all learning all the time and sometimes what we say may make a difference. Please continue to share.

Just wanted to add that when I post a link to a previous thread, I'm not doing it out of irritation . . . it's more that I want to make sure that the poster doesn't miss some good information that I knew was submitted before. That's because the same information doesn't always surface.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that very few people are irritated, even when they are answering questions that have been asked frequently. We know that people only ask the questions because they need to know. Sometimes, though, I begin to feel like a broken record, and I worry that people reading my posts are going to be irritated by the fact that I'm saying the same thing AGAIN! So sometimes I don't post because I'm afraid that my information is just redundant. Does that make sense?

I agree 100% with your first comment. I like it when people have answered some questions I had by posting a link to another thread. Some posters aren't here anymore and you can always learn something.....unless it's an outdated products list.

I don't get irritated. I've answered basically the same thing sometimes up to 5x just in a night. The thing is, everyone has a little different question or situation.

There are times I don't have time to spend answering questions and times I had lots of time, so that makes a difference in my posts too.

[Budew]

I totally appreciate all of the responses.

As a newbie I feel a responsibility to share the burden of repeated questions.

I hope you don't burn yourself out trying to help everyone.

When you feel like your repeating yourself, take a break, with so many wonderful people here, I or someone else will pick up the slack.

I appreciate the referral to OMG for iodine info. I feel like it is one problem I actually have solved.

Steady thyroid tests and the fact that the vomiting stopped convinced me I was on to something.

[bluejeangirl]

I totally appreciate all of the responses.

As a newbie I feel a responsibility to share the burden of repeated questions.

I hope you don't burn yourself out trying to help everyone.

When you feel like your repeating yourself, take a break, with so many wonderful people here, I or someone else will pick up the slack.

I appreciate the referral to OMG for iodine info. I feel like it is one problem I actually have solved.

Steady thyroid tests and the fact that the vomiting stopped convinced me I was on to something.

Budew I'm curious about how you found out about iodine and it making you sick. I just started taking kelp so you can see why. The OMG thread is so long, would you happen to know what post no. it started on or around what date it was?

I'm sure glad you found this out. I can't imagine the hell you went thru.

Gail

[Budew]

It was hell.

Two years vomiting more and more. Finally I ate only white potato margerine salt and water, 6 months.

My wonderful hubby made sure I got out of the house anyway. I would lay in the golf cart and watch him golf.

I could sense when an episode was going to end by the taste. I began saying I'll be ready in a minute I am almost down to the salts.

Then it hit me salts! I found a herptiforma page that referenced iodine as a problem for some celiacs.

I got salt without iodine. Stayed away from seaveggies, soy sauce.

In 3 days the constant vomiting stopped.

I could not find what I was looking for on OMG either. I read the first ten pages and took a break. If I find it I'll refer you. If you do please tell me.

[paw]

A reply to the original post: I have been a member here for a year, but I know that so many others have much more experience and some have the scientific answers with all the lab results and numbers. I am glad to have a place to come and look at the recipes, lists of gluten-free products everyone verifies by phone or email, and the experience of people who have dealt with this for years.

I don't have too much to add right now ..... someday I will be part of the group who knows all sorts of things that will help newbies.

It is a good place to start learning about living gluten-free, not eveything will apply to everyone but a lot of it will.

[Michi8]

Because of that he has not been helpful in finding a multi vitamin without iodine, and blames me for not getting better because I am not taking a multi vitamin as he advised.

Sorry if this is going off-topic...

Budew, is there a reason to take a multivitamin? Can you not take the necessary vitamins/minerals separately?

Michelle

(who also can't take multivitamins, because of allergies/sensitivities )

[Budew]

I am not showing deficiencies so I don't know why except they see how hard it is to get a good balance with the few foods I can eat. I needed guidance on what to take if I were to go the seperate vitamin/mineral route.

I did find vitamin water. 2 Bottles a day plus a zinc and b complex is what I try to do now.

Sometimes the water is hard on my system and I skip a bottle or 2. But I've been doing pretty well with it.

[Canadian Karen]

It was hell.

Two years vomiting more and more. Finally I ate only white potato margerine salt and water, 6 months.

My wonderful hubby made sure I got out of the house anyway. I would lay in the golf cart and watch him golf.

I could sense when an episode was going to end by the taste. I began saying I'll be ready in a minute I am almost down to the salts.

Then it hit me salts! I found a herptiforma page that referenced iodine as a problem for some celiacs.

I got salt without iodine. Stayed away from seaveggies, soy sauce.

In 3 days the constant vomiting stopped.

I could not find what I was looking for on OMG either. I read the first ten pages and took a break. If I find it I'll refer you. If you do please tell me.

I just checked out my bottles of Boost, but they list salt as an ingredient..

I can't believe you ventured into the OMG thread - I'm glad you didn't get lost in there! LOL!

Hugs.

Karen