Change in Lifestyle

Apparently I have joined the ranks of the gluten-free.  Against my will and not by choice.  Well, I guess it was a choice, because I got to choose between being sick and being healthy.  I saw a new doctor last week and was very impressed with her.  She spent OVER an hour sitting and talking with me!  She explained things to me about my personal health issues that no other doctor ever has. 

I've struggled with hypothyroidism for over 12 years now.  What no doctor has ever told me is that the type of thyroid disease I have is called Hashimoto's and is triggered by gluten, or that by cutting gluten out of my diet means I could reduce my thyroid medication over time. Neither the wheat industry or the pharmaceutical companies want that to happen!  This doctor looked at the lab report from my previous doctor and gave me this information.  And then she said no more bread.  :(

I can't say I was surprised.  As much as I've wanted to believe that the whole gluten-free thing was another fad, that was probably just me in denial.  I've had no energy for millions of years now (I never exaggerate!) and my joints have been so stiff and sore.  Crocheting has been hard.  My fingers hurt.  Double :(  If I have to choose between bread and crocheting, guess which one I'm choosing!

What am I going to do with these?  Have I mentioned how much I love to bake?

There is so much to learn yet.  One thing I've learned, and am still researching, is that wheat and dairy products have morphine-like compounds, and that is why we get addicted to them.  I'm wondering if the knock-me-down cold I've had since Saturday is related to my not eating any wheat since Thursday.  My blood pressure is normally in the zombie range, yet in the doctor's office on Thursday, when she took my blood pressure it was borderline hypertension range!  Was that a result of having a frantic morning, or was it because she told me I had to give up bread?  Kind of funny, I think.  Of course I'm wondering, "does this mean I can never have a piece of bread or pastry again, forever?"  Certainly not for a very long time.

So, do you have any good gluten-free recipes or websites?  Have you made the transition, and how did you navigate it?  I'd love to hear from you:)