Getting older isn't for sissies!

One thing I have noticed since I passed 50 a few years ago...is that aging is not fun!  It is just amazing to me how things do go "down hill"...or so it seems.  I guess the first thing I noticed was my stamina decreased dramatically.  I am very active....very!  I walk fast, multitask like crazy, over extend my commitments.  But all of a sudden, it is like someone turns off the switch...and I can't continue anymore until I rest.  How odd!

Two years ago, in the winter, I noticed that I had developed allergies.  Never had them in my life.   The upper respiratory kind...watery, itchy eyes, sneezing fits...You know the kind!  And for it to happen in the winter of all times... Go figure!

Then last month, while having a major bout with sigmoid diverticulitis...(oh, by the way, that is another past 50 thing!), I was suddenly allergic to the antibiotic they put me on.  I've taken this antibiotic for years.  Strange!  But about 2 weeks prior to that, and continues now, so for about 8 weeks now, I have a rash!  Basically all over my body!  Especially in my midriff, and arms.  But also legs and back.  Fine, little red bumps.  I have bought a plethora of lotions, soaps and any other treatment items I can think of or read about!  I have toyed with this idea even before the Diverticulitis episode, wondering if it is a gluten allergy.

My f-i-l has Celiac disease and gluten breaks him out bad.  A severe itchy rash....just like mine.  But his is usually contained to his arms...which is typical.  However, I have done tons of research and it can be anywhere, chronic, severely itching,....rash.  There is testing that can be done but usually by a specialist...not even the dermatologist is recommended.  But, a quicker answer is to do an elimination diet.  I'm not so much into depriving myself of things I want!  So I haven't crossed that line yet.  But I'm just about miserable.  I got up and took and oatmeal bath at 1:00am this morning b/c of the itching rash!  As I type....the itching is constant.  I have already used to anti-itch cream this morning.  So I am seriously considering starting this diet today!  But I do LOVE bread!  Yes, I make gluten free bread for my father-in-law but he says it is tasteless.  But I may have to resort to this. 

I have put off this whole diet thing because I have several upcoming business trips.  In fact, during the next 2 months, I will be away from home for 14 days!  That means I will not be totally in control of my menu selections.  So I was blaming that on my reasons for putting off this diet challenge...but I am miserable right now!  So, I may give it a shot!  We will see....