Westcoast girl92

I will do that :)

It's going to be my first cruise so everything will be new for me which equals LOTS of photos.

I was wondering if there were any photos you wanted specifically of the Oosterdam (other than my cabin) as I will be sailing in the next week :) and can plan to snap a few for you to add to your VERY useful website.

Thanks for taking the time to put together such a great site.

I'm yet to go on my first cruise but I have varicose veins and so I'm a little worried about all of this swollen ankle talk!!! I have swollen ankles enough of the time already :o

I wear compression stockings and I wanted to mention that mine are all open toed so I can wear sandals and stuff- I'm only 19, so fashionable medical care is important to me :) I thought I would throw the idea of open toe (and thigh high) stockings out there as an option for those who want to wear compression stockings to combat swollen ankles but still want to wear sandals.

I'm really intrigued by the black cherry pills- I'm going to see if they're safe for me to take- as I also deal with arthritis. So thanks for posting about that.

While I haven't been diagnosed with celiac (why the doc didn't test it when he had tissue samples is beyond me) it was recommended for me to try eating gluten free. In the last 6 months I have noticed a huge difference with my lymph system too- has anyone else noticed this??

I have booked my first cruise with HAL and filled out the form and gave it back to my TA. I figure in the new year I'll call HAL and confirm the G-free status. At that time should I mention that I am also very allergic to mint? and how much preservatives do they use in the foods? because I am also sensitive to that too.

I also plan on packing my heating pad just in case I get glutened (or if I cheat a bit and my body decides to take it's revenge- Sometimes it's okay and others not- who knows why :rolleyes:) and I'll take a box of chex rice cereal to munch on- I love it as a midnight snack.

Thanks for all of the very useful information this thread has.