Describe your life prior to diagnosis:
I suffered from indigestion for almost 13 years prior to diagnosis. I got sick from food easily and experienced unexplained bloating, constipation, brain fog and much more. For the longest time I thought I had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which turned out to be a misdiagnosis from a previous health professional.
Do you believe anything could have sped up your diagnosis? If so, please explain:
A correct diagnosis in the first place. IBS was a misdiagnosis and I went to that doctor for years thinking that what I had couldn’t be treated or was even psychological, which caused frustration and depression.
How did you come to know that you have celiac disease?
I finally changed doctors. For years I kept on visiting the same doctor complaining about my stomach, and then one year before my celiac disease diagnosis I started experiencing nausea 24/7. I would wake up from nausea in the middle of the night almost every night.
How long did it take to get diagnosed?
Almost 13 years.
How is life after diagnosis?
It was very challenging at first. It is still challenging nowadays, but I’m managing food better.
My biggest challenge is dining outside and trying to explain to others why I can’t eat this or that. I also miss so many foods and the luxury of eating whatever I want from wherever I want without having to interview the chef.
But I think I am at a better place in my life than two years ago when it comes to food choices and taking care of my body. I can clearly see the difference—I think my body is thankful for all the changes.
