Describe your life prior to diagnosis.
It took around two years to even figure out that I had celiac disease and those two years were the worst years of my life. I missed two years of high school and was in pain every single day.
How did you find out that you had celiac disease? Did you suspect it beforehand?
I was sick all the time and just did not feel good. I went to a GI doctor and they said I needed an endoscopy. That’s when I found out I have celiac disease.
How long did it take for you to get diagnosed since your first symptoms and what (if any) challenges did you face along the way?
Two years. My life was basically just hell. I had terrible pain, I cried every single day and basically puked every single day. I had many ER visits as well. A big challenge I went through was not being able to make it to school—I missed my SATs and state tests because I was so sick.
Do you believe anything could have sped up your diagnosis? If so, please explain:
Yes, my doctor at first told me it was just anxiety and didn’t give me meds for my stomach or anything. My mom took it into her own hands and got me in to see a GI doctor.
Describe your experience living with celiac disease:
At the beginning it was extremely hard and it still is to this day. But as time goes on it’s getting easier by the day.
What would a cure mean for you?
To not feel abdominal pain, no more puking, and basically just be healthy and not have GI problems.
Is there anything else you’d like to add to your story?
I struggle with weight loss a lot because I was constantly puking every day. I’m still at 80 pounds and just two years ago I was at 120.
