How did you come to know (or suspect) that you have celiac disease?
I actually became aware during a preventative endoscopy and colonoscopy, as I have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. I never suspected I had celiac disease, as I didn’t think I showed any symptoms.
Do you believe anything could have sped up your diagnosis?
I don’t think so, like I said we weren’t looking for celiac disease, it just so happens I got lucky and found out before it was too late. I didn’t have many symptoms, which is why I was in shock for about a week after the diagnosis.
How is life after diagnosis?
It’s extremely challenging to learn how to live gluten-free. I never realized how many foods contain gluten. I am (so far) the only one diagnosed in my immediate family, and my dietary restrictions impact how often we eat out and where. It also requires me to prepare my own dishes for large parties and family gatherings.
But my family has been super supportive of this change. They will reach out before family parties and have me take a look at ingredients or do anything to make me feel comfortable and included.
