Describe your life prior to diagnosis.
For 70 years of my life, I ingested gluten daily with no issues. However, I was constantly anemic and suffered from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
I have been symptom-free since starting the gluten-free diet (except for accidental exposure to gluten).
How did you find out that you had celiac disease? Did you suspect it beforehand?
When arranging for a colonoscopy at age 70, my gastroenterologist suggested an endoscopy, as he had “suspicions.”
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?
I didn’t realize I was having symptoms—just thought it was my gastric issues and also getting old.
Do you believe anything could have sped up your diagnosis? If so, please explain:
No, I just thought I was experiencing indigestion issues.
Describe your experience living with celiac disease:
As long as I stay on the gluten-free diet, I am fine. Accidents happen once in a while.
What would a cure mean for you?
At my age, it’s not such a big deal, but for young people it would be very life changing!
Is there anything else you’d like to add to your story?
There needs to be more education in the food service industry that this is an ILLNESS, not a fad or a “diet.”
