National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

What is Celiac Disease?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Related Diseases
Gluten in Medication
Celiac Survival Guide
School Lunches
Already Diagnosed??
Personal Stories
Aimee
A.J.
Alice
Allison
Alison
Alyssa
Angela
AnnaMarie
Anne
Anne
Ashley
Ashley P.
Betty
Bill
Carter
Charity
Christine
Daniel
Donna
Ed Snider
Elaine
Jane
Jayme
Jean
Jebb
Jocelyn and Kyle
Jill
Jim
Jim
Judy
Julie
Julie E.
Kim
Laura
Lea Ann
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Lindsay
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Mary and Joe
Maya
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Melanie J.
Melissa
Michael
Nancy
Paul
Roberta
Sandy
Sarah
Sarah J
Sunnie
Susan
Teresa
Teresa and Melanie
Terri
Theresa
Tiffany
Vanessa
ViVi
How Common Is Celiac Disease?

AnnaMarie

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, August 2006. My aunt was diagnosed and I knew then- that I too, had the disease. My stomach hurt every night. I mean, I practically lived off of bagel bites, pizza, and chicken nuggets.  I am only 22 years old and this has been life altering for both, my family and myself.  Everyone has been supportive and has helped me out by buying gluten-free foods and cooking foods for me that I can properly digest.  At first, it was really hard. I had no idea what to eat. For about 2 weeks I ate cashews and clementines. I lost weight, was weak, and very fatigued.  I would open my fridge and cabinets at home and just start crying.  I finally realized, I have this disease, it could be worse, and I now know how to fix it...Just eat a Gluten-Free Diet for the REST OF MY LIFE!  It's now March and I have maintained my new diet. I just hope that those who do have Celiac, but don't know it, will get a simple blood test and get diagnosed.  I was in pain for so many years and now I am pain free!  I do hope that more super markets and restaurants will become more aware of Gluten- Free foods so it will be easier to shop and eat out.