In early 2018, I began experiencing significant stomach pain and continuous upset stomach. At first, I thought it may just be a stomach bug, but my symptoms ended up lasting months. Not only was I experiencing stomach issues, but I also had absolutely zero energy. To the point, I fell asleep in a packed stadium! I have a family member who also has celiac disease. After a few months of symptoms, I spoke with them and asked them about their symptoms before diagnosis and check, check, check, I had the same ones. I feel lucky I have a family who also has celiac disease, because I was able to compare symptoms.

Shortly after speaking with my family member, I had a physical scheduled. At the physical, I expressed my concerns with my doctor and was told I was really young to have celiac disease and that I likely just had IBS. I pushed and stated that I wanted the blood panel added, as I was already getting blood work done that day. After a little back and forth they agreed. A few days later, a nurse called with my lab results and stated my cholesterol was a bit high. I then asked about my celiac panel. The nurse immediately responded that it was negative, and then said, “hold on a second.” She came back to the phone moments later and said “actually, your celiac panel was positive, you need to go see a gastro doctor.” This was frustrating, but I was glad I stood up for myself and my health. A few weeks later I was able to get in with a gastroenterologist and have an upper endoscopy and was formally diagnosed with celiac disease. When I was half awake from the anesthesia, I was told I have celiac disease and was provided a bit of paperwork explaining what it was and how to manage it.

As I am guessing anyone with celiac disease can imagine, it was a long road after this, before understanding what was safe to eat. That is why I wanted to start this website, to hopefully help other people in my situation! Since being diagnosed 2018 and especially after the pandemic, I really learned to love cooking. While I enjoy cooking, I also really love to travel. Traveling can be difficult with celiac disease. However, research up front can help identify safe places to eat and ease the stress. I hope this website can help others in my situation, find new recipes, and safe places to eat around the world!