@Emilie Woodford Thank you for sharing your story, Emilie. I hope you've had some more clarity on the inflammatory response. It is overwhelming to think about and understand the long-term impacts of undiagnosed CD. I've been feeling lost in that too with not a lot of information provided up front! So frustrating... I hope you have recovered from your recent glutening and that you and your daughter have been doing better since diagnosis.💚

Hola peeps! I’m Yvonne and I’m from Seattle in the USA. I was actually just diagnosed with Celiac disease on April 10. I recently discovered Ella’s YouTube channel and have been binging the videos over the weekend since getting my official diagnosis. I'm so glad this group exists! 🙌 I’m currently 31 and I have had really terrible cramps since my late teens. I always thought it was due to my cycle/rough periods but now I think it could have been CD. I finally booked in with a gynecologist to investigate potential endometriosis in September but my pelvic ultrasound came back completely clear. She suspected IBS and sent me back to my primary doctor, who then sent me to a gastro after an alarming chest x-ray (showed a lot of bloating, constipation and even a possible ileus, though I’ve never had abdominal surgery). I had to be the one to request a Celiac blood test (to rule it out). I was starting to reintroduce foods from the low-fodmap diet and was feeling really crummy, so figured it was time. My other major symptoms (getting truly terrible since 2023) have included headaches, brain fog, and fatigue, plus occasional dizziness and joint pain. I had constipation more often than diarrhea, so my gastro said “I have low concern for Celiac.” 🤨 Lo and behold, antibodies came back in the 150+ range and then the endoscopy detected the raised IELs and villous atrophy. My gastro just confirmed the diagnosis on Friday, so now I guess I’m part of the CD club! I’m really grateful I found this group early on and I’m hoping it helps me make connections and transition into the CD life change as smoothly as possible. Over recent years before my diagnosis, my symptoms have really affected my ability to work and have also trashed my self esteem and body image. I really don’t want this diagnosis to stop me from loving food, gathering with friends, and living life to the fullest I can. Thank you for having me in this community! I’m looking forward to the journey. 💚