From confusion to clarity: how I found out I had Celiac Disease

Originally Written for Authentically Alexa Blog and published in 2018. Updated 2025.

Before the Diagnosis: A Family Connection

I went gluten-free in October 2012 — over 12 years now! But my journey with Celiac Disease started long before that.

At some point in my childhood (I honestly can’t recall the exact year), my dad began struggling with some pretty serious health issues. After going through a lot of testing, doing his own research, and realizing he always felt better on low-carb diets, he suspected he might have Celiac Disease. Sure enough, after proper testing, he was officially diagnosed.

Since Celiac is a genetic autoimmune condition, my siblings and I were all tested. We each had both the blood test and an endoscopic biopsy. In a moment of peak efficiency (or chaos?), my parents scheduled all three of our endoscopies for the same day. We all went under anesthesia and, let’s just say, my parents may have regretted that decision. Each of us had very different reactions waking up.

Personally, I was confused and kept asking what movie they had put on for us to watch — over and over again. The answer? The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. A fact I now remember quite clearly, because my family loves to remind me. Repeatedly.

When the results came back, my blood test was positive, but my biopsy was normal. At that point, I wasn’t officially diagnosed, but doctors were concerned I could develop Celiac later on. We will get to that shortly.

Adjusting to a Gluten-Free Home

After my dad’s diagnosis and our testing, we started making some changes at home to accommodate our new reality. We weren’t a fully gluten-free household, but more of a shared or mixed kitchen. We bought separate pots, pans, and a dedicated gluten-free toaster. Some meals — like tacos or grilled chicken — were naturally gluten-free and easy for everyone to share. For others, like spaghetti night, we’d have both gluten-free and gluten-containing pasta options.

This was also during a time when gluten-free products weren’t… great. I tried a few and quickly decided there was no way I was going fully gluten-free — even with the possibility that I might develop Celiac Disease hanging over me.

The Turning Point: October 2012

That changed when I started to feel sick after eating.

I remember the exact day I knew I had to make the switch. It was October 2012, and my high school dance team was participating in a breast cancer walk. That morning, my mom and I stopped at Panera Bread, and I got a bagel, a Cinnamon Crunch Bagel to be exact. I had told a friend we could run the race instead of walking — but by the time it started, I was already not feeling well. I pushed through and ran for a bit, but eventually the stomach pain and urgency hit. I barely made it to a bathroom in time. (Sorry not sorry — I talk about poop now. #CeliacLife)

After that, I rejoined my team and finished the walk, but I was miserable. Looking back, I’m pretty sure I even took a second bagel to go. I don’t remember if I ate it or not — but either way, I spent the rest of that day curled up on the couch, in pain, but with the best pup Jake by my side (RIP), knowing deep down something had to change. That was the last straw.

Going Gluten-Free in High School

I was 17 and in my junior year of high school when I finally committed to the gluten-free diet. It wasn’t easy. My friends didn’t fully understand, and we still kept the same traditions — like going out for pizza after football games. I’d just sit with them and not eat. But at home, things were manageable since we already had gluten-free food in the house.

Honestly, I’m grateful I made the switch before going off to college. It gave me time to adjust, learn how to read labels, and understand how to manage cross-contact — all skills that helped me tremendously later on.

12+ Years Later: What I’ve Learned

It’s now been over 12 years since I made the decision to go gluten-free, and so much has changed — not just in how I eat, but in who I’ve become.

Learning to advocate for myself at a young age — whether that meant asking questions at restaurants, reading every label, or explaining Celiac Disease to friends — helped me develop confidence, independence, and a deep curiosity about food and health. That journey eventually led me to pursue a career in nutrition. My diagnosis was a turning point that shaped my decision to become a dietitian, and today I get to support others on their own gluten-free or Celiac journeys. It’s personal, it’s rewarding, and it feels like everything came full circle.

Over the past decade, I’ve also done so many things that people on the internet might say you “can’t” or “shouldn’t” do if you have Celiac Disease. I’ve lived with roommates (and yes, we figured out a kitchen system that worked!). I’ve traveled across the U.S. and internationally, including to places with language barriers. I’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and kept going. Life with Celiac isn’t always easy — but it is absolutely possible to live fully, joyfully, and well-fed.

The accidental gluten exposures are fewer these days, but when they do happen — because mistakes happen — I’ve learned to give myself and others grace. I allow myself to rest and recover without shame or blame. I’ve learned how to listen to my body, how to cook for myself, how to find safe restaurants, and how to surround myself with people who get it (or at least make the effort to). My friends know not to put their bread in my toaster, how to spot gluten on a food label, and how much I appreciate their effort to keep me safe. And honestly? I’m so grateful.

Celiac is part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. It’s given me a unique perspective and a chance to help others — and for that, I’m thankful.

If you’re navigating a new diagnosis or just feeling stuck, you don’t have to go it alone. Click here to learn more about how we can work together to help you thrive with Celiac Disease.

I’d Love to Hear Your Story

Celiac Disease looks different for everyone — whether you were diagnosed recently or have been living gluten-free for years, your experience matters.

Have a diagnosis story of your own? A turning point moment? Something you’ve learned along the way?
Share your Celiac story in the comments below — I’d love to hear it and create space for us to learn from one another. 💚