I had “tummy trouble” most of my life… had my first upper GI series at the age of 10.  The Pediatrician diagnosed me with a “nervous stomach” and told my mom to send me back to school and not coddle me.  OK!  I would do fine for awhile and then be back in the bathroom with pain, diarrhea, bloating.  Then do fine again.  As I got older, the problems became more severe, but still sporadic.  More good days then bad days.  Experienced  a miscarriage with my first pregnancy, discovered I had endometrosis.  Was able to have 3 beautiful kids, then in mid-30’s had a hysterectomy due to severe adhesions and pain.  Things got better for a short time, but the pain and symptoms returned with a vengeance – more surgeries, medical intervention, medications, fibromyalgia diagnosis, then 3 years ago my good days pretty much vanished and everyday was a struggle, pain, bathroom issues, migraines, extreme illness.  Back and forth through so many doctors and zero answers until a friend recommend I see a GI specialist that she knew in another town.  What a blessing.  He suspected very quickly that I had Celiac disease (what?) and ordered testing and a biopsy.  Within 2 weeks I had a name for my pain and a treatment plan in place.  It is one of those “simple but not easy” things… I have never looked back, never intentionally ingested gluten since that day, and while I won’t say I’m 100% well (seriously who is!?), my life has improved beyond measure!  This is my story and my attempt to help others through this journey, never give up, and let you know that there is still hope!