“I just subscribed to your “blog” for new celiacs, although I am not a new celiac. I want to congratulate you on helping celiacs. I have been a diagnosed celiac for 44 years (which is a mircle — no question). I can see how much thought you put into your comments.

“Forty-four years ago I was hospitalized for two weeks after the birth of my last child and the hospital told me it was all in my head. I had three sons under 8 years old and was panc stricken to say the least. Thank God my internist ordered the services of a GI doctor who diagnosed me with celiac disease at the end of 2 weeks. If it had not been a major medical center, I probably never would have been diagnosed. Hard to believe that GI doctors were few and far  between 44 years ago.

“I never met another celiac for 15 years — CSA/USA was not even in existence when I was diagnosed in 1965. It was a pretty lonely road, but I made thanks to support of my family and close friends.

WHERE DO YOU GET SUPPORT ONCE DIAGNOSED?

“Family and friends are your greatest support system — no question. Then the celiac community is the next best support system. Celiacs are especially generous in helping others, because they don’t want newer celiacs to go through some of the things they had to experience and learn the hard way!

“I also highly recommend that you join a local celiac support group. The networking is so important!”

Congratulations on 44 years of successful celiac living. I’m honored to publish “Celiac Stories”, particularly from folks who have lived gluten free for many years. Things have changed so radically in the last few years. Please share you story by e-mailing me at gfceliac@gmail.com or leaving a comment at the end of this or any article.

Published 2/9/09