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I first learned I had Celiac Disease when I was in my Freshman year of High School. I had been suffering chronic fatigue, memory loss, stomach issues that I don't want to discuss here, and other problems that I would tell you about, but I honestly don't remember them. I know that I bounced around from doctor to doctor. I know that one "specialist" at OHSU said that you only got Celiac Disease if you were a baby or an octogenarian. I know that I missed about 75% of my freshman year. Within a week of going off of gluten I felt better. My mother and brother also learned they were Celiacs and went off it as well. Dad joined the bandwagon and we became a gluten free family. We never looked back. Well, except maybe for my summer flings with Oreo cookies. MMMMMM Oreos! However I think doing that made me more sensitive and it had to stop. Fitting in was something I always wanted to do. You can't really fit in with an intolerance like this. Lately I have found more and more GF food in my area, so it is getting easier feel like one of the gang when hanging out with friends.I am now involved in the new Eugene Oregon Gluten Intolerance Group. We meet once a month to discuss recipes and experiences. I get to work on the newsletters and direct the meetings. I do not think I have ever felt so driven or been so involved with another issue.