My debilitating IBS didn’t just happen out of the blue. It bubbled beneath the surface for decades disguised as annoying symptoms that I just chalked up to being part of who I am. It runs in the family. Nothing I can do about it. Or so I thought.

As a child, I always had "tummy issues". I would go for days without having a bowel movement, reluctantly having to tell my mom and she would break out the arsenal: laxatives, suppositories and/or the dreaded enema. Inevitably, my constipation would turn to diarrhea and then spoonfuls of the pink stuff would come to the rescue and... so it went: A day in my life.

The symptoms and consequences progressed. I began having painful, heavy periods, debilitating migraines, depression and paralyzing anxiety attacks in addition to the digestive rollercoaster. I had no idea that my “digestive chaos” was connected to my migraines and moods, nor that it would lead to Graves’ Disease. But the digestive issues were indeed at the core and beginning to interfere with things I enjoyed: outdoor on-the water activities, kayaking, boating… I even came to dread offshore sailing with my husband and friends. Something I once loved. But I was often exhausted and constantly worried about my IBS when aboard. Going miles offshore in close quarters with others sharing only one "head" made my already nervous stomach even more nervous! I was no longer able to ignore my IBS. It was ruling my life!

Ironically, when I became my sickest, I was the healthiest person I knew! I was fit and active and ate super healthy: whole grains, everything organic, salads loaded with “superfoods”. So what the heck? I knew about Celiac disease and I didn’t want that label, but my symptoms were classic indicators. I knew one area I had to address to desperately turn things around - gluten.

I certainly knew what it was like to live in a constant state of being "glutened". I remember being utterly dismayed at the "permanent 3-month pregnant belly" I had developed! I could no longer suck it in. It was solid and wasn’t going away with my usual diet and exercise. Luckily, taking gluten off my plate helped. But that was a lot easier said than done because gluten is in absolutely everything! It’s also just ONE piece of the puzzle. But, indeed was a pivotal piece that helped me gain control of my health, allowed my gut to heal and I soon came to realize that I’m not condemned to a life of belly bloat, brain fog and burn-out!

I love now that I no longer worry about those embarrassing dashes to the toilet. Fear of being in close quarters is a thing of the past. I can now step off that dock with the energy and confidence to get back on the boat and sail into the life I love so much.

I have learned so much about IBS and more that helped me along the way to enjoy this vibrantly healthy life that I now live. But I sure didn't start out that way.