I have spent the last 3 years of my life being sicker than a dog. We came to the conclusion in a semi-diagnosis about 9 months ago with Celiac Disease. This was after many many Emergency Room visits (43), more scopes than you can imagine, blood work to the point I didn't have any veins left and scan after scan.

My symptoms were extreme. They would hit without any warning but usually in the morning after going to the bathroom. Sometimes all of a sudden I would have nausea, vomiting, severe sweating, chills and severe stomach pain. (I was literally a wet rag doll.) I would lie in the shower (until all the hot water was gone.. to the chagrin of my boyfriend who wanted to take a hot shower)with the hot water just running down all over me trying to relax and feel better. My "episodes" would last 5-12 hours straight depending on whether I would pass out from sheer exhaustion or finally decide it was time to go to the Emergency Room.

On two occasions the attacks were so bad I had to call an ambulance. My treatment was always the same. Bags of fluid due to dehydration and electrolytes out of whack, blood work, nausea medication and pain medication, plus some new test. My visits would last anywhere from 4-6 hours with the occasional over-night stay. The Diagnosis was always the same, Gastritis or Abdominal Pain of Unknown Cause. I always left the hospital feeling great. I was rehydrated and higher than a kite. After each "episode" it would take a whole day of sleeping to just recover from the physical and emotional stress my body experienced.

On top of the "episodes" I was also experiencing weight loss, loss of energy, sleeping 12-15 hours a day or sleeping all weekend. Fear of food, no appetite, anxiety and stress about leaving my house (it really was a nightmare to I have an "episode" while out and about.) And let us not also forget the depression, helpless and hopelessness I felt.

My physical symptoms would appear sporadic and there was no pattern. I was tested for lots of digestive and female disorders. Crohn's, Colitis, Cancers, Bacteria's, Ulcers, Endometriosis, Hormones, Acid reflux. Anything they could think of, and many I have forgotten by this time. As each test came back negative my depression, anxiety and fears increased.

What the Hell was Wrong with Me! I was getting desperate. These "episodes" were affecting every part of my life! My work, My relationships, My confidence, My ability to even function.

To be Continued.