for those that have problems with gluten... what sort of symptoms did you have before you were positively diagnosed?

There is a range of problems with gluten - from minor sensitivity to full-blown celiac disease. Symptoms can vary widely, but often include intestinal problems such as bloating, cramping, gas, diarhhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Problems associated with malabsorption are vitamin deficiencies resulting in a wide variety of things depending on what isn't being absorbed, such as calcium resulting in osteoporosis, etc. Fatigue is common also. For example, they first thought my sister had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, then they thought it was cancer, then IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), before finally diagnosing her with celiac disease. Endoscopy is the gold standard test for celiac disease. If you google celiac disease you will find a lot of useful information. If you think you may have a problem with gluten, just try an elimination diet - eliminate wheat, barley, rye, and any foods containing them (not necessarily as straight-forward as it sounds) for a while.

I have celiac disease and my symptoms were abdominal pain/cramping and diarrhea. It also got to the point that after I ate I would throw up. It took a long time to get diagnosed. I even tested negative on the blood test. The young DR that I went to said lets try a gluten free diet for a week and see if you feel better. He didn't want to do a biopsy if he could avoid it. I felt better within two days. Better is actually an understatement! I had been symptomatic for so long that I forgot what it felt like to feel good!
That was back in 2005 and I haven't looked back. Gluten free food has gotten so much better. I am a little miffed with all the actors/celebrities that are jumping on the gluten free diet as a fad. It really kinda hurts our cause as celiac and gluten intolerant people because they don't truly understand what it means to be gluten free. The only cure for celiac is a life long change of diet. Cross contamination is a big issue too...if I get a bread crumb on my stuff I can get sick.

Are you having problems Mocha?