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hi -
I was diagnosed on Aug 31, 2003 via blood tests only, which were
borderline, but I had already been wheat-free for 4 weeks before those
tests were run.  After going on a GF diet, most of my health problems
have disappeared.    I saw a gastroenterologist last week (finally) and
he has scheduled an endoscopy/biopsy for 3 weeks from now.  He will do
a colonoscopy 2 weeks later.   He said it's MY decision whether or not
to eat gluten prior to the biopsy.  However, I know that if I do not
eat gluten, the biopsy will be negative, since I have been GF since
August 2003.   Here's the problem:  I get violently ill from eating
even the smallest amount of gluten.  I get severe stomach distress,
large red bumps on my face, white sores in my mouth (usually more than
20 at a time) etc.    I am just not sure I can handle eating gluten for
the next three weeks.  Will it really make a difference?  What if I eat
the gluten and the test is still negative?   Is there a chance the
biopsy would show damage to the villi even after seven months GF ?   I
should add that many of my family members have auto-immune disorders
and my dad had colon cancer 2 years ago.  I nearly died two years ago
from a staph infection. I also had severe anemia which (at that time)
was attributed to years of high doses of prilosec (for reflux &
duodenal ulcer).  I have taken antibiotics 8-15 times a year for the
past 25 years.  In allergy testing, I tested positive to over 25 foods
and all environmental things.  Immune function tests showed many
deficiencies last August.    Since going GF, I haven't needed any
medication for anything.  My allergies & reflux have gone away and I
have lost 26 pounds.  I have never felt better.  The thought of eating
gluten again creates so much stress in my mind.

So - big questions here -

When doing a biopsy 7 months after GF diet, will there be any evidence
of damage?
Should I eat gluten?
If I do eat gluten for 3 weeks, will there be evidence of celiac?

Thanks so much !

Kathleen

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *