<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> 2/14/98, I wrote: "My Doctor was of the opinion that as I had been diagnosed late in life mid 40s, I fell into a lower group of Coeliacs and perhaps not so susceptable to the affects of Gluten and shouldn't worry. I reminded him that as a result of late diagnosis I have had some unrepairable damage to my digestive system. This is a Doctor that I have little faith in now!!!!!! unless someone can point out to me that there are coeliac condition levels." I received 14 responses from : Sue <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask], "Bill S." <[log in to unmask]>, Bob/Sue Brown <[log in to unmask]> Harold Wolofsky <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask], Debora Moes <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask], Deirdre <[log in to unmask]>, Ron Hoggan <[log in to unmask]> "Bill Elkus"<[log in to unmask]>, Mark Patton <[log in to unmask]> but not in the same order as sumarised below: One respondent advised that the new GP is correct on the count of being less susceptable prediagnosis but possibly not aware that serological abnormalities in celiacs stay for life regardless of how GF you are, indicating there is still something the immune system is having to respond to. Another advised there is little difference between celiac disease diagnosed in childhood and that diagnosed in adulthood, but cited the situation of patients originally diagnosed whose spontaneous remission in childhood was accepted as a possible success but at about 40 years later their gluten-induced damage began to show. This respondent also referred me to the few studies in the literature on adult diagnosis in celiac disease and associated conditions (such as such as thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, other possibly linked autoimmune diseases and neuropathic presentations). Fortunately, that risk diminishes following strict compliance with the gluten-free diet. Others urged me print off CELIAC FAQ literature located at http://rdz.stjohns.edu/library/medic/celiac/index.html and tactfully issue to my Doctor for background information which I will do. There was also much sympathy and advice to find another GP. One comment I think relevant is a later diagnosis ALWAYS means irreperable damage. It could happen that CD did develop late in life, rather than being lifelong and just discovered later on. As a follow up from one of the respondents, I had always been under weight and suffered from stomach pains frequently. The Doctors though I just had an acid problem or a nervous stomach. As a young boy/man I took with the Doctors knowledge many antacid medications that could be easily purchased over the counter. In my 40s I was firstly treated for ulcers and as Tagamet had no affect was then referred to a Gastroenterologist. This is a tale not different to most Coeliacs I suppose. I have now put on weigth and am fitter for the diet. I am fortunate not to be debilitated by the years of maltreatment! Thank you for the responses and I hope the above is a fair view of your kind replies. Regards, Chris Pearson Sydney, Australia. tel +61-(0)2-4733-8547