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Dear Listmates,
I'm so frustrated that I've actually been doing worse since adhering strictly
to a gluten-free, lactose-free diet for 4 months. I'm very close to adding
gluten to my diet again. I'd love to hear some opinions.
I'll try to make this very short.
I was absolutely fine, no problems whatsoever, when I went to have outpatient
gyn surgery a year ago. Because of a botched surgery, my intestines were
twisted and necrotizing for a couple days before having massive resections
done. I now have @ 3ft of intestines left (that includes colon and all). So,
I have short bowel syndrome. After having 15-20 BM's/day, and being told
this would be normal because of my SBS (short bowel syndrome), I still tried
to improve. I was EXTREMELY lactose intolerant. I asked to be tested for
Celiac Sprue. I had the blood tests. IgA 20 (< 20 normal), IgG 70 (<20
normal), tissue transglutaminase also abnormal. I thought this could be the
answer to my lactose intolerance, and possibly help with the diarrhea. I
went on a very strict gluten-free diet in Feb. (also lactose free, of
course). I have been much worse! My BM's are MORE frequent, and even more
watery.
I'm wondering:
Is it possible that I got false positives on my antibody tests because of
other reasons besides celiac, such as malabsorption (which I KNOW I have
because of the SBS) and other SBS-related problems? Do the tests I had done
actually test for celiac only, or for problems with digestive system that
celiac sprue can cause?
I called Dr. Fine's office, and the only other test they suggested for me was
the gene test. If I take this test, and it comes back negative, can I assume
that I don't have celiac sprue? Is there a way to rule out celiac sprue?
I realize I should be analyzing what new foods I've started eating since
being gluten-free, but can only come up with more rice products, but ones
that are "guaranteed" gluten-free.
If anyone has any suggestions, I'l love to hear them. I'm getting so
frustrated. I've wanted this gluten-free diet to work to help me feel better.
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
- Serena
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