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J. Murray writes

> I feel I should comment on the rationale that suggests that it is
> acceptable practice not to investigate a patient for suspected CD when
> the patient has already commenced the treatment .e. the GFD.
> Certainly it is cheaper for the HMO and probably the patient in the short
> term.
> I feel that proper confirmation of the diagnosis is necessary and should
> remain the "standard of care" with few exceptions such as a history of
> life-threatening eactions to gluten challenge.
> 1. Lack of a firm diagnosis can leave some patients with an uncertainity
> that can undermine thier motivation to remain on the diet.
> 2. There may be another diagnosis instead of celiac disease.  One can
> occassionally see patients with crohn's disease respond to dietary
> manipulation.

That's interesting.  I've been diagnosed as having Crohn's disease for
several years (a little tentatively---it took the doctors a long time
to make up their mind).  A couple of years ago I started experimenting
with diet.  I noticed that cutting down bread consumption seemed to
improve my health.  That was before I knew anything about gluten-free
diets or Celiac disease, and it seemed strange and unlikely at the time.

At some stage I found out about Celiac diets, and cut out wheat.  This
*seemed* to eliminate most of the Crohn's symptoms.

Is it possible for Crohn's sufferers to be gluten sensitive?

Bryan